I always recommend exploring a child's sensory profile to understand how their environment impacts their wellbeing.  Many autistic children and young people (CYP) report sensory processing issues. Environments can easily be adjusted and this is a statutory requirement for anyone with a diagnosis of special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) according to the Equality Act (2010).

 

There are 8 senses that need to be explored to understand how they impact your child.

 

1. Sight - There can be over stimulation from too much visual input. There are many triggers to visual stress, one example can be from lots of colour/displays on classroom walls.  

 

2. Sound - Auditory Processing can be an issue.  Your child may have sound sensitivities known as Hyperacusis that may need further investigation - visit your GP to ask to see a hearing specialist.  Noise cancelling earphones or Calmer ear buds may help.  There could also be an Auditory Processing Disorder (APD).

 

3. Smell - Known as Olfactory: there can be an overresponsive or under responsive system here.  Some children may report that certain smells are overpowering and they can have a physical reaction to these.  Others may seek out intense odours to receive this sensory input.  

 

4. Taste - Some CYP may limit themselves to bland foods or crave very strong-tasting food.  Either way texture can play a big part of the sensory input your child receives from food. Swallowing can also by affected - Dysphagia (swallowing disorder).  Some children may have ARFID - Avoidant and Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.

 

5. Touch - This sense can be heightened where your child maybe oversensitive, eg: may not tolerate touch from others or find certain clothes/socks unbearable.  Or they could be undersensitive where they do not feel pain.  They may seek out things to chew to receive the sensory input they need.  Or feel calmed by a weighted blanket.