For a child with autism, the world doesn't just look or sound different—it feels different. While most of us naturally filter out the hum of a refrigerator or the texture of a clothing tag, a child with autism may experience these sensations with overwhelming intensity or, conversely, may hardly notice them at all.
By developing sensory awareness, parents and caregivers can move beyond simply managing "behaviors" and begin to understand the neurological experience driving them.
The Two Sides of Sensory Processing
Autism often involves sensory processing patterns that fall into two main categories. Understanding how your child processes input is the first step in providing the right support:
Hypersensitivity (Over-responsiveness)
This is when the senses are heightened. A bright light might feel like a spotlight, or a crowded room might sound like a roaring stadium. Hypersensitive children often engage in "avoidant" behaviors to protect themselves from sensory overload (think, putting their hands over their ears, running away to a quiet space, etc.)
Hyposensitivity (Underresponsiveness)
This occurs when a child has a high sensory threshold. They might not feel pain as intensely or may constantly seek out movement, deep pressure, or loud noises to feel "grounded." (think, jumping off of high surfaces, head-hitting, etc.)
Common Sensory Triggers and Signals
Sensory challenges aren't always obvious. Often, more than we realize, they pick up on sensory input that may not feel noticeable to us. To support your child, look for these subtle environmental triggers:
Auditory
Distraction or distress caused by background noises like vacuum cleaners, hand dryers, or even distant sirens.
Tactile
Resistance to specific textures, such as "scratchy" fabrics, their toothbrush and toothpaste, wet sand, or the feeling of hair being brushed.
Visual
Sensitivity to flickering fluorescent lights, cluttered shelves, or high-contrast patterns.
Proprioceptive & Vestibular
A need for constant jumping, spinning, or "crashing" into furniture to understand where their body is in space.
How Sensory Awareness Empowers Support
When you view your child's actions through a sensory lens, your perspective shifts from frustration to empathy. This awareness allows you to implement practical strategies that make their world feel safer:
Create "Sensory Sanctuaries"
Designate a quiet corner with soft lighting, weighted blankets, or noise-canceling headphones where your child can retreat when they feel overstimulated.
Modify the Environment
Simple changes, like switching to seamless socks, using dimmable lights, or providing a "fidget" tool, can significantly reduce daily anxiety.
Validate Their Experience
Acknowledging that a sound is "too loud" or a shirt is "too itchy" builds trust. It lets your child know that their reality is seen and respected.
Teach Self-Advocacy
Empower your child to voice their needs before they reach a breaking point. Helping them learn simple scripts—such as asking for headphones, requesting "quiet time," or asking to turn down the lights—gives them the agency to manage their own comfort.
Moving Forward
Understanding your child's unique sensory profile isn't about "fixing" how they perceive the world; it's about building a bridge to meet them where they are. By becoming a "sensory detective," you provide the stability they need to navigate a world that wasn't always built with their unique needs in mind.
At Tellos, our compassionate ABA therapists are trained to identify sensory processing differences and work with your family to create strategies that support your child's unique sensory needs. Through careful observation, environmental modifications, and sensory integration techniques, we help children feel more comfortable and confident in their daily lives.
If you're noticing that your child struggles with sensory sensitivities and would like professional support in understanding and addressing these challenges, we're here to help. Reach out today for a free consultation, and let's work together to create a sensory-friendly environment where your child can thrive.
