Autism and sensory processing

Autistic individuals often process sensory information differently, e.g. taste, touch, sound. This can include extremely heightened sensory experiences, being much less sensitive to some sensations or, more often than not, switching between the two.

These differences can give great autistic joy, such as loving the feeling of being spun, or in looking at different displays of colour. However, these differences can also lead to extreme discomfort, distress and challenges.

The unpredictability of different sensory experiences, particularly in highly stimulating environments, can cause feelings of anxiety, dysregulation, and lead to meltdowns or shut downs.

Sensory processing differences can be a big part of an autistic, or neurodivergent, individual’s identity, differences and needs. Read more on our sensory processing  page