Sensory Issues and Autism

Chocolate seeping into a cavity or the pungent odor of a dead skunk - they both send our senses reeling.  But what about the sound of flourescent lights, the feel of socks donned hours ago, or annoying carpet patterns?  Typically, the brain filters out bothersome stimuli. But for autists, the brain may not organize stimuli as well nor filter  out stimuli that would drive most of us crazy. Easy tasks, like wearing a shirt, making eye contact, or writing, can become a violent showdown.

Whether hyposensitive (needing extra stimuli) or hypersensitive (needing less stimuli), autists battle their senses everyday.  The hyposensitive kids can appear rough, clumsy or loud.  The hypersensitive kids prefer low volumes, darker areas, and may dislike clothing. 

While the five senses get bombarded, the other senses, such as the vestibular system, can be more dysfunctional. If you get carsick, you are well aware of your vestibular system.  It detects changes in balance and is closely related to vision. An autist may trip easily or fall out of his chair at school.

Another affected sense, the proprioceptive system, tells our bodies to compensate for changes in our balance and our environment. This system is closely related to fine motor skills and coordination and tells us how far to reach for an object, how hard to squeeze a glass while drinking, and the correct pressure for stroking a pet.  Autists may write too hard; grip, squeeze or twist her toys agressively, or talk too loud. She may be unable to make her fingers use scissors, buttons, zippers, or eating utensils. She may know  how to ride a bike, but can't get her legs to do the work.

Also on the battlefield is the oral sense, which helps us to blow, suck, whistle, speak, chew, eat and drink.