This guide will help you with answers for NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism unit 1.2 Define what is meant by: hypersensitivity, hyposensitivity.
As a support worker aiming to complete Unit 1.2 for the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism, it’s crucial to grasp the concepts of hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity. These conditions often affect individuals with autism and understanding them can improve how we support and interact with those on the spectrum.
What is Hypersensitivity?
Definition of Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity, in the context of autism, refers to an exaggerated response to sensory stimuli. Sensory stimuli can include sounds, sights, smells, tastes, and textures. For someone who is hypersensitive, these stimuli can be overwhelming or even painful.
Manifestations of Hypersensitivity
Individuals with hypersensitivity may find everyday environments challenging. For instance, they might cover their ears due to loud noises or avoid bright lights. They could also be sensitive to the feel of certain fabrics against their skin.
Common Triggers and Responses
- Auditory Sensitivity: Loud environments such as concerts or crowded areas can cause significant discomfort.
- Visual Sensitivity: Bright lights or flashing screens might lead to headaches or stress.
- Tactile Sensitivity: Tags on clothing or certain fabrics can feel irritating.
- Olfactory Sensitivity: Strong smells, like perfumes or cleaning products, may cause nausea or headaches.
- Gustatory Sensitivity: Certain flavours or textures might be intolerable.
Strategies to Manage Hypersensitivity
Managing hypersensitivity involves making adjustments to the environment or adopting coping strategies. Simple changes, like reducing background noise or using dim lighting, can make a big difference. Wearing noise-cancelling headphones or sunglasses can also help.
What is Hyposensitivity?
Definition of Hyposensitivity
Hyposensitivity is the opposite of hypersensitivity. It refers to an under-response to sensory stimuli. Individuals with hyposensitivity may seek out more intense sensory experiences to feel regulated or grounded.
Manifestations of Hyposensitivity
A person with hyposensitivity might not notice sensory inputs that others find normal. They could seem indifferent to extreme temperatures or pain. They might also seek sensory stimulation, such as spinning or touching various textures.
Common Triggers and Responses
- Auditory: Seeking out loud noises or making loud vocalisations.
- Visual: Staring at bright lights or moving fingers in front of eyes.
- Tactile: Craving deep pressure or engaging in vigorous physical activity.
- Olfactory: Smelling objects or people.
- Gustatory: Preferring intensely flavoured or textured foods.
Strategies to Manage Hyposensitivity
Supporting someone with hyposensitivity involves providing appropriate sensory input. For example, they might benefit from activities that offer deep pressure, like weighted blankets, or engaging in physical activities that provide vestibular (balance) input.
Practical Applications for Support Workers
Observing and Identifying Sensitivities
As a support worker, observe the individual’s behaviours and reactions to different sensory inputs. Take note of what environments and stimuli cause discomfort or seem to attract the person’s attention.
Creating a Sensory Profile
Develop a sensory profile for the individual you support. Document their sensitivities and preferred sensory inputs. This profile can help tailor their daily activities and environment to their needs.
Adjusting the Environment
Make environmental modifications based on the individual’s sensory profile. This can involve reducing sensory stimuli for those with hypersensitivity or creating sensory-rich environments for those with hyposensitivity.
Teaching Coping Strategies
Help individuals learn coping strategies to manage their sensitivities. For hypersensitive individuals, teach them how to use earplugs, sunglasses, or fidget tools. For hyposensitive individuals, encourage activities that provide the sensory input they seek.
Example answers for unit 1.2 Define what is meant by: hypersensitivity, hyposensitivity
Example Answer 1: Understanding Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity is when an individual has an exaggerated response to sensory stimuli. For people with autism, this could mean that sounds, lights, smells, tastes, or textures become overwhelming or even painful. For example, they might cover their ears in response to loud noises or avoid bright lights. Common triggers include loud environments, such as shopping centres, which cause discomfort, and bright lights, like those from screens, which can lead to headaches. To manage hypersensitivity, we can make simple changes like reducing background noise, dimming lights, or using noise cancelling headphones. These strategies help create a more comfortable environment.
Example Answer 2: Manifestations of Hypersensitivity in Daily Life
In our care setting, I observe individuals who have different manifestations of hypersensitivity. One individual might be sensitive to textures, finding certain fabrics irritating against their skin. Another could be very sensitive to smells, feeling nauseous around strong perfumes or cleaning products. Some might react strongly to certain food textures or flavours, finding them intolerable. Understanding these specific triggers helps us adjust environments and activities to minimise discomfort and support their well-being.
Example Answer 3: What is Hyposensitivity
Hyposensitivity is an under response to sensory stimuli. People with autism who have hyposensitivity might seek out more intense sensory experiences to feel regulated. For instance, they might not notice extreme temperatures or pain and might engage in activities that bring strong sensory input, such as spinning or touching various textures. They could seek loud noises or bright lights and might need deep pressure or vigorous physical activity to feel comfortable. Recognising these behaviours is important for providing appropriate support.
Example Answer 4: Identifying Hyposensitivity Behaviours
In the care home, I observe individuals with hyposensitivity behaviours frequently. One person may constantly seek out loud noises or make loud vocalisations. Another might stare at bright lights or move their fingers in front of their eyes. Some individuals crave deep pressure, using weighted blankets, or indulge in vigorous physical activities. Documenting these behaviours helps us create tailored activities that provide the necessary sensory input, supporting their need for regulation.
Example Answer 5: Adjusting the Environment for Sensory Needs
Based on the sensory profiles we create, we can make important adjustments to the environment. For individuals with hypersensitivity, we reduce sensory stimuli by keeping noise levels low and using softer lighting. We avoid strong smells and ensure food options cater to their taste sensitivity. Conversely, for those with hyposensitivity, we design sensory-rich environments, providing activities that include textures, deep pressure, and sounds that stimulate their senses. These adjustments make their daily experiences more manageable and enjoyable.
Example Answer 6: Teaching Coping Strategies
I help teach coping strategies tailored to each individual’s sensory needs. For a hypersensitive person, I show them how to use earplugs or noise cancelling headphones and encourage the use of sunglasses in bright environments. We might also use fidget tools to help them cope with tactile sensitivity. For someone with hyposensitivity, I suggest activities offering deep pressure, like using a weighted blanket, or encourage physical activities that provide the vestibular input they seek. These strategies empower them to manage their sensitivities proactively, promoting a better quality of life.
Conclusion
Understanding the concepts of hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity is essential for anyone working with individuals with autism. Hypersensitivity relates to an exaggerated response, while hyposensitivity relates to an under-response to sensory stimuli. Recognising these conditions and tailoring your approach can significantly improve the quality of life for those you support. Always observe, document, and adjust based on individual needs to ensure a supportive and accommodating environment.
