Sensory Sensitivities in Asperger's Syndrome
Many people with Asperger's syndrome experience the world more intensely through their senses. Sounds that others tune out may feel deafening. Textures that others ignore may feel unbearable. Conversely, some people with Asperger's seek out intense sensory input because their sensory system processes things at a lower threshold. These sensory differences are real neurological experiences, not preferences or habits.
Types of Sensory Processing Differences
Sensory differences can affect any of the senses:
- Hearing: Sensitivity to certain frequencies, background noise, or sudden sounds. A school cafeteria, busy office, or shopping mall may feel genuinely painful. Some people can hear things others cannot, like the hum of a fluorescent light or the buzz of electronics.
- Touch: Certain clothing textures, tags, seams, or fabrics may be intolerable. Light touch may be more uncomfortable than firm pressure. Physical contact — including casual touching from others — may feel overwhelming.
- Sight: Sensitivity to bright light, fluorescent lights, flickering screens, or busy visual environments. Some people find busy patterns or fast movement visually distressing.
- Taste and smell: Strong reactions to certain foods — not just flavor but texture, temperature, and smell. Sensitivity to smells in the environment, including perfumes, cleaning products, or food smells.
- Proprioception and vestibular: The senses that register where your body is in space and your sense of movement. Differences here can affect balance, coordination, and the need for physical stimulation like rocking or spinning.
Sensory Overload
When the sensory environment exceeds what a person can process, sensory overload can occur. This is a genuine state of neurological overwhelm, not a choice or a tantrum. Signs include:
- Anxiety and agitation
- Difficulty thinking or communicating
- Covering ears, eyes, or moving away from the source
- Physical discomfort or pain
- In severe cases, a meltdown or shutdown
Managing Sensory Sensitivities
While sensory differences are a fundamental part of how a person's nervous system works, there are many strategies that help:
- Clothing: Seek out soft, tagless clothing. Remove tags. Wear layers that can be adjusted. Some people find compression garments calming.
- Noise: Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones can be life-changing. Having a quiet retreat available is important.
- Light: Sunglasses indoors, window shades, incandescent or daylight bulbs instead of fluorescent, and reduced screen brightness can all help.
- Food: Work with a doctor or dietitian if food sensitivities significantly limit nutrition. Many people find gradual, low-pressure food exposure more effective than forcing new foods.
- Environment: Understanding your sensory triggers allows you to anticipate difficult environments and prepare accordingly — or advocate for accommodations.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists — particularly those trained in sensory integration — can be very helpful in assessing and addressing sensory processing differences. This is especially useful for children, but adults can benefit as well. An OT can help identify specific sensory needs and develop a "sensory diet" — a plan of sensory activities designed to keep the nervous system regulated.