For those on the autism spectrum and with other neurological differences, the world can often be an intense sensory experience. Everyday sights, sounds, smells, textures and tastes that may go unnoticed by neurotypical individuals can be amplified and overwhelming for neurodivergent people. This sensory overload can lead to meltdowns, shutdowns, and a desperate need to stim (self-stimulatory behaviour) to regain a regulated state. Understanding stimming and sensory issues is key to supporting the neurodivergent community.
Sensory Processing Differences
A landmark study by Dr. Grace Baranek et al. (2013) found that children with autism showed definite differences in sensory responsiveness compared to neurotypical controls. Sensory over-responsivity, under-responsivity, sensory seeking, and sensory cravers were all identified as patterns in autistic children. Bright lights, loud noises, strong smells, certain textures of food or fabrics – any of the senses can be exaggerated or dulled in autism.
These sensory differences start from a young age but tend to become more pronounced in autism as the brain develops differently. A study by Dr. Filliter et al. (2015) indicated that even infants later diagnosed with autism show diminished pupillary reaction to sensory stimuli, suggesting very early neurological differences in processing external inputs.
For many autistic adults, sensory issues remain a daily challenge. A large survey study by Dr. Elwin et al. (2012) found that 94.8% of autistic adults reported sensory hypersensitivity in multiple domains like sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. Certain sensory experiences that may go unnoticed or seem unremarkable to neurotypical individuals can be perceived as painful and overwhelming for autistic people.
Stimming as a Coping Mechanism
In the face of sensory overload, autistic individuals often turn to repetitive behaviours known as “stimming” to regain a regulated sensory state. Stimming refers to self-stimulatory behaviours like rocking, spinning, hand-flapping, echolalia (repeating words or sounds), and many other repetitive movements and vocalisations.
While these behaviours may seem odd or disruptive to neurotypical observers, stimming is an important self-regulating function and coping mechanism, not to mention that it is sometimes a way to express emotions like joy or excitement or frustration. A study by Dr. Boyd et al. (2012) found that suppressing stimming can increase anxiety, stress, and self-injurious behaviours in autistic individuals. On the flip side, allowing stimming leads to positive outcomes like improved attention, better academic performance, and reduced aggressive behaviour.
From my own professional experience working with autistic clients, I’ve seen how stimming provides a calming, regulatory effect during times of sensory overload and emotional dysregulation. A wide range of repetitive behaviours, including : Hand-flapping, rocking, tapping, stretching, puzzles, sorting things, lining things up / arranging things, singing, echolalia, reading, gaming, or reciting a familiar script can be an autistic person’s way of re-centering themselves in an overwhelming situation.
The Need for Accommodation
Even with coping strategies like stimming, navigating a world of sensory extremes is an immense daily challenge for the neurodivergent individual. And all too often, public spaces, workplaces, and schools remain vastly ill-equipped to accommodate sensory needs.
A large study by Dr. Robertson and Simmons (2015) found that sensory sensitivity significantly impacted anxiety levels and ability to participate in activities for autistic adults and children. Sensitivity to lighting, noise levels, crowding and other sensory stressors severely limited environments that autistic individuals could navigate.
Simple accommodations like access to quiet spaces, noise-cancelling headphones, dimmed lighting, and avoiding overcrowding can drastically improve accessibility. And moreover, greater public education and acceptance of stimming as a coping mechanism is vital.
More Than Just Autism
It’s important to note that sensory processing issues and the need for stimming behaviours extend well beyond just the autism community. Sensory differences are common in other neurological conditions like ADHD, anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, and more.
A comprehensive study by Dr. Hazen et al. (2014) found that adults with anxiety and depressive disorders showed significantly more sensory over-responsivity compared to neurotypical controls. Self-injury, emotional dysregulation, and impairment in daily functioning were closely linked to sensory overwhelm in these individuals.
For those with PTSD, certain sounds, smells, or other sensory inputs can trigger intense flashbacks or dissociation, as the brain struggles to differentiate between past trauma and present experience. A study by Dr. Hoffman et al. (2018) indicated that successfully integrating sensory input is a key part of PTSD recovery.
No matter the neurological difference, sensory processing issues and stimming behaviours represent a core need for accommodation, acceptance and understanding across the neurodiversity spectrum.
Moving Toward a Supportive Society
We must Continuing to raise awareness about the realities of sensory differences and the importance of stimming as a coping mechanism is a must. Educating employers, teachers, service providers, public venues and the general public is paramount.
Simple changes in lighting, sound mitigation, provision of quiet spaces, and acceptance of stimming behaviours can dramatically improve access and inclusion for neurodivergent individuals. Garnering support and understanding from the community to We must move beyond viewing neurodivergent needs as odd behaviours, and recognize them as vital functions for navigating an intense sensory world, is imperative. An Autistic person needs a lifestyle that does not lead to burnout and adequate supports as prevention are essential. Acceptance of stimming would go a long way towards supporting, not only neurodivergent individuals but individuals in general whom benefit from these behaviours.
With increased societal support, those with sensory processing differences can thrive, participate, and contribute in all areas of life – rather than being forced to constantly mask their needs or withdraw from overwhelming environments. True inclusion across the neurodiversity spectrum starts with validating diverse sensory experiences.
