Crisis Services
ASERT does not offer crisis services through our Resource Center. If you or someone you love is experiencing mental health distress or thoughts of suicide please call or text 988 for support.
ASERT does not offer crisis services through our Resource Center. If you or someone you love is experiencing mental health distress or thoughts of suicide please call or text 988 for support.
Sensory features are a part of the diagnostic criteria for individuals on the autism spectrum. Understanding these sensory features and how to support individuals on the autism spectrum who have a negative experience related to sensory features is important and can help guide interactions.
While there are several variations of terms to describe sensory features and different patterns of sensory features this resource will discuss three types: hyper-reactive, hypo-reactive, and sensory integration. The first portion of ASSIST will define these terms and introduce the seven senses.
In the next section, the potential sensory-related behaviors or responses commonly associated a hyper-reactive response, hypo-reactive response, or difficulty with sensory integration is provided. Keep in mind that every person has individual experiences so responses may vary.
Further, each section includes considerations that can be helpful in situations when the individual on the autism spectrum encounters a police car or an ambulance, and/or when in a crowded area, shelter, or home. These are a few environments that justice professionals may be interacting with individuals on the autism spectrum, so it is important to have access to strategies in adapting or preparing the environment to best support sensory needs.
The final portion of each section involves toolkit suggestions. These are items or strategies that justice professionals can have accessible.
Police Car/Ambulance:
Crowds/Shelters
1. Smith-Roley, S., Imperatore-Blanche, E., & Schaaf, R. (2001). Understanding sensory integration with diverse populations. New York: Therapy Skill Builders.
2. Robertson, A. E., & Simmons, D. R. (2015). The sensory experiences of adults with autism spectrum disorder: a qualitative analysis. Perception, 44(5), 569-586. https://doi.org/10.1068/p7833
3. Piller, A., & Pfeiffer, B. (2016). The sensory environment and participation of preschool children with autism spectrum disorder. OTJR: occupation, participation and health, 36(3), 103-111. https://doi.org/10.1177/1539449216665116
4. Iarocci, G. & McDonald, J. (2006). Sensory integration and the perceptual experience of persons with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 36(1), 77-90. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803- 005-0044-3
5. Carson, T.B., Wilkes, B.J., Patel, K., Pineda, J.L., Ko, J.H., Newell, K.M., Bodfish, J.W., Schubert, M.C., Radonovich, K., White, K.D., & Lewis, M.H. (2017). Vestibulo-ocular reflex function in children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders. Autism Research, 10(2),
251–266. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.1642
6. Lytle, R. & Todd, T. (2009). Stress and the student with autism spectrum disorders strategies for stress reduction and enhanced learning. Teaching Exceptional Children, 41(4), 36-42. https://doi. org/10.1177/004005990904100404
7. Ashburner, J., Bennett, L., Rodger, S., & Ziviani, J. (2013). Understanding the sensory experiences of children with autism spectrum disorder: A preliminary investigation. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 60(30), 171-180. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12025
Police Car/Ambulance:
Crowds/Shelters:
1. Stiegler, L. N., & Davis, R. (2010). Understanding sound sensitivity in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 25(2), 67-75. https://doi.org/10.1177/1088357610364530
2 .Tomchek, S. D., & Dunn, W. (2007). Sensory processing in children with and without autism: a comparative study using the short sensory profile. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61(2), 190-200. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.61.2.190
3. Weitlauf, A. S., Sathe, N., McPheeters, M. L., & Warren, Z. E. (2017). Interventions targeting sensory challenges in autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review. Pediatrics,
139(6), e20170347. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2017-0347
4. Porges, S. W., Bazhenova, O. V., Bal, E., Carlson, N., Sorokin, Y., Heilman, K. J., Cook, E. H., & Lewis, G. F. (2014). Reducing auditory hypersensitivities in autistic spectrum disorder: preliminary findings evaluating the listening project protocol. Frontiers in pediatrics, 2, 80. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2014.00080
5. Stiegler, L., & Davis, R. (2011). Managing sound sensitivity in individuals with ASDs. The ASHA Leader, 16(1), 5-7. https://doi.org/10.1044/leader.FTR3.16012011.5
6. Robertson, A. E., & Simmons, D. R. (2015). The sensory experiences of adults with autism spectrum disorder: a qualitative analysis. Perception, 44(5), 569-586. https://doi.
org/10.1068/p7833
7. Landon, J., Shepherd, D., & Lodhia, V. (2016). A qualitative study of the noise sensitivity in adults with autism spectrum disorder. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 32,
43-52. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2016.08.005
8. Railey, K. S., Bowers-Campbell, J., Love, A. M., & Campbell, J.M. (2020). An exploration of law enforcement officers’ training needs and interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 50(1), 101-117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04227-2
9. Soares, N., White, K.E., Christensen, R.T., Christiansen, A.,& Apple, R. (2019). Collaborating with families and law enforcement agencies to improve outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 40(9), 659-668. https://doi.org/10.1097/DBP.0000000000000741
10. Edmonds, C. O. (2017). Designing emergency preparedness resources for children with autism. International Journal of Disability, Development & Education, 64(4), 404–419.
https://doi.org/10.1080/1034912X.2016.1264577
11. Mikkelsen, M., Wodka, E.L., Mostofsky, M.H., Puts, N.A. (2018). Autism spectrum disorder in the scope of tactile processing. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 29, 140-150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dcn.2016.12.005
12. Baum, S.H., Stevenson, R.A., & Wallace, R.T. (2015). Behavioral, perceptual, and neural alterations in sensory and multi-sensory function in autism spectrum disorder. Progress in Neurobiology, 134, 140-160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.09.007
13. Iarocci, G. & McDonald, J. (2006). Sensory integration and the perceptual experience of persons with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 36(1), 77-90.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-005-0044-3
Police Car/Ambulance
Crowds/Shelters
1. Schaaf, R. C., Toth-Cohen, S., Johnson, S. L., Outten, G., & Benevides, T. W. (2011). The everyday routines of families of children with autism: Examining the impact of sensory processing difficulties on the family. Autism, 15(3), 373-389. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361310386505
2. Lane, A. E., Young, R. L., Baker, A. E., & Angley, M. T. (2010). Sensory processing subtypes in autism: Association with adaptive behavior. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 40(1), 112-122. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-009-0840-2
3. Lane, A. E., Geraghty, M. E., Young, G. S., & Rostorfer, J. L. (2014). Problem eating behaviors in autism spectrum disorder are associated with suboptimal daily nutrient intake and taste/smell sensitivity. ICAN: Infant, Child, & Adolescent Nutrition, 6(3), 172-180. https://doi.
org/10.1177/1941406414523981
4. Wallen, E.F., Ljunggren, G., Carlsson, A.C., Pettersson, D. & Wandell, P. (2018). High prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and obesity among persons with recorded
diagnosis of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 62(4), 269-280. https://doi.org/10.1111/jir.12462
5. Robertson, A. E., & Simmons, D. R. (2015). The sensory experiences of adults with autism spectrum disorder: a qualitative analysis. Perception, 44(5), 569-586. https://doi.org/10.1068/p7833
6. Du, R.Y., Yiu, C.K.Y. & King, N.M. (2019). Oral health behaviours of preschool children with autism spectrum disorders and their barriers to dental care. Journal of Autism Developmental Disorder, 49(2), 453–459. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3708-5
7. Smith, B., Rogers, S.L., Blissett, J., & Ludlow, A.K. (2020). The relationship between sensory sensitivity, food fussiness and food preferences in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Appetite, 150(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2020.104643
1. Robertson, A. E., & Simmons, D. R. (2015). The sensory experiences of adults with autism spectrum disorder: a qualitative analysis. Perception, 44(5), 569-586. https://doi.org/10.1068/p7833
2. Mikkelsen, M., Wodka, E.L., Mostofsky, M.H., Puts, N.A. (2018). Autism spectrum disorder in the scope of tactile processing. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 29, 140-150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dcn.2016.12.005
3. Crane, L., Goddard, L., & Pring, L. (2009). Sensory processing in adults with autism spectrum disorders. Autism, 13(3), 215-228. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361309103794
4. ASERT.(2020).Wearing a mask social story. PA Autism. Retrieved from: https://
paautism.org/resource/wearing-mask-social-story/
5. Allely, C.S. (2013). Pain sensitivity and observer perception of pain in individuals
with autistic spectrum disorder. Scientific World Journal, 2013, 916178. https://
doi.org/10.1155/2013/916178
6. Howe, M.B., Brittain, L.A., & McCathren, R.B. (2004). Meeting the sensory
needs of young children in classrooms. Sensory Needs, 8(1), 11-19. https://doi.org/10.1177/109625060400800102
7. Ashburner, J., Bennett, L., Rodger, S., & Ziviani, J. (2013). Understanding the sensory experiences of children with autism spectrum disorder: A preliminary investigation. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 60(3), 171-180. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12025
8. Hilton, C.L., Harper, J.D., Holmes Kueker, R., Runzi Lang, A., Abbacchi, A.M., Todorov, A., LaVesser, P.D. (2010). Sensory responsiveness as a predictor of social severity in children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 40(8), 937-945. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-010-0944-8
1. Imperatore Blanche, E., Reinoso, G., Chang, M.C., & Bodison, S. (2012). Proprioceptive processing difficulties among children with autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66(5), 621–624. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2012.004234
2. Doumas, M., McKenna, R. & Murphy, B. (2016). Postural control deficits in autism spectrum disorder: The role of sensory integration. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(3), 853–861. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2621-4
3. Srivastava, A. (2016). Sensory integration strategies for handwriting among autistic
children. Academic Journal of Pediatrics and Neonatology, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.19080/AJPN.2016.02.555579
4. Schaaf, R. C., Toth-Cohen, S., Johnson, S. L., Outten, G., & Benevides, T. W. (2011). The everyday routines of families of children with autism: Examining the impact of sensory processing difficulties on the family. Autism, 15(3), 373-389. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361310386505
5. Chu, V. W. T. (2017). Assessing proprioception in children: a review. Journal of Motor
Behavior, 49(4), 458-466. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222895.2016.1241744
6. Schaaf, R. C., & Smith Roley, S. (2006). Chapter 13: Sensational ways to play. In Sensory integration: applying clinical reasoning to practice with diverse populations (pp. 195-242). Austin, TX. Pro-Ed, Inc.
7. Eron, K., Kohnert, L., Watters, A., Logan, C., Weisner-Rose, M., & Mehler, P. S. (2020).
Weighted blanket use: A systematic review. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(2), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.037358
8. Gee, B., McOmber, T., Sutton, J., & Lloyd, K. (2017). Efficacy of weighted blankets
for children with autism spectrum disorder, sensory overresponsivity, and sleep disturbance. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71(4). https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2017.71S1-PO4116
9. Candini, M., Giuberti, V., Manattini, A., Grittani, S., di Pellegrino, G., & Frassinetti, F. (2017). Personal space regulation in childhood autism: Effects of social interaction and person’s perspective. Autism Research: Official Journal of the International Society for Autism Research, 10(1), 144–154. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.1637
10. Rivest-Gadbois, E., & Boudrias, M. H. (2019). What are the known effects of yoga on
the brain in relation to motor performances, body awareness and pain? A narrative
review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 44, 129–142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
ctim.2019.03.021
1. Kern, J.K., Garver, C.R., Grannemann, B.D., Trivedi, M.H., Carmody, T., Andrews, A.A., & Mehta, J.A. (2007). Response to vestibular sensory events in autism. Research in
Autism Spectrum Disorders, 1(1), 67-74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2006.07.006
2. Siaperas, P., Ring, H.A., McAllister, C.J., Henderson, S., Barnett, A., Watson, P., & Holland, A.J. (2012). Atypical movement performance and sensory integration in asperger’s
syndrome. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 42(5), 718–725. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-011-1301-2
3. Smith-Roley, S., Imperatore-Blanche, E., & Schaaf, R. (2001). Understanding sensory integration with diverse populations.New York: Therapy Skill Builders.
4. Baum, S.H., Stevenson, R.A., & Wallace, R.T. (2015). Behavioral, perceptual, and neural alterations in sensory and multi-sensory function in autism spectrum disorder. Progress in Neurobiology, 134, 140-160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.09.007
5. Howe, M.B., Brittain, L.A., & McCathren, R.B. (2004). Meeting the sensory needs of young children in classrooms. Sensory Needs, 8(1), 11-19. https://doi. org/10.1177/109625060400800102
6. Railey, K.S., Bowers-Campbell, J., Love, A. M., & Campbell, J.M. (2020). An exploration of law enforcement officers’ training needs and interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorder, 50(1), 101-117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04227-2
7. Carson, T.B., Wilkes, B.J., Patel, K., Pineda, J.L., Ko, J.H., Newell, K.M., Bodfish, J.W., Schubert, M.C., Radonovich, K., White, K.D., & Lewis, M.H. (2017). Vestibulo-ocular reflex function in children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders. Autism Research, 10(2), 251–266. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.1642
8. Henriques, I.F.,de Oliveira, D.W.D., Oliveira-Ferreira, F., & Andrade, P. M. O. (2014). Motion sickness prevalence in school children. European Journal of Pediatrics, 173(11), 1473- 1482. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-014-2351-1
9. Murdin, L., Golding, J., & Bronstein, A. (2011). Managing motion sickness. BMJ, 343, d7430. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.d7430
10.Leung, A.K., & Hon, K. L. (2019). Motion sickness: an overview. Drugs in Context, 8, 2019-9-4. https://doi.org/10.7573/dic.2019-9-4
11.Lytle, R., & Todd, T. (2009). Stress and the student with autism spectrum disorders: Strategies for stress reduction and enhanced learning. Teaching Exceptional Children, 41(4), 36-42. https://doi.org/10.1177/004005990904100404
Name | Description | Type | File |
---|---|---|---|
ASSIST | Autism Sensory Strategies, Information, and Toolkit | Download file: ASSIST |
This information was developed by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT). For more information, please contact ASERT at 877-231-4244 or info@PAautism.org. ASERT is funded by the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services.