Sensory processing differences are one of the most consistently reported experiences among autistic individuals, and understanding them can transform how you interpret your child's behavior — from "acting out" to a genuine, physiological response to their sensory environment.
What Sensory Processing Differences Actually Are
Sensory processing refers to how the brain receives, interprets, and responds to sensory information from the body and environment — sound, light, touch, taste, smell, movement, and body position. For autistic individuals, this processing often works differently than typical, which can mean certain sensory input feels far more intense, far less noticeable, or simply different than it does for non-autistic people.
Sensory Seeking and Sensory Avoiding
Sensory differences generally fall into two broad (and sometimes overlapping) patterns. Read more in Sensory Seeking vs. Sensory Avoiding: What's the Difference? — many autistic children show a mix of both, depending on the specific sense and situation.
Building Supportive Environments
A thoughtfully designed environment can meaningfully reduce sensory overwhelm. See Building a Sensory-Friendly Home for practical home modifications, and Managing Sensory Overload in Public Places for strategies beyond your own home.
Structured Sensory Support
Some children benefit from a more structured, planned approach to sensory input throughout the day. Sensory Diets: What They Are and How to Build One explains this concept (not related to food, despite the name).
Specific Tools and Strategies
We take an honest look at some commonly discussed sensory tools in Weighted Blankets and Compression: Do They Really Help?, and address one of the most common specific sensitivities in Noise Sensitivity in Autism: Strategies That Help.
Sensory Differences and Eating
Sensory sensitivities frequently show up around food and eating — often one of the more stressful areas for families. Picky Eating and Sensory Sensitivities: A Parent's Guide addresses this directly.
How ABA Therapy Addresses Sensory Needs
While ABA therapy doesn't change a child's underlying sensory processing, it can help build communication around sensory needs, coping strategies for challenging sensory situations, and — often in coordination with occupational therapy — support a child's overall regulation and quality of life.
Getting Started in Jenison and Across Michigan
Our Individual ABA Therapy service is designed around exactly this kind of goal. If sensory regulation is a significant part of your Jenison-area child's needs, our BCBA, Kimberly Blazer, factors this into every treatment plan. Our in-home ABA therapy page has more information, or Get Started Today to get started.