What is sensory sensitivity in autism?

Sensory sensitivity, or atypical sensory processing, is one of the most prevalent and impactful traits of autism, present in the large majority of autistic people.

Hypersensitivity (sensory overload): — Auditory: ordinary sounds (background noise, a raised voice, certain tones) cause pain or intense overload — Tactile: certain fabric textures, unexpected touch, or clothing tags cause discomfort or pain — Visual: fluorescent lights, visually busy environments, or peripheral movement cause fatigue and overload — Olfactory: smells that barely register for others can be intolerable — Gustatory: certain textures or flavors can trigger a nausea response

Hyposensitivity (under-registered sensation): — Pain: not feeling pain at typical intensity, which can be dangerous — Proprioception: difficulty sensing where the body is in space, which can lead to seeking out intense input (pressure, movement) — Vestibular: not experiencing dizziness the same way, which can translate into a strong enjoyment of intense movement

Impact on daily life: environments most people tolerate easily can be genuinely unbearable for autistic people, malls, noisy classrooms, certain fabrics. This affects participation and well-being and needs to be taken seriously.