Sensory Solutions
The next stage involves discerning between hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity . Quite simply , “ hyper- ” refers to heightened sensitivity while “ hypo- ” refers to a diminished level . It ’ s also worth mentioning that ASD children experience hyper or hyposensitivity in widely different ways . From a design perspective , that means their individual needs in a physical space also vary greatly .
Here are some common responses autistic children may have with hyper- or hyposensitivity . For more information , please refer to Sensory Hyper- and Hyposensitivity in Autism , the second reference for this article .
The child may have a :
� dislike of bright lights
� dislike of fluorescent lights
� fear of loud noises
� particular sensitivity to smell
� dislike of being touched
� aversion to certain materials or textures
In both cases , autistic children with hyper or hyposensitivities have unique needs in different environments .
The good news is that homes can be designed to better accommodate autistic children and their needs with regards to their sensory perception . Here are a few ideas to consider for a safe and customized home :
� use a calming color palette
� include dimmed lighting
� avoid fluorescent lighting
� create sound blocks or barriers
− consider sound-proofing one or more rooms in your home
− choose a quieter area of the home for your child ’ s bedroom
− use noise-cancelling headphones or ear plugs when needed
− use carpet , textiles or other materials used for sound absorption
The child may have :
� difficulty with spatial recognition due to limited visual perception
� an attraction to bright lights and reflections
� an interest in touching objects in an unfamiliar place
� an attraction to loud sounds or vibrations
� a limited feeling of hot / cold temperatures
� a high pain threshold
� a tendency to put objects in their mouth
� an attraction to pressure , tight clothing , and heavy objects
� a limited bodily perception in space
� tendency to lean against furniture and walls