Sensory Needs or Behaviour? What Parents Should Know Understanding sensory differences and learning how to support children with autism. Children with autism may respond differently to sounds, lights, textures, movement, and everyday experiences. Understanding what causes a behaviour can help parents respond with patience, confidence, and the right support. Presented by Adapt For Life Why Do Children With Autism Experience the World Differently? Everyone experiences the world through seven primary senses—the standard five (sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell) plus movement (vestibular) and body position (proprioception). For children with autism, the brain often processes this sensory input differently. Over-Responsive More Sensitive Everyday sensations can feel intensely overwhelming (loud noises, bright lights, clothing tags). Children may cover ears or avoid crowds. Under-Responsive Less Sensitive Requires significantly stronger input to notice sensations. May actively seek movement by jumping, spinning, or chewing items. Sensory Seeking Pursuing Feedback Actively seeking specific sensory input because it feels enjoyable or calming, such as rocking, bouncing, or touching textures. Key Takeaway Every child’s sensory profile is completely unique. A child can be highly sensitive to sound while simultaneously seeking intense movement. Understanding What Is Behind a Behaviour Behaviour is often a critical form of communication or a reaction to physical or sensory discomfort. ABA professionals look at antecedents and consequences to understand the "why". 4 Common Reasons for Behaviour • Tangible: Access to an item (toy, food, or activity). • Social Attention: Seeking engagement or response. • Escape / Avoidance: Leaving a hard task or loud room. • Sensory Input: Obtaining a calming automatic sensation. Context Matters A child screaming in a supermarket might be experiencing sensory overload (escape), whereas screaming at home might be a way to request a specific toy (tangible). Empathetic Support Observing without judgement helps identify your child's unspoken needs. Identification Steps for Parents Keep a 1-2 week behaviour log. Observe and record: 1. Antecedent: What happened immediately before? 2. Behaviour: What exactly did the child do? 3. Consequence: What happened immediately after? Small Changes Can Make Everyday Life Easier Making small, proactive changes to your child's environment can make everyday life significantly easier and reduce sensory-induced distress. Sound Sensitivity: Provide noise-reducing headphones in loud environments. Prepare your child in advance for noisy events and consider scheduling grocery shopping during designated quiet hours. Touch Sensitivity: Opt for soft, tagless clothing and seamless socks. Allow your child to choose fabrics they find comfortable, and introduce new textures very gradually without forcing compliance. Visual Sensitivity: Offer sunglasses or wide-brimmed hats when outdoors or under bright lights. Reduce visual clutter in play areas and adjust home lighting to use warmer, softer bulbs instead of harsh fluorescents. Movement Seeking: Provide safe, structured outlets for active play. Encourage jumping on a trampoline, dancing, and swinging, and incorporate frequent movement breaks during seated tasks. Oral Sensory Seeking: Offer safe, durable chew toys or chewable jewellery. Consult with professionals to safely explore and expand acceptable food textures. Sensory-Friendly Everyday Life Creating supportive, tailored spaces helps children feel comfortable, safe, and regulated during daily activities. Creating a Comfortable Environment at Home Creating a supportive physical environment at home is essential for helping your child regulate their nervous system and manage sensory overload. The Calm-Down Space Designate a small, cosy corner where your child can retreat to relax when overwhelmed. This should be a positive, safe space. Equip the space: Soft pillows, dim or adjustable lighting, noise-reducing headphones, calming fidget toys, and weighted blankets. Pro Tip: Always introduce this space when the child is already calm, so they associate it with relaxation rather than punishment. Implementing a Sensory Diet A sensory diet is a carefully planned set of daily sensory activities tailored to your child's specific needs, typically recommended by an occupational therapist. It ensures the child receives the right amount of sensory input throughout the day to stay focused and regulated. Daily Activity Examples: Morning routine: 10 minutes on a trampoline before school Heavy work: Carrying heavy books or helping with household tasks Quiet time: Scheduling planned quiet breaks throughout the day Evening wind-down: Maintaining a relaxing, consistent bedtime routine The Same Behaviour Can Have Different Causes The exact same behaviour can stem from entirely different triggers, requiring support tailored to the specific function. Child A: Sensory Overload Context: Crying in a supermarket due to overwhelming bright lights and loud music. Tailored Support: Provide noise-cancelling headphones or shop during quiet hours. Child B: Tangible Item Request Context: Crying in a store specifically to obtain a desired toy or treat. Tailored Support: Set clear expectations and teach functional requesting skills. When to Seek Immediate Help If your child exhibits unsafe behaviours like head banging, self-injury, or running into the street, seek prompt consultation with a BCBA and your paediatrician. How ABA & OT Collaborate ABA identifies the purpose behind behaviours, while OT safely addresses sensory needs. Together, they help children express needs, request breaks, and build daily life skills. Every Child Deserves Individualised Support Parents do not have to figure everything out alone. Adapt For Life is dedicated to offering individualised Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy and practical, everyday guidance to help your child thrive. Our Services • Clinic-Based ABA Therapy Comprehensive centre support • Flexible In-Home ABA Therapy Tailored home environments Helpful Resources Ongoing educational guidance for families: • Sensory-Friendly Summer Activities • How ABA Therapy Improves Behaviour Get Started Today Begin your family's journey at [link removed]. Clinic Information Fishers Center: 11845 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN 46038 Phone: +1 (317) 799-1584 Get in Touch Email: fishers@aflaba.com Helpline: +1 (502) 965-1116