Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a term used to describe patterns in which the brain has difficulty receiving and responding to sensory information. It’s closely associated with autism spectrum disorder, though it can occur independently. People with SPD may be overwhelmed by sensations others barely notice, or they may feel almost nothing at all. ABA therapists address the behaviors that arise in response to sensory challenges.
Try to imagine a life where touching a wool sweater feels like running your hand across a cheese grater, or the sound of people chewing at the dinner table is so overwhelmingly loud that it makes you physically sick. Imagine a common household lightbulb shining with the strength of the noonday sun, or a door closing softly sounding like a gunshot in your ear.
This is the world in which many people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) live every day. Sensory differences — including hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory input — are included in the diagnostic criteria for ASD and affect many individuals on the spectrum. Because our senses are the primary way we experience life and understand the world around us, sensory processing challenges can transform everyday environments into genuine sources of anxiety and distress.
Extremes of High and Low Sensitivity
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) isn’t officially recognized as a standalone diagnosis in the DSM-5, but clinicians, applied behavior analysts, and other professionals who work with autistic individuals use the term widely. The DSM-5 does describe hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory input as a possible symptom of ASD — meaning an exaggerated or minimized response to environmental stimuli.
Many clinicians view sensory processing challenges as a distinct but frequently co-occurring set of symptoms alongside ASD, much like anxiety or sleep difficulties often appear in autistic individuals.
Sensory processing challenges can go to either extreme. Some people with ASD are extraordinarily sensitive to sight, sound, or touch, reacting as though a sensation has been magnified many times over. Others seem almost completely numb to those same inputs, as if they feel very little at all.
People on the spectrum with either form of sensory difference often develop their own coping strategies. They may hum to drown out sharp or irritating sounds, or rock back and forth for the comfort of constant movement. Some prefer tight clothing or deep pressure on their arms and back. Others avoid all physical contact because even a light touch is painful. These coping mechanisms are worth understanding because they’re not random — they’re functional responses to a sensory world that’s genuinely overwhelming.
What’s Happening in the Brain
Many researchers consider sensory processing differences to play a significant role in autism, though the underlying causes remain an active area of study.
Studies of hearing differences, in particular, have produced mixed results when trying to identify a clear physiological explanation for delayed auditory processing in the brainstem. A 2013 study of 40 boys between ages 8 and 11 found that those with sensory sensitivities showed atypical white matter connections in the brain regions responsible for processing sensory signals — suggesting that differences in brain connectivity may be associated with sensory sensitivities.
Executive function differences are common in ASD, though their exact relationship to sensory processing differences remains under study.
A 2006 systematic review examined a broad range of research on sensory issues in autism and found that some sensory sensitivities may decrease with age in some individuals. The review also found meaningful relationships between different sensory issues — sight and sound sensitivities appeared interconnected and showed signs of improving together over time. That variability matters. There’s no single trajectory, but the evidence does offer real reason for cautious optimism for families navigating sensory challenges with young children.
How ABA Therapists Address Sensory Issues
Applied behavior analysts don’t treat SPD in isolation — they address the behaviors that sensory challenges produce. When a child melts down in a loud cafeteria or refuses to wear certain fabrics, an ABA therapist looks for the sensory trigger, evaluates the function of the behavior, and builds a plan that helps the individual cope more effectively.
A few common approaches ABA practitioners use include:
Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA): Before any intervention, the ABA therapist identifies what sensory inputs are triggering the behavior and what function that behavior serves for the individual. This assessment shapes everything that follows.
Graduated exposure: When appropriate and consent-based, graduated exposure may be used carefully to help a client build tolerance to a triggering stimulus over time. This is done at the client’s pace, with close attention to signs of distress.
Environmental modifications: Sometimes the most effective strategy is changing the environment rather than the behavior. Reducing fluorescent lighting, providing noise-canceling headphones, or designating a quiet space can make a significant difference for sensory-sensitive individuals.
Reinforcement-based strategies: ABA therapists use positive reinforcement to encourage clients to engage with sensory experiences they’d typically avoid, or to practice coping strategies when sensory overload occurs.
ABA doesn’t work in a vacuum on sensory issues — many behavior analysts collaborate closely with occupational therapists who specialize in sensory integration. That collaboration often produces better outcomes than either discipline working alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sensory processing disorder the same as autism?
No, though they frequently co-occur. SPD is a term used to describe patterns of difficulty processing and responding to sensory information. Autism is a broader neurodevelopmental condition with social, communication, and behavioral components. Many autistic people experience significant sensory challenges, but sensory processing difficulties can also occur in people without an ASD diagnosis.
Can sensory processing challenges be treated?
There’s no cure, but symptoms can improve meaningfully with the right support. Occupational therapy, ABA therapy, and environmental accommodations all play a role. Some research suggests certain sensory sensitivities may lessen over time, though individual experiences vary.
How do I know if my child has sensory processing issues?
Common signs include strong negative reactions to certain textures, sounds, or lights; seeking out intense sensory input like spinning or crashing; difficulty with clothing, food textures, or noisy environments; and significant distress in settings most people find manageable. A licensed clinician or occupational therapist can conduct a formal evaluation.
What’s the difference between hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity?
Hypersensitivity means the sensory system is overreactive — ordinary sensations feel intense or painful. Hyposensitivity is the opposite — the sensory system is underreactive, and the individual may seek out strong sensory input or appear not to notice stimuli that others would find obvious. Both can occur in the same person across different senses.
Key Takeaways
- Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a term used to describe patterns in which the brain has difficulty receiving and responding to sensory information. It’s closely associated with ASD but isn’t formally recognized as a standalone DSM diagnosis.
- Sensory differences — including hyper- and hyposensitivity — are part of the ASD diagnostic criteria and affect many individuals on the spectrum, though not all.
- Some research suggests certain sensory sensitivities may decrease with age for some individuals, though experiences vary and no single trajectory applies to everyone.
- ABA therapists address SPD indirectly by targeting the behaviors sensory challenges produce — through functional assessments, graduated exposure (when appropriate), environmental modification, and reinforcement-based strategies.
- Collaboration between ABA therapists and occupational therapists often produces the best outcomes for individuals with significant sensory processing challenges.
If your child is struggling with sensory processing challenges, connecting with a qualified ABA therapist is a strong first step. They can conduct a thorough assessment, identify sensory triggers, and build a plan tailored to your child’s specific needs.
