Key Points:
- Hyposensitivity in autism involves under-responsiveness to sensory input, such as pain, temperature, or movement.
- Common signs include sensory seeking behavior like crashing into objects, chewing, or loud vocalizations.
- Treatment often involves structured sensory activities and behavioral strategies, including support from ABA therapy.
If your child constantly seeks movement, chews on everything, or doesn’t react to pain, you might be looking at hyposensitivity. It’s a lesser-known part of autism that can impact behavior, safety, and learning. Recognizing the signs early can help guide treatment and bring greater comfort to a child with autism.
Understanding Hyposensitivity in Autism
Among many core features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), sensory processing differences play a major role in how children engage with the world. While hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness) is often discussed, hyposensitivity—or under-responsiveness—is just as significant and often misunderstood.
Children with hyposensitivity may not react to certain stimuli the way you’d expect. They might seem unaware of pain, be drawn to loud noises, or constantly seek out movement or pressure. These behaviors aren’t random—they’re the child’s way of trying to meet their sensory needs. Understanding how to support it is key to helping children thrive.
What Are Common Signs of Hyposensitivity in Autism?
Hyposensitivity affects how a child experiences sensory input. They may not notice sensations that others do. Instead, they often seek strong stimulation to feel more regulated and alert.
Tactile Hyposensitivity (Touch)
Children may touch everything around them constantly. They may seek out rough textures or ignore pain from scrapes or bumps, showing little reaction to temperature or physical discomfort.
You might notice your child enjoys tight hugs or squeezes. Loose clothing might be ignored in favor of snug items that offer deep pressure on the skin.
Vestibular Hyposensitivity (Movement)
A child with movement under-responsiveness may spin, jump, or rock frequently. They rarely feel dizzy and constantly seek motion to activate their internal sense of balance.
They often crave being upside down, doing flips, or riding swings aggressively. These children struggle to sit still and may appear overly active or impulsive.
Proprioceptive Hyposensitivity (Body Awareness)
These kids may crash into furniture, people, or walls. They may enjoy activities that involve heavy work, pressure, or resistance to feel where their body is in space.
They may stomp when walking, hug too tightly, or chew on objects like shirt sleeves. It’s not behavioral—it’s how they get sensory feedback.
Auditory Hyposensitivity (Sound)
If your child doesn’t react to their name or loud noises, it might not be hearing loss. Instead, it may be their brain under-processing sound.
They might seek out loud environments or make noises themselves. Talking loudly, humming, or banging toys are common self-stimulating auditory behaviors.
Visual Hyposensitivity (Sight)
Some children stare at spinning objects, flashing lights, or repetitive patterns. They may be drawn to fast-moving visuals to stimulate their sense of sight.
They may not respond to visual cues or may require more exaggerated facial expressions or gestures to process visual information during communication or play.
Olfactory and Taste Hyposensitivity (Smell and Taste)
These children may crave strong smells, sniff non-food items, or eat intensely flavored foods without issue. They might enjoy sour, spicy, or crunchy textures more than usual.
They may put objects in their mouth frequently, not just for taste, but to stimulate under-responsive taste and smell systems through oral exploration.
Why Do Children with Autism Experience Hyposensitivity?
The root of hyposensitivity lies in how the brain processes sensory signals. In individuals with ASD, the nervous system may not register certain input as strongly as in neurotypical individuals. This under-processing can lead to a lack of awareness or delay in response.
To compensate, many children engage in sensory-seeking behaviors to “wake up” their senses. These behaviors are often self-regulating, meaning they help the child feel more balanced, alert, or calm. When these needs are not met, the child may become dysregulated or distracted.
How Is Hyposensitivity Diagnosed in Children with Autism?
Hyposensitivity is typically identified through a sensory processing assessment conducted by an occupational therapist or as part of a comprehensive autism evaluation. Observations during play, daily routines, and structured tasks help professionals assess how a child responds to sensory input.
The diagnostic process often includes:
- Parent interviews about sensory behaviors
- Observations of behavior during different activities
- Standardized sensory checklists and tools
- Collaboration with therapists and teachers
While hyposensitivity is not a formal diagnosis on its own, it is recognized as a sensory processing difference and may influence treatment planning within broader autism services.
What Are the Best Treatments for Hyposensitivity in Autism?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating hyposensitivity, but targeted sensory input and structured routines can make a meaningful difference. Interventions aim to help children meet their sensory needs in safe and functional ways.
Here are common and effective strategies:
Sensory Integration Therapy
Often led by occupational therapists, this therapy involves structured sensory activities designed to help the child better register and respond to sensory input.
Examples include:
- Weighted blankets or vests
- Deep pressure activities (like rolling or compressions)
- Balance and movement exercises (swings, trampolines)
- Sensory obstacle courses
Sensory Diets
A sensory plan is a customized schedule of exercises designed to fulfill individual sensory requirements. These activities are incorporated into daily habits to improve concentration, behavior, and emotional control.
Sensory diet activities may include:
- Wall push-ups
- Chewing gum or crunchy snacks
- Jumping on a mini-trampoline
- Carrying heavy objects
- Tactile play (sand, playdough, textured toys)
ABA Therapy with Sensory Strategies
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can be customized to include sensory supports. A therapist may reinforce sensory-seeking behaviors in appropriate ways, teach replacement behaviors, or help the child tolerate different stimuli.
ABA therapy may focus on:
- Increasing functional responses to sensory input
- Improving attention before or after sensory breaks
- Teaching self-regulation skills
- Embedding sensory needs into learning sessions
Environmental Accommodations
Adjusting the child’s environment to meet sensory needs is another crucial strategy. This might include creating sensory corners, using visual schedules, or modifying the lighting and noise in a classroom or home setting.
These accommodations help minimize distractions while allowing the child to access necessary sensory input in a controlled way.
Get Support for Hyposensitivity Through ABA Therapy
If your child displays behaviors associated with hyposensitivity in autism, organized support can be transformative. At Empower ABA, we offer personalized ABA therapy in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York, integrating sensory-focused techniques into your child’s treatment plan. Whether they need help with concentration, adapting to their surroundings, or developing self-reliance, we collaborate with families to achieve meaningful progress.
Our approach is customized, research-backed, and delivered with empathy. Together, we can create the ideal support framework for your child. Reach out today to discover how our therapy programs can address your child’s specific sensory challenges.