For autistic individuals, the world can be a symphony of sensory experiences, sometimes harmonious, sometimes overwhelming. Processing everyday sensory information presents unique challenges, with over- or under-sensitivities impacting daily life. Understanding these sensory differences is crucial for creating supportive environments and fostering well-being. Additionally, autistic individuals often exhibit heightened sensitivity to medications, a factor that requires careful consideration in treatment planning. This guide aims to shed light on sensory processing in autism and the importance of tailored support, particularly when seeking professional assistance from psychologists in Wahroonga and beyond.
Understanding Sensory Differences
Autistic individuals may experience sensory differences across all senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, balance (vestibular), and body awareness (proprioception). These differences can lead to sensory overload, causing stress, anxiety, and even physical pain.
Sight:
Over-sensitivity: Distorted vision, fragmented images, light sensitivity.
Under-sensitivity: Blurred vision, poor depth perception.
Sound:
Over-sensitivity: Magnified noise, difficulty filtering background sounds.
Under-sensitivity: Partial hearing, lack of acknowledgment of certain sounds.
Smell:
Over-sensitivity: Intense and overpowering smells.
Under-sensitivity: Lack of smell, failure to notice odors.
Taste:
Over-sensitivity: Strong flavors and textures causing discomfort, restricted diets.
Under-sensitivity: Craving spicy foods, pica.
Touch:
Over-sensitivity: Painful touch, discomfort with certain textures.
Under-sensitivity: High pain threshold, seeking deep pressure.
Balance (Vestibular):
Over-sensitivity: Motion sickness, difficulty with movement-based activities.
Under-sensitivity: Seeking movement-based sensory input.
Body Awareness (Proprioception):
Over-sensitivity: Difficulty with fine motor skills.
Under-sensitivity: standing too close to people, bumping into things.
Synaesthesia :
Some autistic individuals experience synaesthesia, where sensory experiences are intertwined (e.g., hearing colors).
Creating Supportive Environments:
Be Aware: Observe the environment for potential sensory triggers.
Be Creative: Introduce positive sensory experiences.
Be Prepared: Inform individuals about potential sensory stimuli.
Medication Sensitivity in Autistic Individuals:
Research by scientists like Aishworiya and his colleagues (2022), Chun and his colleagues (2016) and Stojanovska and her colleagues (2024) have noted that autistic individuals might react differently to psychiatric medications (like those for anxiety or depression) compared to non-autistic individuals. This is because autistic bodies and brains work a bit differently.
What’s Different?
- Feeling the effects more strongly: Even a normal dose of medication might have a bigger impact.
- More side effects: They might experience more side effects, or the side effects might be stronger.
- Unexpected reactions: Sometimes, the medication might do the opposite of what it’s supposed to, or cause unusual reactions that aren’t usually seen.
Why Does This Happen?
There are a few reasons why this might be the case:
- Genes: Everyone’s genes are slightly different, and these differences can affect how the body processes medication.
- Sensory Sensitivities: People with autism often have heightened senses, which might make them more aware of how medication makes them feel.
- Brain Differences: Autism involves differences in brain structure and function, which can affect how medications work.
- Other Health Issues: Some autistic people have other health conditions that can interact with medications.
- Communication: It can sometimes be difficult for autistic people to explain how medication is making them feel.
Key Considerations for Medication:
- “Start low and go slow” approach.
- Close monitoring of medication effects.
- Individualised treatment plans.
- Work with experienced Medical Professionals.
Seeking Professional Support in Wahroonga:
For individuals seeking support in managing sensory differences consulting with experienced psychologists in Wahroonga is essential. Professionals can provide:
- Comprehensive assessments.
- Tailored therapeutic interventions.
- Guidance on creating supportive environments.
- Support for families.
Other Therapies and Resources:
- Occupational therapy.
- Speech and language therapy.
- Sensory integration therapy.
- Assistive technology (e.g., weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones).
- Managing Sensory Problems – watch this youtube video from University of Leicester
- Reframing Autism Free Resources – autistic led courses, welcome pack, blogs and podcast
Disclaimer:
This blog post provides general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalised guidance.
References
Aishworiya, R., Valica, T., Hagerman, R., & Restrepo, B. (2022). An update on psychopharmacological treatment of autism spectrum disorder. Neurotherapeutics, 19(1), 248-262. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-022-01183-1
Chun, T. H., Mace, S. E., Katz, E. R., American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Pediatric Emergency Medicine, & American College of Emergency Physicians Pediatric Emergency Medicine Committee. (2016). Evaluation and management of children with acute mental health or behavioral problems. Part II: Recognition of clinically challenging mental health related conditions presenting with medical or uncertain symptoms.Pediatrics, 138, e20161573. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-1573
Gillingham G. (1995) Autism: handle with care!: understanding and managing behavior of children and adults with autism. Future Education Inc.
Stojanovska, I., Chatterjee, A., Syed, Y. A., & Trajkovski, V. (2024). The utilization of psychopharmacological treatments for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a middle-income European country. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 111, 102329. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102329