The terms hyposensitivity and hypersensitivity are often confused with each other. They are both types of sensory processing disorder, but many people use them interchangeably. They can easily confuse people because they sound so similar. Hypersensitivity (hypersensitivity) results in a person experiencing overstimulation, while hyposensitivity occurs when a person has little or no response to a stimulus.
In other words, a person with hypersensitivity will experience low levels or lack of sensory feedback. For example, a person with hypersensitivity may not feel hot, cold or pain like other people. On the other hand, those with hypersensitivity may experience extreme sensations of hot, cold or pain.
Sensory processing disorders (SPDs) such as hypersensitivity have been associated with ASD, and many people with ASD experience SPD. However, it is important to note that not everyone with SPD has ASD.
The exact cause of SPD is unknown, but some may be in genetics. Also, some doctors consider ASD to be the parent disorder of SPD and it is thought that ASD adults will pass on SPD to their children. Since the exact cause of SPD is unknown, there is no way to prevent SPD from occurring.
Hyposensitivity and Autism
People withautism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have sensitivity to things like visuals, smells, sounds, touch, tastes, balance, both body positions and movements and internal body cues and sensations. Most individuals with ASD have a mixture of both over- and underreactivity. These two conditions are known as hypersensitivity and hypersensitivity sensory processing disorder, respectively.
People with ASD may be hypersensitive to certain types of light, such as bright lights and lights that produce certain wavelengths. For example, people who experience ASD symptoms may react negatively to fluorescent and LED lights. Many people with ASD who experience this type of reaction tend to engage in sensory avoidance. A person with ASD who is hypersensitive to bright lights may close their eyes to avoid such lights.
Hypersensitivity in people with ASD is different from hypersensitivity. Instead of being overwhelmed by stimuli, people with hypersensitivity experience inadequate sensations, which causes them to constantly need to explore textures with their hands and seek more sensory information from the world around them. People with hypersensitivity may have difficulty distinguishing sensations, including feelings of hunger and illness.
What are the Symptoms of Hyposensitivity?
Hypersensitivity symptoms can be categorized as auditory, olfactory, visual and vestibular. Auditory hypersensitivity refers to a lack of stimulation from sounds. As a result, the person can endure loud noises and experience the following;
- Does not respond to name calling.
- Enjoys sound-making activities.
- Frequently repeated verbal instructions are required.
- The volume settings of devices may need to be turned up to maximum.
- Becoming mobile
- Problems with personal boundaries
- Problems with realizing one's own power
- Indifference to pain and heat
- The constant need to touch others, even when it is inappropriate
- Failure to understand personal space
- Inability to sit still for long periods of time
- Enjoying activities such as jumping, bumping and crashing
- Intense movements full of love
Olfactory hyposensitivity manifests as a high tolerance and inadequate response to odors. The person with this condition reacts to odors as follows;
- craving foods with strong odors
- High threshold for unpleasant odors
- Smell people and objects to interact with them.
- Ask them about the difference between various smells.
Visual hypersensitivity relates to what we see and process visually. The person is likely to underreact to visual situations;
- Not being able to answer questions about puzzles, pictures, objects and words
- Difficulty finding specific items among other items
- Problems with visually tracking items such as a thrown ball
- Difficulty with depth perception and elements with little or no contrast
Finally, if someone has vestibular hyposensitivity, they may experience
- Spinning for a long time without experiencing dizziness
- Enjoying swinging for longer
- Intense pleasure for roller coasters and other adrenaline-inducing activities
- Happy to rock in place while sitting still
Hyposensitivity Treatment
There are some treatments that can help hyposensitivity. Sensory integration therapy and sensory processing disorder treatment. It helps children adapt to sensory regulation through movement and physical contact.
Sensory integration therapy is usually carried out in a sensory gym, an area set up with sensory-specific equipment to provide a safe place for individuals with ASD to receive help. Many sensory gyms have weighted vests, oversized pillows, trampolines, ball pits and many other options. It is important to treat and accommodate people with ASD and hypersensitivity ;
- Providing visual supports
- Helping them gain access to sensory tools
- Arranging furniture to provide a safer environment for individuals
- Allow frequent movement breaks
- Providing foods with strong flavors, distinct textures and strong odors
If you or someone you know has sensory processing disorders, including hyposensitivity, it is recommended that you work with a specialist therapist. This is particularly important for children, who may have difficulty understanding and managing their sensory issues.
Living with Hyposensitivity
Many young people and adults continue to use the tools and techniques they were taught in occupational therapy to manage and live with their hypersensitivity. Behavior therapy is also known to help those with sensory disorders.
Some sensory impairments may improve over time as children grow into adulthood, but it is difficult to say for sure. However, some coping skills can be developed. It is also recommended to avoid stress, as stress can play an important role in sensory processing difficulties, especially for adults.