If you’re parenting an autistic child, chances are you’ve had at least one sensory meltdown survival mission.
Maybe it was the tag on their shirt that suddenly felt like a cactus. Maybe the blender sounded like an actual explosion. Or maybe the texture of the dinner last night was so overwhelming that it felt like a personal attack to them.
The thing is, sensory sensitivities aren’t just quirks. They’re very real and very overwhelming for people with autism. And your job isn’t to try to fix these sensitivities, but to help your child handle them in a safe and manageable way.
Hypersensitivity vs. Hyposensitivity
Not all kids with autism react to sensory input the same way. Some are extra sensitive and like to avoid specific triggers, while others enjoy certain sensory stimuli and actively seek them.
Sensory Overload
Children with hypersensitivity tend to cover their ears in loud places, struggle with certain fabrics, and may avoid touch. They are usually more irritable, fussy, and anxious.
Since their senses are extra responsive to the environment around them, they get easily overwhelmed and stressed. They often try to avoid going out or talking to people and are easily irritated. They might cry, shout, or just shut down in response to sensory situations.
Sensory Seeking
Hyposensitive children like to seek sensory situations. They might do this by running, spinning around, and hugging people. They are the type of kids who need to touch everything they see.
These kids also have a habit of fidgeting with their hands and things, and are often seen as restless since they love moving around.
Understanding where your child falls will help you be better equipped to manage their triggers. Look for free autism parenting resources and other online guides for assistance.
Don’t assume that every reaction is them just “acting out.” It bothers them just as much as it troubles you.
Types of Sensory Sensitivities
Some children might not even have sensory sensitivities in the first place. And it’s also possible for your child to be oversensitive in some situations and undersensitive in others.
Let’s talk about some of the areas of sensitivity for autistic children.
Sound Sensitivity
Some people with autism react to sounds in an extreme manner. Because certain sounds can make them feel overwhelmed, they get overly stressed.
It could be something as normal as the sound of a car horn outside or louder indoor noise like that of vacuum cleaners and blenders.
Sight Sensitivity
Visual stimulation can also get overwhelming for autistic kids. Some might feel stressed looking at certain colors, while others enjoy looking at laser pointers like cats do (minus the chasing part).
Sunglasses are an essential item to carry if your child seems to be sensitive to sunlight and other bright lights in public places.
Smell Sensitivity
Sensitivity to smell is really common in children with autism. They might have an above-average sense of smell and avoid certain foods and perfumes.
Things with strong odors stress them out, and it can get exceptionally hard for them to go outside because the world is filled with all kinds of smells.
Texture Sensitivity
Autistic people are also sensitive to touch. They either love some textures or completely hate them. This includes clothing and food as well.
They may refuse to wear clothes if they’re the wrong fabric or eat food if they dislike the texture. It also affects how they respond to pain and being touched.
Signs to Look for
If your child has hypersensitivity, they may:
- Avoid sunlight or bright lights.
- Be a picky eater.
- Dislike perfumes and deodorants.
- Refuse to wear shoes.
- Cover their ears if there’s a loud sound.
Meanwhile, children with hyposensitivity tend to:
- Like loud music.
- Yell or shout instead of speaking at a lower volume.
- Enjoy watching TV and bright colors.
- Like hugging and rubbing their own skin.
- Have higher pain tolerance.
Creating a Sensory-Friendly Environment
Your home doesn’t have to look or feel like a therapy center. Even the smallest changes can make big differences.
Invest in warm lighting to make your child feel less stressed. Let them put on noise-canceling headphones or earplugs when going out to overwhelming places. Build a small, comforting (preferably quiet) place for them to rest in when they feel overstimulated with weighted blankets.
Get them compression clothing if they struggle with fabrics, and cut off the tags. Toys like fidget spinners, stress balls, and chewable jewelry also work wonders to prevent a meltdown.
It’s okay to let them play with the food, even if it’s messy. Figure out what their safe foods are and stick to them.
Let your child have movement breaks. Have soft carpets in their room so they can jump, run, and even roll around whenever they need sensory stimulation.
Help your child self-regulate. One way to do so is by teaching them how to ask for a break. You can practice using cards, gestures, or signs if using words is too much for them.
However, your child may not always be able to tell you what’s wrong. Learn their triggers so you can take steps before a meltdown even happens.
Sensory Toolkit
Managing both sensory overload and sensory seeking in autistic children requires some sensory items. These items help them feel more relaxed and focused.
Some must-haves include:
- Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs
- Weighted blankets
- Fidget toys
- Sunglasses
- Kaleidoscope
- Therapy swings
- Exercise balls
- Body sock
- Chewable toys
You can personalize your child’s sensory toolkit based on their preferences, triggers, and needs.
Be Their Safe Space
Sensory sensitivity isn’t just a phase. It’s a full-on battle for some autistic people.
If your child refuses to eat food, they’re not being difficult. They probably don’t like the taste, texture, or maybe even the smell of it. Try introducing new foods slowly and without pressure.
When you take them out somewhere, give them time to rest and recover. Don’t push them or take out your frustration on them.
At the end of the day, the world isn’t always built for autistic kids. When they’re overwhelmed, they need to know they have someone in their corner. They need to know that their reactions aren’t wrong or “too much.”
Being a sensory-friendly parent doesn’t mean eliminating every struggle. It means making sure your child knows they’re understood and supported no matter what.