3.2. Identify reasons why individuals with an autistic spectrum condition may exhibit such behaviours

This guide will help you answer 3.2. Identify reasons why individuals with an autistic spectrum condition may exhibit such behaviours.

Many individuals with an autistic spectrum condition experience sensory differences that can affect how they interact with the world. These sensory difficulties involve the way the brain processes information from the senses. The senses include sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell, balance, body awareness and internal senses such as hunger or pain.

People may respond to sensory information more intensely than others. They may find everyday sounds or textures overwhelming. Sensory differences can make daily life challenging and can impact communication, learning, relationships and independence.

Over-Sensitivity (Hyper-Sensitivity)

A person with an autistic spectrum condition may react strongly to certain sensations. This is called hyper-sensitivity. It means sensory input feels stronger, more intense or even painful.

Examples include:

• Bright lights causing discomfort or distress
• Everyday sounds feeling extremely loud
• Light touch feeling unpleasant or irritating
• Strong smells feeling overpowering
• Food textures feeling difficult to tolerate

Over-sensitivity can lead to avoidance behaviours. For example, a person might avoid crowded places to prevent being overwhelmed by noise. They may prefer dim lighting or may cover their ears in noisy environments.

Under-Sensitivity (Hypo-Sensitivity)

Hypo-sensitivity is the opposite. The brain does not register sensory input as strongly. Information from the senses might seem weak, dull or hardly noticed.

Examples include:

• Not responding to name being called
• Not noticing injuries or pain
• Seeking strong flavours or textures in food
• Liking very loud music or strong vibrations
• Not feeling temperature changes quickly

A person with under-sensitivity may seek sensory stimulation. For example, they might enjoy spinning objects, tapping surfaces or touching different textures to get more sensory feedback.

Sight (Visual Processing)

Visual sensory difficulties can include both hyper-sensitivity and hypo-sensitivity. Some people notice tiny changes in their environment that others do not. This high visual awareness might cause distraction, anxiety or discomfort. Others may find it hard to make sense of visual information, which can affect reading or recognising faces.

Possible visual sensory experiences:

• Sensitivity to bright light or flickering lights
• Discomfort from certain colours or patterns
• Difficulty focusing on details while ignoring background visual information
• Enjoyment of spinning or visually repetitive objects
• Struggling in busy environments with lots of movement

Hearing (Auditory Processing)

Sound can cause both positive and negative responses. Hyper-sensitive hearing may make normal levels of noise feel painful. Hypo-sensitive hearing can make it hard to notice sounds in time, leading to missed cues or instructions.

Examples of auditory sensory differences:

• Finding high-pitched sounds distressing
• Feeling startled by sudden noises
• Difficulty filtering background noise in busy places
• Avoiding noisy events or wearing ear defenders
• Enjoying loud or rhythmic sounds when seeking sensory input

Auditory processing differences can affect communication. Background noise may make speech difficult to follow, leading to frustration.

Touch (Tactile Processing)

Touch sensory differences can affect comfort and daily activities. Hyper-sensitive touch may make clothing tags, certain fabrics or light touches feel unpleasant. Hypo-sensitivity may lead to seeking deep pressure or firm hugs.

Examples:

• Discomfort from seams or rough fabrics
• Avoiding certain grooming activities such as haircuts or tooth brushing
• Reacting strongly to unexpected touch
• Seeking tactile stimulation like squeezing stress balls or using textured materials
• Lack of reaction to pain or temperature changes

Touch differences can influence self-care routines and clothing choices.

Taste and Smell (Gustatory and Olfactory Processing)

Taste and smell sensitivities can affect diet and nutrition. Hyper-sensitive taste or smell may limit the range of foods a person is willing to eat. Hypo-sensitivity to taste may lead to a stronger preference for spicy or highly flavoured foods.

Examples of taste and smell sensory differences:

• Discomfort with strong smells from cooking, perfumes or cleaning products
• Avoiding foods with certain textures such as mushy or crunchy
• Enjoying bold flavours or unusual food combinations
• Being able to smell odours long after others no longer notice them
• Preferring bland or plain foods to avoid sensory overload

These difficulties can impact social situations, such as eating in restaurants or trying new foods.

Balance (Vestibular Processing)

The vestibular system controls balance, movement and spatial orientation. Hyper-sensitivity might cause dizziness or discomfort when moving. Hypo-sensitivity may involve seeking fast spins or swings.

Examples:

• Feeling unsteady or dizzy on stairs or escalators
• Avoiding playground equipment or activities involving movement
• Enjoying rollercoasters or fast rides
• Difficulty judging movement speed or direction
• Motion sickness from certain travel situations

Balance difficulties can limit physical activities and affect independence.

Body Awareness (Proprioceptive Processing)

Proprioception is the sense of where the body is in space. Differences in proprioceptive processing can cause clumsiness or unusual body movements. Hypo-sensitivity might result in seeking pressure or engaging in heavy lifting and pushing activities. Hyper-sensitivity may cause discomfort when receiving strong pressure.

Examples:

• Difficulty judging how much force to apply when holding objects
• Bumping into furniture or people without realising
• Enjoying activities like jumping, climbing or carrying heavy objects
• Difficulty copying movements during exercise or dance
• Feeling disoriented when body position changes unexpectedly

These differences can affect coordination and motor planning.

Internal Senses (Interoception)

Interoception is the sense of internal body signals, such as hunger, thirst, pain and temperature. Differences here can impact health and comfort.

Examples:

• Not recognising feelings of hunger until very strong
• Not noticing being too hot or too cold
• Ignoring pain or discomfort until it becomes severe
• Confusion over feelings such as anxiety or excitement
• Overreacting to minor internal changes

Interoceptive difficulties can delay responses to health needs and create challenges in maintaining well-being.

Impact on Daily Life

Sensory difficulties in autistic spectrum conditions can influence communication, behaviour and mental health. Overload might cause withdrawal, distress or meltdowns. Under-stimulation may lead to sensory-seeking behaviours that can be misunderstood by others.

Examples of impact:

• Avoiding crowded places due to sound sensitivity
• Struggling with school or work tasks in noisy or visually busy rooms
• Difficulty with personal care routines linked to touch sensitivities
• Restricted diet affecting nutrition and social experiences
• Challenges in sports and physical activities from balance or proprioception differences

Understanding sensory needs can help in planning support and accommodations.

Strategies to Support Sensory Differences

Workers in health and social care can use strategies to reduce distress and help individuals manage their sensory experiences.

Ideas include:

• Providing quiet spaces for breaks from noise
• Using natural or soft lighting instead of harsh fluorescent lights
• Offering clothing options with comfortable fabrics and removing tags
• Allowing sensory tools such as fidget items or weighted blankets
• Adjusting food choices to meet taste and texture preferences
• Supporting gradual exposure to difficult sensory situations in a planned way

Listening to the person’s preferences is important. Sensory needs vary, and what works for one person may not suit another.

Communication About Sensory Needs

Clear and respectful communication can help identify sensory difficulties. Ask about preferences and observe behaviour for signs of discomfort. Keep records of sensory triggers and effective responses.

Workers can:

• Encourage individuals to describe or show sensory experiences
• Use visual aids or charts to help explain preferences
• Share information with colleagues to keep support consistent
• Offer choices to promote control over sensory environments

This helps the person feel more comfortable and respected.

Final Thoughts

Sensory difficulties are a significant part of many autistic spectrum conditions. They can shape how a person experiences daily life and can affect learning, communication, relationships and wellbeing. Some individuals may have both hyper- and hypo-sensitivities across different senses. This can make their responses seem unpredictable to others.

By recognising these differences and responding with flexible support, workers can create environments where sensory needs are met. A calm, respectful approach benefits both the individual and those around them. The more you notice and respond to sensory signals, the more you can reduce distress and increase comfort for the person in your care.