Sensory Issues in Adults With Autism: Symptoms & How to Manage

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects one in 54 children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While much research has focused on children with autism, less attention has been given to adults with the disorder. In particular, sensory issues in adults with autism are often overlooked, despite the significant impact they can have on daily life.

Sensory issues refer to difficulties in processing and regulating sensory information from the environment. Individuals with autism often experience sensory issues to a greater degree than neurotypical individuals. This can result in discomfort, pain, and sensory overload, which can in turn cause anxiety, social isolation, and a reduced quality of life.

In this article, we will explore the causes and symptoms of sensory issues in adults with autism and provide effective coping strategies.

Understanding Sensory Issues in Adults with Autism

Sensory issues affect how an individual's nervous system processes information from the environment. For adults with autism, these issues can be particularly challenging as they can impact their ability to participate in social situations, learn new skills, and engage in activities they enjoy.

Some of the most common sensory issues experienced by adults with autism include:

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity occurs when an individual's nervous system is overly responsive to stimuli. This can lead to discomfort or pain in response to sensory input that would not bother most people. Hypersensitivity can affect any of the senses, including touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound.

Hyposensitivity

Hyposensitivity occurs when an individual's nervous system is less responsive to stimuli. This can result in a lack of awareness of sensory input, leading to a need for more intense sensory experiences. Hyposensitivity can also affect any of the senses.

Sensory Overload

Sensory overload occurs when an individual is exposed to too much sensory input at once, leading to feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, or even physical discomfort.

Sensory Seeking

Sensory seeking occurs when an individual actively seeks out sensory input to meet their sensory needs. This can involve repetitive behaviors such as rocking, spinning, or flapping hands.

Symptoms of Sensory Issues

Sensory issues in adults with autism can manifest in a variety of ways. Some common symptoms include:

• Over- or under-sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as noise, light, touch, taste, or smell
• Difficulty filtering out background noise or other distractions
• Avoidance of certain textures, foods, or activities
• Physical discomfort or pain in response to sensory stimuli
• Hypersensitivity to pain or discomfort
• Difficulty with fine motor tasks, such as handwriting or buttoning clothing
• Social isolation or avoidance of certain social situations due to sensory overload

Coping Strategies for Sensory Issues

Coping with sensory issues can be challenging, but there are many strategies that can help adults with autism manage their sensory needs. Here are some effective coping strategies:

Sensory-Friendly Environments

Creating a sensory-friendly environment is one of the most effective strategies for managing sensory issues.

This can involve reducing sensory input, such as dimming lights, reducing noise levels, or using headphones to block out noise. Creating a calm and predictable environment can help individuals with autism feel more comfortable and reduce feelings of overwhelm.

Sensory Diet

A sensory diet is a personalized plan that includes specific sensory activities and strategies to help regulate sensory input. This can include activities such as deep pressure therapy, brushing, or swinging.

Sensory Tools

Sensory tools can be helpful for managing sensory issues.

These tools can include weighted blankets, fidget spinners, or noise-canceling headphones. Sensory tools can provide a calming sensory experience and help reduce feelings of anxiety or overwhelm.

Self-Regulation Strategies

Self-regulation strategies can help individuals with autism manage their own sensory needs.

These strategies can include deep breathing, mindfulness techniques, or yoga. Self-regulation strategies can help individuals with autism become more aware of their own sensory needs and learn to manage them independently.

Social Support

Social support can be crucial for individuals with autism managing their sensory issues. This can include support from family members, friends, or professionals who understand the challenges of sensory issues.

Where social support is available, it can provide encouragement, guidance, and practical strategies for adults coping with sensory issues.

Communication

Communicating sensory needs and preferences to others can be helpful. This can involve using visual aids or simple language to explain sensory issues to coworkers, friends, or family members.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy can be helpful for individuals with autism managing their sensory issues. Occupational therapists can work with individuals with autism to develop strategies for managing their sensory needs in everyday life. Occupational therapy can also provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals with autism to practice coping strategies.

FAQs

What are the most common sensory issues experienced by adults with autism?

The most common sensory issues experienced by adults with autism include hypersensitivity, hyposensitivity, sensory overload, and sensory seeking.

What is sensory overload?

Sensory overload occurs when an individual's sensory input exceeds their capacity to process and respond to it. This can result in feelings of anxiety, discomfort, or physical pain.

How can sensory issues affect socialization?

Sensory issues can lead to social isolation and avoidance of certain social situations, such as crowded or noisy environments. This can make it difficult to form and maintain social relationships.

How can creating a sensory-friendly environment help adults with autism manage their sensory needs?

Creating a sensory-friendly environment can involve reducing sensory input, such as dimming lights, reducing noise levels, or using headphones to block out noise. This can help individuals with autism feel more comfortable and reduce feelings of overwhelm.

What are some examples of sensory tools that can be helpful for managing sensory issues?

Sensory tools can include weighted blankets, fidget toys, or noise-canceling headphones. These tools can provide a calming sensory experience and help reduce feelings of anxiety or overwhelm.

How can occupational therapy help individuals with autism manage their sensory needs?

Occupational therapy can work with individuals with autism to develop strategies for managing their sensory needs in everyday life. This can include developing coping strategies, practicing self-regulation techniques, and finding ways to engage in activities that meet their sensory needs.

How can social support help individuals with autism manage their sensory issues?

Social support can provide encouragement, guidance, and practical strategies for coping with sensory issues. This can include support from family members, friends, or professionals who understand the challenges of sensory issues.

Can sensory issues improve with age?

While sensory issues may improve with age for some individuals with autism, they may persist or worsen for others. Effective coping strategies and accommodations can help improve quality of life regardless of age.

How can sensory issues impact employment?

Sensory issues can impact employment by affecting an individual's ability to perform certain tasks, such as typing, writing, or working in noisy environments. However, accommodations such as noise-canceling headphones or flexible work schedules can help individuals with autism thrive in the workplace.

Sensory Issues Can Be Managed Successfully

Sensory issues can be a significant challenge for adults with autism, but there are many effective coping strategies that can help manage these challenges. Creating a sensory-friendly environment, using sensory tools, practicing self-regulation strategies, seeking social support, and engaging in occupational therapy are all effective strategies for coping with sensory issues.

With the right support and strategies in place, individuals with autism can lead fulfilling lives and engage in activities they enjoy while managing their sensory needs.