Sensory Overload Autism: A Practical Guide for Australians

Sensory overload autism: what it is and how it looks

Overload can happen when sensory input becomes too much for the person, and the signs differ between people.

If the signs are building, people may stim, talk less, pace or become tearful before a full meltdown, as our guide to autism meltdown vs tantrum explains.

Sensory sensitivity in autism: hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity

Raising Children Network explains that autistic children may be oversensitive, where the senses take in too much, or undersensitive, where they take in too little (Raising Children Network).

• Hypersensitivity: lights, sounds, textures or smells feel too strong, which can make everyday places painful or exhausting.
• Hyposensitivity in autism: a person may not notice pain, temperature or a loud noise, or may crave strong input such as spinning or crashing into things.
• Both at once: a person can be oversensitive to sound and undersensitive to touch, and the pattern can change day to day.
• Autism noise sensitivity: earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones can help with sound sensitivities.

Autism and sensory processing: proprioception and interoception

Beyond the five senses, two body senses can also be part of the picture.

• Proprioception in autism: the sense of where your body is in space, which affects balance, coordination and how hard you press or push.
• Interoception and autism: the sense of what is happening inside your body, such as hunger, thirst, needing the toilet, pain or a racing heart.
• When these senses work differently, a person may not notice they are hungry or hurt.
• An occupational therapist can talk through what you notice and suggest practical ways to check in with your body.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Sensory seeking autism: why some people crave input

Not every sensory difference is about avoiding something, and some autistic people actively look for sensory input.

• Spinning, jumping, rocking, squeezing, chewing or tapping can feel calming or enjoyable for some people.
• A child making a humming or “hmm” noise may be soothing themselves, blocking out other sounds or simply enjoying the vibration.
• Talking or narrating out loud can help some autistic people think, process and regulate, even when it looks unusual to others.
• Options such as a swing, chewable jewellery or a trampoline may meet the need, with supervision and safety checks, and it is worth asking an occupational therapist before using weighted products; see autism sensory toys for ideas.

If a behaviour is safe, finding a way to meet the need can be more helpful than simply stopping it, and an occupational therapist can advise.

How to manage sensory overload in autism

Planning ahead and small changes to a place can make overload less likely.

1. 1Spot the triggers. Keep a simple diary of where, when and what was happening before overload, and look for patterns over two weeks.
2. 2Change the environment first. Lower lights, reduce noise, offer a quiet corner and cut scents where you can.
3. 3Use tools the person chooses. Noise-cancelling headphones, earplugs, sunglasses, soft clothing and fidgets all work differently for different people.
4. 4Plan breaks and exits. Agree a signal or card that means “I need a break”, and keep trips short when the person is tired.
5. 5Allow recovery time. After overload, offer quiet, water and no demands until the person is ready to talk.

Raising Children Network rates sensory integration therapy, delivered by occupational therapists trained in the approach, as “unrateable” because there is not enough research to rate it (Raising Children Network). Talk to your occupational therapist about what they recommend and why.

Autism emotional sensitivity and justice sensitivity

Some autistic people describe strong feelings alongside sensory sensitivity.

• Autism emotional sensitivity: feelings can be intense and long-lasting, and criticism, tension or change can hurt more than others expect.
• Justice sensitivity in autism: some autistic people feel unfairness or broken rules very strongly, which can bring both strong values and distress.
• Overload and mood: a day of sensory strain can leave a person more anxious, tearful or short-tempered that evening.
• Sleep, eating and stress can also affect how much input feels manageable, so look at the guides on sleep and autism and autism and eating.

Autism sensory issues across ages and conditions

• Children: overload may look like refusing clothes, covering ears or meltdowns, and signs of autism in children shows other early signs.
• Adults: some adults describe masking their reactions and feeling exhausted afterwards, as signs of autism in adults describes.
• ADHD overlap: the Australian ADHD Guideline found children and adolescents with autism have a significantly higher risk of ADHD (AADPA), and ADHD sensory overload looks at the shared experience.
• Can you have sensory issues without autism? Yes; people who are not autistic can also have sensory differences, so a professional needs to look at the whole picture.

Sensory overload autism and NDIS support

NDIS funding depends on whether you meet the access requirements, and not on a sensory diagnosis alone.

• If you meet the NDIS access requirements, a plan may fund supports for daily living and community access based on your goals.
• Reports from your treating professionals that describe daily impact can help show your needs.
• Our guide to autism funding explains how evidence and planning work.
• Support workers can help you carry out the strategies you choose, such as shopping at quieter times or travelling with headphones.

When to talk to a GP or specialist

• Sensory problems stop you or your child from eating, sleeping, going to school or work, or leaving the house.
• Overload is leading to frequent meltdowns, shutdowns or withdrawal, and nothing you have tried is helping.
• You or your child may not notice pain, injury or illness, and you want advice on keeping safe.
• You want an assessment for autism or advice about seeing an occupational therapist, and would like your GP to explain the options.
• You feel overwhelmed, so call Autism Connect on 1300 308 699 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Call 000 in an emergency or if someone is in immediate danger.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Your next step

If sensory overload is limiting outings, meals or daily routines, practical support at home and in the community can help. At TQN Care, our support workers help autistic people and their families with routines, personal care, community access and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne, Newcastle, Wollongong and Geelong. See our NDIS services or make a referral and we will call you back.