Fact 3: Up to 96% of individuals with ASD have sensory processing differences.
- “Sensory processing" involves understanding, sorting and interpreting information gotten through sensory systems such as taste, smell, sight, auditory, etc). Kilroy, E., Aziz-Zadeh, L., & Cermak, S. (2019).
- Individuals may exhibit hyper-reactivity (oversensitivity) to stimuli like lights and noise or hypo-reactivity (decreased sensitivity) to pain.
- Prevalence estimates for sensory processing issues in ASD range from 45% to 96%, influenced by assessment methods.
- Common diagnostic tools include items related to sensory issues, but additional measures are necessary to identify sensory processing differences.
- Neuroscientists and clinicians agree that atypical sensory responses stem from differences in brain structure and function. These differences may also impact cognitive, linguistic, social, and adaptive skills, affecting meaningful life participation. Treatment is to improve sensory functions, but further research is needed.
- Some businesses, such as movie theaters and restaurants, now offer sensory-friendly events for individuals with hypersensitivities.