Let’s Talk About Sensory Differences in Autism

Sensory differences are extremely common amongst the autistic population but they are often overlooked leading to a misunderstanding in the neurotypical population of the impact sensory differences can have on a person’s ability to access and function in different environments.

During this session participants will:

• Learn that we all have 8 sensory systems which help us process our environment
• Explore what is meant by ‘sensory processing’ and how sensory processing can be different in the autistic population
• Explore why some people have sensory processing differences
• Understand the impact these sensory processing differences can have in different environments
• Recognise behaviours that might suggest a person is experiencing sensory differences
• Learn what is meant by ‘sensory overload’
• Understand what to do if someone is experiencing sensory overload
• Learn general support strategies that can help those who experience sensory differences.

By the end of the session carers will have a deeper understanding of why many autistic people experience the world differently. They will have a better sense of how the person they support might feel in environments they find overwhelming. Carers will leave the session knowing what general strategies can be implemented to support the autistic person in their care.