Sensory overload is another feature that often manifests in autism. For example the flickering of a fluorescent light that goes unnoticed by most may be an annoyance to an autistic child. The child may be sensitive to noises, the feel of some materials against their skin, or the amount of pressure placed on areas of their body. These sensory overloads mean the child can be highly distractible or stressed and can lead to behaviors like covering their ears, screaming, spinning or rocking, hiding under a table, or even self-injury.
There are many strategies for helping an autistic child but the best ones are based on understanding the individual. Be aware of (more…)