Sensory defensiveness

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Sensory Defensiveness is defined as having an anxious reaction to what a Neurotypical would consider non-noxious sensory stimuli. In other words, a person is sensory defensive if he/she has a negative reaction to sensory input that is typically considered either positive or at least neutral. It is not uncommon for individuals to have a few mild sensory defensive traits. When multiple defensive traits that impact the person's day-to-day life are present, that person is considered to be Sensory Defensive.

Some Common Symptoms (and Variations)

Common symptoms of Sensory Defensiveness include intolerance of high-pitched noises, intolerance of overhead lights (especially fluorescent lighting); experiencing a feeling of being attacked upon being touched (especially from light touch or sudden touch); intolerance of certain types of fabrics in contact with the skin; becoming nauseated upon smelling something that does not smell bad to normal individuals; difficulty maintaining eye-contact; intolerance of foods due to taste, texture, or temperature; and generally becoming overwhelmed when exposed to a lot of sensory stimuli at once.

Intolerance in this context should not be taken as unwillingness to be subject to the sensory stimuli in question; rather, it is an inability to process the sensory stimuli in any way other than as over-stimulating, because the sensory stimuli provokes a fight-or-flight reaction. This is also known as sensory overload.

There are multiple ways in which sensory defensiveness can vary between individuals. 1) The senses that are problematic for one person may not be so for another. (Commonly, individuals report major issues with two or three senses and minor issues with the other senses.) 2) How easily and the way in which a particular sense bothers individuals varies (e.g. high-pitched noises may annoy someone, or they may hurt his/her ears; touch may provoke anxiety, or it can be painful). 3) The triggers for a particular sense vary between people (e.g. one person may be sensitive to the texture of mushy foods, while another may be sensitive to crunchy foods).

Effects and Treatment

Sensory overload can lead to what is commonly termed a "melt-down". This may look much like a tantrum, or a person may undergo dissociation, which causes him/her to withdraw into himself/herself. Individuals will often cope with their sensory difficulties by avoiding those situations that cause them irritation. Occupational therapists often prescribe "sensory diets". This is a therapy that is tailored to the individual in which he/she gets to experience calming sensory stimuli that help to balance his/her sensory system. Snoozelin rooms,in which sensory experiences can be controlled and explored, are sometimes used. Individuals will often naturally create or find their own calming sensory stimuli (called "stims" in the autistic community) or sensory diets.

The other side to these issues is that many people report a positively heightened awareness of their senses, under the right conditions. They also promote "stims", which can include music, exercise, and any other pleasing sensory stimulation, as natural means of reducing stress.

The Connection with Sensory Integration Dysfunction and Autism

Sensory Defensiveness is a part of Sensory Integration Dysfunction. Sensory Integration Dysfunction is considered to be part of the autism spectrum, but a person does not have to display any other autistic traits in order to have Sensory Defensiveness or Sensory Integration Dysfunction. Sensory integration issues are also common with dyspraxia, cerebral palsy[1], and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Literature and Resources

Sharon Heller's book, Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight: What to Do If You Are Sensory Defensive in an Overstimulating World (ISBN 0-06-093292-9),is the only lay book that has been written specifically about Sensory Defensiveness in adults.

Symptoms, background information, and treatment of Sensory Defensiveness in adults are addressed in the manual and handbook of "The Sensory Connection Program: Activities in Mental Health Treatment" authored by Karen Moore, OTR/L. Information on Sensory Defensiveness is also available on the website www.sensoryconnectionprogram.com.

Olga Bogdashina's "Sensory Perceptual Issues in Autism and Asperger's Syndrome: Different Sensory Experiences, Different Perceptual Worlds" provides a good overview of sensory traits in the autism spectrum.