Expert Reveals 5 Things You Didn’t Know Make People with Autism Uncomfortable & How to Help
Navigating daily life with Autism Spectrum Disorder involves dealing with an array of sensory sensitivities that can make common environments challenging. When dealing with these discomforts those with autism will display signs such as avoiding eye contact, seeking quiet spaces, or displaying repetitive movements as a signal of sensory overload.
Julia DeNey, founder of Sense-Ational You, highlights the importance of recognizing these sensitivities as well as how to create a more inclusive environment, everywhere we go. Understanding and responding to these cues, allows all of us to support a more accommodating atmosphere for those on the spectrum and help them lead better lives.
1. Auditory Disturbances
Individuals on the spectrum can find everyday sounds overwhelming. According to Julia, “Loud voices, especially yelling, can be overwhelming and even cause physical pain. In addition, other loud mouth noises, like chewing or snoring, can also be distressing. Environmental noises can also cause sensory overload and anxiety, such as unexpected loud noises, like car horns.
If you notice an individual struggling with loud noises, offer to redirect them to a quiet space, or offer headphones if you have them to help them regain their senses and calm their nervous system. “While at school or work, ensure these individuals have a quiet space where they can go to manage their sensory experience,” suggests Julia.
2. Tactile Sensitivities
Those on the spectrum often react strongly to certain textures. These textures can evoke strong emotional responses and put someone with autism in sensory overload. For example, textures like scratchy fabrics or slimy substances can evoke strong negative reactions.
Julia states, “To ease discomfort, consider providing alternative materials in the classroom environment, such as comfortable seating options, or allowing individuals to choose items that feel comfortable to them during school activities. Likewise, when in the community, you might notice individuals refusing to sit on a certain chair. You can always offer a different seating option to ensure they feel more comfortable.”
3. Reactions to Temperature Variances
Individuals with Autism often struggle with temperature variations and the sensory experiences that come with them. Julia notes, “Extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, can be distressing.” To avoid this in a child, create a comfortable environment by adjusting the temperature or providing extra layers, allowing individuals to regulate their comfort. If you are out in the community and notice someone might be struggling with the temperature, you can offer to help them find a warmer or cooler space that will increase their comfort or providing tools such as cold water or an extra coat to warm up.
4. Apparel Challenges
Choosing the right apparel for an individual with autism can be a sensory challenge. Julia points out, “Tags, seams, and tight clothing often feel like constant irritants. To address this, choose clothing with minimal tags and seams or consider tagless options. Encourage the use of loose-fitting or preferred clothing styles to enhance comfort.”
“In addition, if you are out shopping and notice an individual trying on a sweater that is clearly bothering them and causing them to itch, suggest that the fabric might be causing discomfort and show them a different fabric type instead,” suggests Jula.
5. Negative Taste and Smell Sensory Responses
Certain individuals may have heightened taste and smell sensitivities. Julia highlights, “Certain odours or flavours that might seem mild to us, can be overpowering for others.” To address these sensitivities Julia suggests, “providing a range of familiar and safe food options alongside introducing new foods, while also maintaining awareness of potent scents in the surroundings. If you notice a person is struggling with odours at a fast food restaurant while they wait for their food, maybe you can offer to bring their food out to them when it is ready so that they can wait in the fresh air.”
The most important thing is to not be afraid to help those on the spectrum or with sensory difficulties. The best way to become more comfortable being of service is by remaining informed on what makes them uncomfortable so you can spot these challenges and help resolve them. Helping those with autism be more comfortable in their environment will help them feel more involved and included in the community which brings more satisfaction in life, so don’t be afraid to step up!
Featured Photo by Sandy Millar on Unsplash.