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Sensory processing

Differences in perceiving stimuli such as sounds, light, smells or touch: over- or under-reaction (hyper- or hyporeactivity) or unusual interest in stimuli.

Also called
sensory hyper- and hyporeactivity

Some people on the autism spectrum perceive stimuli such as sounds, light, smells or touch differently. Professionally, this is described as over- or under-reaction to sensory stimuli (hyper- or hyporeactivity) or as an unusual interest in stimuli from the surroundings. In the DSM-5 criteria this is one of four possible features in one of the two core areas. Not everyone on the spectrum has such differences. [1]

Sources and literature

  1. Höhne E, Kamp-Becker I (Klinik für KJP, Universitätsklinikum Marburg): Diagnostik der Autismus-Spektrum-Störung. Pädiatrie (Rosenfluh) 2024;(4+5):27–32. https://rosenfluh.ch/media/paediatrie/2024/04-05/Diagnostik-der-Autismus-Spektrum-Stoerung.pdf

In detail: Sensory processing: experiencing perception differently

Articles on this term

Related terms

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

    Autism spectrum disorder: the name of the diagnosis in the classifications. Two core areas, large differences between people. Context and sources.

To “Autism from A to Z”

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