Skip to content
Deutsch

Understanding autism

Sensory processing: experiencing perception differently

Who is it for? For anyone who wants to understand why people with autism often experience sensory stimuli differently – and what follows from that for everyday life.

In brief

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] Too many stimuli can, according to a British NHS trust, contribute to overload. [5]

This English translation was produced with AI assistance and has not yet been independently reviewed.

Too much, too little, particularly interesting

According to the account in an expert overview, the German DSM-5 (the American diagnostic manual) names as a possible feature hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory stimuli or an unusual interest in environmental stimuli. It is one of four possible features in the area of repetitive, restricted behaviours. At least two of the four must apply for the diagnosis. [1]

Examples from the editorial team (not study findings):

  • Oversensitivity (hyperreactivity): A vacuum cleaner, the hum of a light fitting or a scratchy label is experienced as almost unbearable.
  • Undersensitivity (hyporeactivity): Certain stimuli are barely noticed.
  • Particular interest in stimuli: for example in light reflections, patterns, certain surfaces or sounds.

Whether and how strongly someone experiences stimuli differently varies from person to person.

How this can show in everyday life

Possible examples (examples from the editorial team, not study findings):

  • Supermarkets, canteens or classrooms are experienced as loud, glaring and tiring.
  • Certain clothes or foods are avoided because of their texture.
  • Headphones, sunglasses or a place to retreat make situations possible in the first place.
  • Repeated movements or sounds (“stimming”) can help with self-regulation. See Stimming.

When stimuli become too much

When sensory and other strains become too much, overload can result. The Open University and a British NHS trust then describe a meltdown, a very intense reaction outside the person’s control, or a shutdown, a “freezing” or “switching off”. [4; 5] More in Overload, meltdown and shutdown and Recognising and preventing sensory overload.

What surroundings and people around can do

The 2021 S3 guideline recommended avoiding strong sensory stimuli such as noise, smells or bright light, adapted to the individual person. This was in a consensus-based recommendation on everyday dealings with people with autism. [2, Empf. 3] This guideline expired on 23 March 2026. [3] The rule is: ask rather than assume. What is pleasant for this person, what is stressful? Concrete strategies for everyday life are described in the article Recognising and preventing sensory overload.

Sources and literature

  1. Höhne E, Kamp-Becker I. Diagnostik der Autismus-Spektrum-Störung. Pädiatrie 2024;(4+5):27–32 (account of the DSM-5 criteria). – Expert overview (in German)
  2. DGKJP, DGPPN et al. S3-Leitlinie Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen, Teil 2: Therapie. AWMF 028-047, 2021 (Empf. 3). – Guideline (in German); expired on 23 March 2026 (see no. 3)
  3. DGKJP. Aktuelle Leitlinien (Eintrag 028-047: „Gültig bis 23.03.2026“). https://www.dgkjp.de/wissen/aktuelle-leitlinien/ – Professional society (website in German)
  4. The Open University (OpenLearn): Why an autistic meltdown or shutdown is not a ‘tantrum’. Updated 28 February 2025. – Educational institution
  5. Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Autism Space: What are autistic meltdowns and shutdowns? – Health service (NHS)

Terms from this article

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.

You might also be interested in

Found a mistake?

If something is factually wrong, out of date or unclear, let us know. You do not have to give any personal details.

Write a noteClose note

What is wrong? A source helps us check it. At least 10 characters.

Only for follow-up questions about this note. Deleted as soon as it has been dealt with. More in the privacy policy (German).

Built independently

Autismus Wissen is being built and developed independently. If you would like to support the project, you can make a voluntary contribution. Your support has no influence on our editorial content or expert assessments.

Support Autismus Wissen