AUTISM:
Sensory Issues
- & -
Therapy Solutions
BY ANGELA WEST
CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD) can often exhibit sensory
issues such as hyper- or hypo-sensitivity to various stimuli. As many as 70% to 96%
of those diagnosed with autism can display signs of sensory dysfunction. In 2013, the
American Psychiatric Association added sensory sensitivity to a list of symptoms that
help diagnose ASD. Much like symptoms of autism, sensory dysfunction can vary widely.

Children can quickly become overwhelmed and manifest their anxiety in disruptive
behaviors. Those with sensory issues can have both hyper- and hypo-sensitivity across
multiple senses or even the same sense at times.

ZSV3207/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS
B oth types of sensory sensitivity affect
how a child with autism processes
and reacts to various stimuli. Some
children may under-respond to stimuli and have
low sensitivity to pain, which can cause them
to rub their arms or legs, wear tight clothing or
look for things to touch and taste. Others might
recoil at loud sounds or bright lights.

To determine the best therapy solutions for
your child, you should ask, “Is it a sensory issue
that is causing a behavioral response?” The first
step is to observe your child’s behaviors and
what leads to the reactions. Is there a loud noise
before your child acts out? Does your child
seek sensory experiences by taste and touch?
These responses could be signs of hyper- or
hypo-sensitivity. Since sensory dysfunction
can cause added stress and anxiety, therapy is
beneficial for mitigating responses and easing
a child’s fears.

A few therapy solutions can help your
child and your family work through sensory
dysfunction. Applied Behavioral Analysis
(ABA) Therapy is a scientific, evidence-based
treatment that uses positive reinforcement,
data analysis, visual supports and parent
and caregiver involvement. Board-Certified
Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) can provide
sensory mitigation techniques through
sensory integration therapy and may work
collaboratively with occupational and
speech therapists.

Occupational therapy uses physical activities
and strategies to guide children gradually
through processing the sensory stimuli they
encounter in their environment. Speech
therapy can help with sensory-rich or sensory-
reducing activities depending on the child’s
specific needs. Cognitive behavioral therapy
uses gradual introduction to sensory stimuli to
increase a child’s tolerance as time progresses.

The best way to determine the most
appropriate therapy for your child is to seek
an assessment with an autism service provider.

During the evaluation, a therapist can test your
child’s sensory sensitivities and help work with
you to find the best course of treatment.

In the meantime, you can also engage
your child with sensory toys such as sensory
mats, putty, sand, slime, squeezy balls, fidget
spinners and more. A quick internet search
for sensory toys for autism can provide
additional options. T
Angela West, M.S., BCBA, LBA, founder and
chief clinical officer of Behavioral Framework
(behavioralframework.com), is board-certified
and licensed as a behavior analyst in Virginia
and Maryland. With more than 15 years of
mental health and ABA experience, Angela has
diverse programming and behavior management
knowledge. Angela has developed and expanded
ABA programs in Maryland and Virginia.

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