Many people on the autism spectrum have a sensory information processing disorder, known as hyposensitivity. This means that they perceive information from their senses differently than most other people. When they come in contact with stimuli that other people normally respond to, they don’t pay attention to them. For example, when you call a child’s name, they don’t seem to notice that they are being addressed. You may call your child’s name several times in a row, but they don’t seem to hear anything.
Types of sensory hyposensitivity and the most prominent manifestations
- Visual: the child loses a line when reading, complains of eye fatigue.
- Auditory: the child does not respond to a name, mooing or humming when busy with something.
- Olfactory: does not notice, does not feel unpleasant odors that are obvious to everyone, such as the smell of spoiled stale food.
- Taste: does not feel that a dish is too salty or too spicy.
- Vestibular: the child on the playground is not attracted to swings and merry-go-rounds, he prefers to play sitting down, making a minimum of movements.
- Tactile: the child does not notice how hurt or bruised, does not feel.
- Proprioceptive – muscular senses: leans on walls, half-lying on a chair, is characterized by muscle weakness.
- Interoception – receiving information by the central nervous system about the state of internal organs: the child does not feel the urge to go to the toilet, so he can soil or wet his pants, does not feel hunger, poorly feels the location of his own body in space.
Children with hyposensitivity are more lethargic, seem tired and slow. Their reactions to stimuli take longer to manifest themselves than other children.
Emotional consequences of hyposensitivity
Children with hyposensitivity may suffer from low self-esteem. They may prefer to sit down and avoid activities that require vigorous movement. Because of this, they may be labeled as “nerds,” “nerds” and “loners.” Because of their poor ability to socialize with their peers, they may have few opportunities to develop normal social skills and form relationships. As a result, they have less experience in talking, sharing, and participating in imaginative play.
They may also fall behind academically because they may be late in realizing what the teacher wants (for example, when the teacher tells everyone to open their notebooks to write dictation), so they are not keeping up with the other children all the time. These children may see themselves as stupid and incapable of sports compared to other children.
How to help children with hyposensitivity
Experts write that such children need “sprint” activities to activate the sensory system. Swinging on swings, loud music, vigorous physical exercise increase the response to stimuli.
- It is necessary to involve the child in motor activity. For this purpose, personal examples and simple equipment are suitable: swings, fitness ball, balance board, massage cushions, children’s hand-expanders.
- Problems of lack of gravity sensations will help to solve weighted vests and cuffs for the limbs, which can be made independently. In this way, the vestibular apparatus will be stimulated.
- To increase sensory stimulation, try cooking more spicy, and crunchy food.
- If the child prefers to play computer games, you can buy him a game console, which requires playing in a standing position and imitation of movement.
The impact of sensory hyposensitivity on daily life
Sensory hyposensitivity affects many aspects of a child’s life, from behavior to learning and social skills. Here are some common problems faced by children with sensory hyposensitivity:
- Noise and crowded environments: Children with hyposensitivity often do not respond to noise, which can lead to them not hearing important cues (e.g. when they are called). In crowded places or noisy classrooms, they may feel isolated, and their lack of response to sounds may be perceived by others as inattention or disinterest.
- Learning difficulties: Because of problems with perception and awareness of their surroundings, a child may have difficulties in school. For example, they may not be able to hear the teacher’s directions or notice important actions (such as having to start writing). This can cause the child to feel frustrated and feel like they are falling behind their peers.
- Everyday tasks: In everyday life, children with hyposensitivity may not notice odors (such as spoiled food), and this can lead to hygiene problems. Problems with feeling hungry or needing to go to the toilet can also lead to unpleasant situations.
Family support
In order to help a child with hyposensitivity, it is important to create a supportive and understanding family atmosphere. Here are some guidelines:
- Understanding and patience: Parents and loved ones should remember that children with hyposensitivity perceive the world differently. It is important to be patient and willing to adapt to the environment, including the home environment.
- Training and Resources: Parents should seek out information about sensory hyposensitivity and autism, and contact professionals for counseling and educational materials. Families who are familiar with the challenges and opportunities of children with ASD can create a more comfortable environment for their child’s development.
- Support groups and communities: An important aspect of support is participation in groups for parents of children with autism. In such communities, it is possible to share experiences, find solutions to everyday problems, and receive emotional support from people facing similar challenges.
- Active involvement in the child’s life: Parents should be actively involved in the child’s life, helping the child to develop sensory skills through joint activities such as outdoor activities, sports, texture play and other activities. It is also important to take into account the child’s desires and preferences so that activities are enjoyable.
Conclusion
Sensory hyposensitivity is an important aspect of the lives of children with autism that affects their perception of the world, daily life and emotional well-being. The right approach, including the creation of an adapted environment and the use of special exercises, helps children cope and develop.
Family support, patience and attention to the child’s needs play a key role in their development. Together with specialist help and active parental involvement, children with sensory impairments can improve their quality of life and become more confident and successful in society.
