Sensory differences

How sound, light, touch, smell and movement can feel amplified, muted or unpredictable.

Overview

Sensory differences are now recognised in the DSM-5 as a core part of autism. Autistic people may be hyper-sensitive (over-responsive) or hypo-sensitive (under-responsive) — often both, across different senses, and varying day to day. The eight sensory systems include sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, balance (vestibular), body position (proprioception) and internal body signals (interoception).

Key points to understand

Fluorescent lights, hand-dryers, sudden noises, certain fabrics or food textures can feel genuinely painful.
Many autistic people struggle to notice hunger, thirst, tiredness or needing the toilet (interoception).
Sensory overload builds up across the day and can lead to meltdown (outward) or shutdown (inward).
Sensory needs are not fussiness — they are physiological.

Practical strategies that help

Build a sensory profile: list what is calming and what is distressing in each of the 8 senses.
Offer ear defenders, sunglasses, fidgets, weighted lap pads and movement breaks.
Plan a daily 'sensory diet' of regulating activities.
Reduce demands when sensory load is high.

Common challenges to be aware of

Schools and workplaces often underestimate sensory impact; written accommodations help.
Medical, dental and hairdressing appointments can be especially hard — request reasonable adjustments.

How Bright Steps can help

Bright Steps brings together autistic people, families, carers and professionals across the UK. You can use the Community to talk to others who get it, save articles and activities to your Library, and explore Resources built for everyday life. Our Routines and Reward Charts turn ideas from this article into things you can try today.

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References & further reading

✏️ This article will be expanded with rich, UK-specific content, case studies, video explainers and downloadable resources. If you'd like to contribute a story or suggest a correction, contact the Bright Steps editors via the Community page.