Exploring Sensory Sensitivities: Causes, Signs & Treatments

Sensory sensitivities are a common condition that can have a wide range of impacts on an individual's life. They can range from mild to severe, and can be a source of confusion and frustration for those who have them. In this article, we will explore the causes, signs, and treatments associated with sensory sensitivities, and provide you with the information you need to help manage your own or a loved one's condition. Sensory sensitivities occur when someone experiences an intense reaction to certain stimuli.

This reaction can be physical, such as discomfort or pain; emotional, such as feeling overwhelmed or anxious; or cognitive, such as difficulty concentrating or difficulty processing information. Sensory sensitivities can affect people of all ages, but are most commonly found in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Causes of Sensory Sensitivities

Sensory sensitivities, or hypersensitivities, are common among those with autism or other neurodiversities, and can be a challenge to manage. While the exact cause of sensory sensitivities is unknown, research suggests that there are multiple contributing factors. These include genetics, environmental factors, and underlying medical conditions. Genetic factors may play a role in the development of sensory sensitivities.

Research suggests that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is highly heritable, meaning that it is likely to be passed down from parent to child. It is possible that some individuals have a genetic predisposition for developing sensory sensitivities. Environmental factors may also contribute to the development of sensory sensitivities. Studies suggest that certain environmental exposures, such as maternal stress during pregnancy, may be associated with an increased risk of developing ASD and its associated symptoms. Underlying medical conditions can also lead to sensory sensitivities. Conditions such as allergies, asthma, and food intolerances can cause inflammation in the body which can lead to an increased sensitivity to certain stimuli.

In addition, some medications used to treat these conditions can have side effects that increase sensitivity. It is important to note that the causes of sensory sensitivities are still not fully understood, and research is ongoing. However, it is clear that there are a variety of factors that can contribute to the development of these sensitivities in individuals with autism or other neurodiversities.

Signs & Symptoms of Sensory Sensitivities

Sensory sensitivities can manifest in a variety of physical and emotional signs and symptoms. A person with sensory sensitivities may avoid certain activities or environments, become easily overwhelmed by loud noises, or struggle to tolerate certain textures. These signs of sensory sensitivity can vary from person to person and may affect how they interact with the world around them. Physical signs of sensory sensitivity can include flinching or tensing when exposed to particular sounds, smells, or other sensory inputs.

These physical responses can be a sign that the person is experiencing discomfort and may be trying to protect themselves from further pain or distress. Other physical signs include difficulty focusing and staying still, avoiding eye contact, and difficulty staying organized. Emotional signs of sensory sensitivity may include irritability, restlessness, difficulty calming down, and difficulty managing emotions. People with sensory sensitivities may also have trouble regulating their energy levels, which can lead to frequent mood swings. They may also have difficulty understanding and responding to social cues, leading to feelings of isolation or alienation. It is important to note that sensory sensitivities can manifest differently in each individual.

While some people may respond to loud noises or bright lights with physical discomfort, others may be more sensitive to subtler changes in their environment. It is also important to recognize that these signs are not necessarily indicative of a diagnosis; rather, they are indicators that a person may be struggling with sensory sensitivities.

Treatments for Sensory Sensitivities

Sensory sensitivities can be a challenge for those with autism and other neurodiversities. Fortunately, there are a number of treatments available to help manage these sensitivities and reduce the intensity of their symptoms. Treatments may include occupational therapy, behavioral therapy, medications, and other interventions.

Occupational Therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on helping individuals with their daily activities.

Occupational therapists can work with those with sensory sensitivities to help them develop strategies to cope with their sensitivities. For example, they may provide education on different types of sensory stimulation, as well as teach techniques such as deep breathing or calming exercises. They may also provide tools such as noise-canceling headphones or weighted blankets to help manage symptoms.

Behavioral Therapy may also be used to help individuals with sensory sensitivities. This type of therapy focuses on identifying the triggers that may cause a person to become overwhelmed by sensory stimuli and then developing strategies to cope with or manage the triggers.

This type of therapy may involve role-playing exercises or other activities designed to help an individual recognize their triggers and develop strategies to better manage them.

Medications may also be used to help manage sensory sensitivities in some cases. These medications may include antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, as well as medications specifically designed to target sensory sensitivities. It is important to note that medications should always be used in conjunction with other therapies, such as occupational or behavioral therapy.

Other Interventions may also be used to help manage sensory sensitivities. These interventions may include dietary changes, massages, or yoga.

It is important to note that these interventions should be tailored to the individual and should be used in conjunction with other treatments such as occupational or behavioral therapy.

Tips for Managing Sensory Sensitivities

When it comes to managing sensory sensitivities, the key is to create a supportive and safe environment. This starts with recognizing the signs of sensory sensitivities and identifying strategies to help manage them. Here are some tips for managing sensory sensitivities:

Create a Safe Environment: Creating an environment that is comfortable and calming can help ease the effects of sensory sensitivities. This could include reducing bright lights, minimizing clutter, and using noise-canceling headphones.

It is also important to keep in mind that different environments may trigger different reactions and to adjust accordingly.

Provide Calming Activities: Finding activities that help to calm the senses can be beneficial in managing sensory sensitivities. This could include deep breathing exercises, yoga, or mindfulness activities. It can also be helpful to have a few “go-to” activities that can be used as a distraction when necessary.

Build Coping Skills: It is important to help build coping skills for those with sensory sensitivities. This can include teaching calming techniques such as focusing on one’s breath, stretching, or engaging in relaxation activities. These skills can be used when faced with a trigger that causes distress.

Seek Professional Advice: Finally, it is important to seek professional advice from an occupational therapist or other healthcare provider.

They can provide specific advice and strategies for managing sensory sensitivities and how best to support someone with this condition.

What Are Sensory Sensitivities?

Sensory sensitivities, also known as sensory processing disorder, are a condition where individuals struggle to process and respond to everyday stimuli. These sensitivities can manifest in a range of physical and emotional symptoms, from hyper- or hypo-sensitivity to loud noises or aversion to certain textures. Sensory sensitivities can be a challenge for those with autism and other neurodiversities, as they may find it difficult to process the world around them. Hyper-sensitivity to sound is one type of sensory sensitivity. Those with this condition may experience discomfort in loud or crowded places, such as a busy restaurant or large gathering.

They may also be easily startled by loud noises and have difficulty focusing in noisy environments. Hypo-sensitivity to sound is another type of sensory sensitivity. Those with this condition may have difficulty hearing or detecting subtle sounds or speech, and may be less responsive to verbal commands. Texture sensitivity is another type of sensory sensitivity that can affect those with autism and other neurodiversities. Individuals may experience discomfort when touching certain fabrics or textures, such as wool or velvet.

They may also have difficulty tolerating the feel of certain foods, such as sticky or wet foods. Visual sensitivities are also common, and can manifest in issues such as difficulty looking directly at bright lights or fast-moving objects. Sensory sensitivities can cause distress and difficulty functioning in everyday life. It is important to be aware of these sensitivities and work with individuals to create an environment that is safe and comfortable for them. With the right support, those with sensory sensitivities can learn to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.