What does sensory overload look like and how can we help?

Research estimates that about 90% of autistic individuals have sensory processing disorder (SPD). Sensory issues are included as part of the diagnostic criteria for autism in the DSM-V. Having these difficulties can affect communication, social skills, and behavior. Every autistic person is unique and so are their sensory sensitivities.

Here are some of the common sensory sensitives around the eight sensory systems and examples of what they may look like:

1. Sight – Ex. aversion to bright lights, depth perception problems, seeking out flashing lights
2. Auditory (hearing) – Ex. dislike of loud noises, sounds of crowds, spaces with an echo like a gym, misophonia
3. Tactile (touch) – Ex. aversion to certain fabrics, sensitive to brushing teeth or hair, high tolerance to pain, preference for certain textures
4. Gustatory (taste) – Ex. aversions to certain foods such as spicy ones, may like to eat inedible objects (pica)
5. Olfactory (smell) – Ex. may or may not crave strong smells, avoid scents, or difficulty concentrating when there are certain smells present
6. Vestibular (balance) – Ex. clumsy, difficulty with physical activity such as sports, fear of heights, may have no fear when they should be afraid, unaware of danger
7. Proprioception (body awareness) – Ex. doesn’t know where their body is in a space, motor planning difficulties, seeks deep pressure, uses too much or not enough pressure when handling objects, bump into people or things, moves their whole body to look at something
8. Interoception – Ex. not aware of internal body signals or cues such as thirst, hunger, temperature or pain. Doesn’t “feel/interpret” emotions such as anxiety, anger, or fear.

Most autistic individuals experience both hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness) and hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness) to a wide range of stimuli and are usually a combination of both. Sensory overload, or sensory overstimulation,  happens when there is more input coming in from the senses than the brain can sort and process. Autistic people tend to be more hypersensitive to sensory input, making sensory overload more likely.

What are the physical signs of sensory overload?

Sensory overload can manifest as certain physical symptoms, meaning there is an overwhelmed response to various sensory stimuli. These signs can be seen through a person’s reactions to sounds, lights, textures, and smells. Physical signs will vary from person to person, and each individual may have their unique sensory triggers and responses.

Here are some examples of physical reactions to different sensory stimuli:

Noise – covering ears, looking for a quieter place. The distress of noise may cause agitation or anxiety. Ex. My son used to retreat into a one-man tent in his classroom when he became overwhelmed by sounds. My daughter wears noise cancelling headphones to the cinema.

Visual Discomfort – shielding or covering their eyes. Visual stimulation can make it hard to focus and engage in the surroundings, causing stress and anxiety.

Avoidance/Aversion to Textures and Smells – avoidance of certain foods, aversion to scents such as perfumes, can’t touch certain fabrics such as Lycra

Sensory overload can be so distressing that it may lead to self-harming behaviors like head banging, ear-clapping, self-scratching, or self-hitting.  Repetitive behaviors (stimming) such as hand-flapping, rocking, repeating words or phrases, pacing, or spinning are sometimes ways to cope with sensory overload.

What are the behavioral signs of sensory overload?

You may also see behavioral signs from an autistic individual experiencing sensory overload. Some sign are:

Agitation and Restlessness – The person may become fidgety, can’t sit still, or become irritable.

Meltdowns – When sensory input becomes too overwhelming, the person may have a meltdown or emotional outburst. There may be crying, screaming, or displays of intense emotions such as anger, frustration, or fear. The flight, fight, or freeze response may kick in.  Keep in mind that meltdowns may have a lengthy recovery time and the individual can still be triggered by set off the meltdown in the first place.

Withdrawing/Avoiding – Some autistic individuals may withdraw or avoid certain situations, environments, or stimuli. They may look for quieter or less stimulating spaces or isolate themselves from social interactions. Withdrawing reduces sensory input and helps a person regain a sense of control.

How can we help an individual who experiences sensory overload?

Create a Sensory Friendly Environment

A sensory friendly environment reduces the amount of sensory input and provides a calm, predictable space for the person to relax. Some ideas to create a sensory-friendly environment are:

• reduce noise levels with carpets and curtains
• dim the lights or use natural lighting. Avoid fluorescent lighting.
• use calming colors like blues and greens that create a peaceful atmosphere
• have comfortable spaces to relax in with a bean bag chair, hammock, soft sided seating, or plush rug
• reduce visual stimulation like busy bulletin boards

Use Visual Schedules

Visual schedules provide predictability which lessens anxiety, provides structure and helps with transitions. A person will feel more in control of their environment if they know what is going to happen next.

Engage in Physical Activity

Regular exercise reduces anxiety, improves sleep, increases endurance, builds muscles, develops motor skills, and regulates cortisol levels. It can also help burn off excess energy and help with regulation. Practicing yoga and meditation can also be helpful for self-regulating and calming.

Create a Sensory Diet

A sensory diet, first created by occupational therapists Wilbarger and Wilbarger (1991) , is an individualized plan of physical activities and accommodations to help a person meet their sensory needs. This plan provides the sensory input needed to stay focused and organized throughout the day.

The main goal of a sensory diet is to prevent sensory and emotional overload by meeting the nervous system’s sensory needs; however, it can also be used as a recovery technique. A sensory diet can support children who feel or seem sluggish and need activities to help them feel more alert. Engaging children in sensory experiences on a regular schedule can encourage focus, attentiveness, and interaction. Children may feel less anxious when they feel comfortable and in control.

An occupational therapist (OT) usually designs a sensory diet. Parents and caregivers can then use the tailored activities at home; teachers/educational assistants can use them at school. The reason it is recommended to consult with an OT who has experience with sensory processing issues is because one the trickiest aspects of sensory difficulty is recognizing when a child is overreactive or under-reactive in any given moment, then adjusting sensory input to meet them where they are, and providing the right challenge to help them move forward into a “just right” state of being.

Observational checklists can be used to gather information about a person’s sensory profile. There are numerous sensory checklists available online or in books such as Answers to Questions Teachers Ask about Sensory Integration or Building Bridges Through Sensory Integration.

Use Sensory Tools

Using sensory tools can help de-escalate, calm, and reduce feeling overwhelmed through sensory input. Think about using alternative seating like a therapy ball for those who need to move while learning, handheld fidgets for busy hands, noise cancelling headphones for those that are sensitive to sounds, and chewelry for people that feel the need to chew to keep calm.

Communicate and Collaborate with Caregivers and Professionals

Parents and caregivers are often our best resource for learning information about the individual we support. Ask about triggers and what coping strategies are used at home.  Speak with other professionals who are involved with the individual and ask them to share their insights and observations.

Have consistent routines and schedules. Use the same visual supports across environments to support predictability and stability, which can reduce feeling overwhelmed.

Reach out to other professionals such as a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or psychologist. A multidisciplinary team can provide different ideas and approaches that can help with sensory overload.

Every person will have their own sensory profile, needs and triggers. Get to know the individual and figure these out, then provide individualized accommodations and supports that work best for them.

References

Moller, R. (April 2, 2024) Sensory Overload Autism Examples. Above and Beyond Therapy

Rudy, L. J. (August 18, 2023) Sensory Overload: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments. VeryWell Health

Zauderer, S. (September 18, 2023) Autism Sensory Overload & Overstimulation. Cross River Therapy