Sensory Difficulties in Children

More often than not, individuals with ASD have unusual reactions to sensory stimulation. Some individuals show a hypersensitivity to stimuli, for example they can hear lights buzzing, cannot tolerate touch, fascinated with spinning objects or must smell everything. While others display a hyposensitivity to stimuli, such as a high pain tolerance or acting as if deaf. A person with ASD may be fascinated with a piece of shiny paper or may spend hours rocking or watching objects twirl. In general, these types of reactions are providing some sort of sensory stimulation for the individual. An assessment by an Occupational Therapist will help your child if he/she is experiencing sensory problems.