Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder and Autism

As a parent, you notice everything about your child—the way they light up when they see you, the sound of their laughter, and the unique way they interact with the world. Sometimes, you might also notice things that seem a bit different. Perhaps your child is extremely sensitive to loud noises, feels distressed by the tag on their shirt, or constantly needs to be moving, spinning, or jumping.

These behaviors are often related to sensory processing, which is how our brains interpret the world around us. Sensory processing involves the central nervous system and neural connectivity, which work together to help the brain organize and respond to sensory information. For manyautistic individuals, sensory experiences can be intense and overwhelming. Altered neural connectivity in the central nervous system may contribute to these intense sensory experiences. Understanding your child’s sensory needs is a powerful step toward helping them feel calm, secure, and understood. This guide is here to offer you clear, supportive information about the connection between sensory processing and autism, and to highlight how these sensory processing differences are a key part of what makes each autistic person’s experience unique.

Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, and experiences the world. People with ASD often have unique ways of processing sensory input, which means that everyday sensory stimuli—like sounds, sights, or textures—can feel very different to them. These sensory processing differences are a key part of what makes each autistic person’s experience unique.

ASD is characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and the presence of restricted or repetitive behaviors. Many individuals on the autism spectrum also experience intense sensory experiences, which can influence their behavior and how they respond to their environment. Sensory integration therapy, a specialized form of occupational therapy, is often used to help children with autism and other developmental disabilities manage their sensory processing challenges. By understanding autism spectrum conditions and how they affect sensory integration, families and professionals can better support autistic children and help them thrive in everyday life.

What is Sensory Processing?

Sensory processing is the way our nervous system receives messages from our senses and turns them into appropriate responses. Think of it as the brain’s traffic controller, managing all the information coming in from our environment. Every moment, we are surrounded by sensory input—sights, sounds, smells, and more. For most people, the brain filters this information automatically, allowing us to focus on what is important and ignore what is not. However, when there is a processing disorder, the brain may struggle to interpret or organize this sensory information, leading to challenges in daily functioning.

When we talk about senses, most people think of the five basic ones. However, there are actually seven senses that our brains process:

• Sight (Visual): What we see.
• Sound (Auditory): What we hear.
• Touch (Tactile): What we feel on our skin.
• Taste (Gustatory): What we taste.
• Smell (Olfactory): What we smell.
• Vestibular: Our sense of balance and movement, managed by our inner ear.
• Proprioception: Our sense of body awareness—knowing where our body parts are without looking at them.

These senses together make up our sensory systems, which work together to process sensory information from multiple senses at once.

A well-regulated sensory system helps us feel grounded and ready to engage with the world. When this system works differently, it can impact everything from mood to learning.

Sensory Processing and Autism

Differences in sensory processing are a core characteristic of autism spectrum disorder. In fact, sensory sensitivities are now part of the diagnostic criteria for autism. For a child with autism, the brain’s “traffic controller” might have trouble managing the flow of sensory information. This can lead to two main types of responses: over-responsiveness (hypersensitivity) and under-responsiveness (hyposensitivity).

Over-responsiveness (Sensory Sensitivities): A child who is over-responsive is highly sensitive to sensory input. Sensory sensitivity can cause a person to react strongly to certain sensory input or certain stimuli in their environment. Their brain feels bombarded by everyday sensations that other people might not even notice. This can look like:

• Covering their ears in response to sounds like a vacuum cleaner or a flushing toilet.
• Being a very picky eater, avoiding certain textures or tastes.
• Feeling distressed by light touch or the feeling of certain fabrics against their skin.
• Being overwhelmed in visually busy places like a grocery store.

Environmental stimuli such as bright lights or excessive noise can lead to more intense sensory experiences for some children.

For these children, the world can feel like a loud, bright, and unpredictable place. Their reactions are not defiance; they are a genuine response to feeling overwhelmed.

Under-responsiveness (Sensory Seeking): A child who is under-responsive needs more sensory input to feel regulated. Their brain may not be registering sensory information effectively, so they actively seek it out. This can look like:

• A constant need to move, jump, spin, or crash into things.
• Enjoying very strong flavors or smelling objects.
• A desire for deep pressure, like tight hugs or being under a weighted blanket.
• Seeming to have a high pain tolerance or not noticing when they get hurt.

These sensory-seeking behaviors are their way of trying to get the input their bodies need to feel “just right.”

Risk Factors and Diagnosis

Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder involves looking at a range of behaviors and developmental patterns, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). Key diagnostic criteria include difficulties with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. Sensory processing differences are now recognized as an important part of the autism spectrum, and many children with ASD show unique responses to sensory input.

Occupational therapists play a vital role in the diagnostic process by assessing sensory processing problems and identifying specific sensory challenges. By understanding the underlying causes of sensory processing differences, healthcare providers can create effective, individualized treatment plans that help children with autism manage their sensory needs and improve their quality of life.

Common Sensory Challenges in Autism

Autism sensory challenges can impact a child’s daily life in many ways, affecting their behavior, learning, and social interactions.

For example, a child who is sensitive to noise may find it impossible to concentrate in a busy classroom. A child who is distressed by food textures, especially certain food textures, may experience sensory difficulties that result in a very limited diet, leading to nutritional concerns. A child who constantly needs to move may be seen as disruptive, when they are simply trying to meet a biological need. Challenges with motor control and fine motor skills can also be related to sensory issues.

These challenges can also affect social interactions. A child who is sensitive to touch may avoid hugs or physical contact, which can be misinterpreted by family and friends. A child who feels overwhelmed in crowded places may avoid social gatherings, limiting their opportunities to practice social skills. Sensory difficulties can impact a child's ability to participate in group activities or develop social skills. Understanding that these behaviors are rooted in sensory needs is the first step toward providing effective autism support.

Strategies for Supporting Sensory Needs

As a parent, you can do so much to help your child navigate their sensory world. The goal is not to eliminate sensory experiences, but to help your child manage them in a way that feels safe and comfortable. Here are some practical strategies:

• Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment: You can make small changes at home to reduce sensory overload. This might mean reducing bright lights, minimizing visual stimulation, and limiting excessive noise. For example, use dimmer lighting, create a quiet “calm-down corner” with soft pillows, or establish predictable routines.
• Use Sensory Tools: Many tools can help a child meet their sensory needs in a safe way. These might include:
• Noise-canceling headphones for loud environments.
• Weighted blankets or vests to provide calming deep pressure.
• Fidget toys to keep hands busy and improve focus.
• Chewable jewelry for children who need oral input.
• Prepare for Transitions: Give your child warnings before transitioning to a new activity or going to a new place. Visual schedules can be very helpful for showing them what to expect.
• Work with an Occupational Therapist: An occupational therapist (OT) is a key partner in understanding and supporting your child’s sensory needs. They can help you create a personalized “sensory diet”—a carefully designed plan of daily activities that provides the sensory input your child needs to stay regulated. Physical therapists can also play a role in supporting children with sensory processing challenges.

The Role of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in helping children with autism manage sensory processing challenges. OTs are experts in sensory integration therapy, a play-based approach that helps children learn to process sensory information more effectively. Occupational therapy is also used to support children with other developmental disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders, addressing a wide range of sensory and behavioral needs.

During a session, an OT will guide your child through fun, engaging activities that challenge their sensory system in a structured way. This might involve swinging, jumping on a trampoline, or playing with different textures like sand or play-doh.

The benefits of sensory integration therapy can be profound. It can help your child:

• Improve their ability to focus and learn in school.
• Reduce anxiety and challenging behaviors.
• Expand their diet and tolerance for different foods.
• Participate more fully in family and social activities.

Improving sensory processing can also have positive effects on both mental health and physical health, supporting overall well-being and daily functioning.

An OT will also work closely with you to provide strategies you can use at home and at school, empowering you to be an active part of your child’s progress.

How the Chicago Autism Testing Institute Can Help

Understanding your child’s sensory profile is a key part of a comprehensive Chicago autism evaluation. At the Chicago Autism Testing Institute, our experienced clinicians are trained to identify sensory processing challenges as part of our diagnostic process. We take the time to understand how your child experiences the world, and our detailed evaluation reports include personalized recommendations to address their specific sensory needs.

One of the greatest benefits of working with us is our seamless connection to North Shore Pediatric Therapy. If your child would benefit from occupational therapy, we can provide a smooth and immediate transition to a team of expert OTs at over 12 locations across Chicagoland. This integrated approach ensures your child gets the support they need without delay.

Your Partner in Understanding

Learning about your child’s sensory world is a journey of discovery. It is an opportunity to see the world through their eyes and to find new ways to connect with and support them. You are not alone on this path. With compassion, knowledge, and the right team by your side, you can help your child feel safe, understood, and ready to thrive.

If you have questions about your child’s sensory behaviors or are considering an evaluation, please contact the Chicago Autism Testing Institute. We are here to provide the clarity and guidance your family deserves.