Who Has Sensory Sensitivity?

Sensory Sensitivity: A Spectrum We All Share

We navigate the world through a symphony of sights, sounds, smells, and textures via our senses. But for some, this sensory experience can be turned up a notch, or even muted entirely. Furthermore, Sensory sensitivity can affect people from all walks of life, creating challenges that can impact everything from daily routines to social interactions.

Intrigued? This blog post delves into the world of sensory processing, exploring how variations in how we perceive stimuli can influence our experiences. Furthermore, we’ll uncover the spectrum of sensory sensitivity, from everyday discomforts to more significant challenges, and explore how creating sensory-friendly environments can benefit everyone.

FAQ About Sensory Sensitivity

What is sensory sensitivity?
Sensory sensitivity, also known as hypersensitivity, occurs when everyday stimuli like lights, sounds, or textures become overwhelming. In fact, it can affect any of the eight senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch, smell, movement, balance, and interoception). For more on how this differs from other sensitivities and strategies to manage it, see our blog post on hypersensitivity.

How does sensory sensitivity affect people?
Sensory sensitivity impacts people of all ages, including children, adults, and seniors. Some may experience heightened responses to stimuli, such as finding loud noises unbearable, while others may be under-sensitive, needing strong sensory input to stay engaged.

Is sensory sensitivity the same for everyone?
No, there’s no one-size-fits-all experience when it comes to sensory processing. Individuals can experience both heightened or diminished sensitivity across different senses, and some might be more sensitive to multiple senses at once.

Can sensory sensitivity be temporary?
Yes, sensory sensitivity can be temporary or long-term. Some individuals might only experience discomfort in certain situations, while others have ongoing challenges with sensory processing.

What tools can help manage sensory sensitivity?
There are various tools to help manage sensory sensitivity, including noise-canceling headphones, sensory-friendly clothing, and calming environmental adjustments.

Who is most affected by sensory sensitivity?
While sensory sensitivity can impact anyone, it is commonly associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). However, it can also affect individuals without these conditions.

Here are some groups that are more likely to experience sensory sensitivities:

• People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Many autistic people have sensory processing differences.
• People with other developmental conditions: Conditions like ADHD and learning disabilities can sometimes involve sensory sensitivities.
• People with neurological conditions: Certain neurological conditions can impact sensory processing.

It’s important to remember that sensory sensitivity is a spectrum, and not everyone with these experiences will require specific accommodations. However, by creating sensory-friendly environments, we can be more inclusive and welcoming for everyone.

Capture All Your Audience: Unveiling the Power of Sensory-Friendly Solutions

Imagine a world where everyone feels welcome and included. This is the power of sensory-friendly practices, and it’s within your reach.

Does your business, organization, or non-profit strive to create a welcoming environment for all? If so, keep reading to discover how understanding sensory processing can empower you to better serve your entire community.

Sensory Sensitivities: A Spectrum of Experiences

We all experience the world through our senses – sight, sound, taste, touch, smell, movement, balance, and our internal body sense. However, for some individuals, sensory experiences can be overwhelming or under-stimulating. Moreover, this heightened or diminished sensitivity is known as sensory processing difference, and it affects people of all ages and walks of life.

The Impact of Sensory Processing Differences

Sensory processing differences can create challenges in everyday life. For example, imagine a child feeling intense discomfort from the fluorescent lights in a classroom, or an adult struggling to concentrate due to background noise in a crowded office. In fact, Sensory Friendly Solutions was founded by Christel Seeberger, a woman who developed adult-onset hearing loss after decades of experience in health care as an occupational therapist. That personal experience with sensory sensitivity prompted her to found this company! Importantly, by understanding these variations, we can create more inclusive environments that benefit everyone.

Beyond Noise Cancellation: A Spectrum of Sensory Experiences

Noise sensitivity is just one piece of the puzzle. Flickering lights, harsh overhead lighting, or even the blue light emitted from screens can trigger discomfort in some individuals. As a result, this is why you might see people wearing specialized glasses or noise-cancelling headphones. Similarly, the touch of clothing tags can be irritating to those with tactile sensitivities – sensory-friendly clothing with softer seams or tag-free designs offers a welcome solution.

Beyond Diagnosis: A Wider Net of Inclusion

It’s important to remember that sensory sensitivity is not exclusive to any particular diagnosis or disability. Furthermore, it can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. In some cases, individuals might experience sensory overload, a state of intense discomfort caused by overwhelming sensory input.

The Power of “Why” and “How”: Moving from Awareness to Action

While there’s no single “rulebook” for sensory sensitivity, understanding the spectrum allows us to create more inclusive environments.

Diagnoses, disorders, disabilities that make you more likely to experience sensory sensitivity

A

• Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)
• Anxiety
• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)
• Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autistic person

C

• Concussion, Post-concussion Syndrome (PCS)

D

• Dementia
• Developmental Disability
• Down Syndrome

E

• Echolalia
• Epilepsy

F

• Fibromyalgia

H

• Hearing loss, hard of hearing
• Highly sensitive person (HSP)

I

• Intellectual disability (ID)

L

• Learning disability (LD)
• Lewy-Body Dementia
• Low vision, vision loss

M

• Meniere’s disease
• Mental disorders, mental illness
• Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)

N

• Non-verbal learning disability (NVLD)

P

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

S

• Sensory disorder or Sensory processing disorder (SPD)
• Sensory integration disorder (SID)
• Synesthesia

T

• Tourette’s syndrome
• Trauma, early childhood trauma
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)

V

• Vestibular disorder

These sensitivities can be long-lasting, affecting individuals for years or even their entire lifetime.

Beyond the Tip of the Iceberg: Understanding Sensory Sensitivity

While sensory sensitivity, explained in this blog post, and sensory overload might be familiar terms, they are just the surface of a spectrum of experiences.

For example, did you know that at least 33% of people are likely to experience sensory sensitivities? That’s one in every three individuals who might be impacted by overwhelming sights, sounds, smells, or textures. This infographic shows the depth of the various disabilities, disorders, and differences that contribute to this growing need for sensory-friendly environments.

By creating inclusive spaces that cater to diverse sensory experiences, you can ensure a welcoming and comfortable experience for everyone. Let’s explore the iceberg of sensory processing together!

How can I determine if someone’s sensory sensitivity might be related to sensory processing challenges?

Sensory sensitivity can be a sign of sensory processing challenges, but understanding the specific needs and triggers is essential. Our blog on Sensory Processing Disorder Checklists provides information about and links to detailed tools to help identify patterns of sensory sensitivity and determine whether they may align with sensory processing differences. This can be a helpful starting point for seeking support or developing strategies.