Asperger's Syndrome and Sensory Sensitivity in Children
Children with Asperger's Syndrome suffer from sensory
sensitivity or are "sensory defensive". This sensitivity can
encompass any or all of the senses: sound, touch, taste, sight,
and smell. These sensitivities are real, and cause the sufferer
much discomfort, some describing it as 'painful'. Sensory
overload can trigger a meltdown, often being the 'straw that
broke the camel's back'. Some sensitivity's will diminish with
exposure and the passage of time. Others will remain as severe
for life.
Does your child insist on wearing the same clothes, hat or shoes
all the time? Does your child ask for the same foods for every
meal? Does he/she shy away from outdoor activities or not like
the flashing lights at a school disco? Do they become distracted
by strong smells, or notice smells before anyone else? Do they
get intensely frightened by balloons popping, fireworks or
crowds applauding? Then they may have sensory issues.
Some stimuli your child may be sensitive to:- Auditory -mower;
vacuum; fire alarm; clock ticking. Visual -sunshine; fluorescent
lights; fans; 'trigger' colours. Olfactory (smell) -perfume;
deodorant; scented washing powder; toothpaste; insecticides.
Tactile -Shirt; shorts; shoes; socks; static in clothes; feel of
wind on skin.
A lot can be done in managing these sensitivities, such as
Sensory Integration, Auditory Integration Training and
Occupational Therapy. For light sensitivity there's Irlen Lenses.
At home you may consider a "sensory diet" of activities
including: Whole body actions e.g. swimming; hanging by the
arms; push-ups Proprioceptive activities e.g. pushing hands
together in prayer position; pushing against a wall with legs
Vestibular-proprioceptive activities e.g. swinging; trampoline;
bike riding; dance Tactile activities e.g. body brushing;
rolling on an exercise ball
For sound sensitivities consider using ear plugs, headphones or
even blue-tac in the ears to muffle the sounds. Having your
child listen to music they enjoy (of a soothing nature rather
than heavy metal) can benefit, and monitor the lighting in your
home - natural is best.
There are many other factors that can contribute to sensory
overload.
Many Asperger children are extremely sensitive to the moods of
other people, especially when they are in close proximity. The
effects of other people's moods seem to wash over ASD children,
and it evokes a differing response in each child. This is called
referred mood. E.g. For the referred emotion of ANGER, the
Asperger child may become angry themselves, or they may withdraw
within themselves, and internalise the anger, or feel the anger
is directed at them - and think it must be their fault.
Whichever way they experience referred moods, it's a totalling
confusing and exhausting experience for an Asperger child.
Referred moods happen with most emotions such as agitation,
anxiety, excitement.
Asperger children are also overloaded from too many people
(crowds), and some scenarios are shopping centres, school
assembly/parade, public libraries, movie theatres, concerts,
fairs, playgrounds in the park etc. They seem to soak in all the
energy around them. Too much to smell, too much to listen to,
too much to see, too much movement!
Another source of overload for the Asperger child is voice,
particularly tone of voice. Long before the words or message is
decoded, the tone is instantly analysed by the Autistic Spectrum
Disorder child. Any hint of criticism or sarcasm is detected and
taken personally. A critical tone is destructive, particularly
when the Asperger child is not aware of the 'why'. The 'loop'
effect can result in the Asperger child going over the statement
long after the event took place. They try to analyse the
scenario, and this causes an increase in anxiety, agitation and
fear.
Most Asperger children find it traumatic to be looked at or
stared at. Asperger children feel vulnerable; unable to protect
themselves from prying eyes. Staring intrudes on their own
private world, and these children feel powerless to deal with
it. When Asperger children become over sensitised from staring
they often think they are being stared at when they're not.
Their obsessiveness takes over and "being stared at" can become
a major source of bother.
These are all common areas of upset for an Asperger child. They
can all contribute to the cumulative overload effect of Sensory
Stimuli. And yes, they can often lead to meltdown! Your child's
Psychologist/Therapist should be working on strategies to
effectively help your child in these areas, but being aware of
these sources of distress means you will be able to better
understand your Asperger child's behaviour, and perhaps take
preventative action when appropriate.
www.nellefrances.com