Useful tips and strategies to try:




Be mindful of the full range of sounds,
sights, smells etc and seek to reduce or
eliminate those that are most distracting
or frightening if possible.

Consider the use of individual
workstation, floor mats etc to define
boundaries.

Check sources of artificial light – strip
lights flickering, as well as seating
position in relation to exposure to very
bright harsh lights as well as strong sun
light.
Seek to use graduated exposure to
build up tolerance levels to those
sounds, sights, smells which cannot be
readily eliminated or are a common
feature of many social contexts.

Use social stories to provide a frame of
reference for understanding the what,
why and if of any problematic situation.
Build in options for sitting/working in
quiet areas or working alone for
completing specific tasks.

Review visual information and displays
around the working environment, and in
areas of unstructured play/leisure time.
If there are heightened or exaggerated
reactions to physical touch or proximity,
or contact with specific materials, foods
or drinks, offer equivalent but alternative
choices.

Be vigilant if hyposensitivity is an issue
– ensure risks of injury or distress are
kept to a safe minimum.

Provide clear, simple verbal warnings,
accompanied by gesture/visual prompts
to warn of an anticipated exposure to
sensory stimulation that is outside of the
predictable daily routine.

Teach self-calming techniques to use
when discomfort is experiences –
counting to 10, use of self-talk (“I can do
this”) and “square breathing” to instil a
sense of being in control.

Rather than running from school
premises or from home when upset,
agree a safe area to go to and remain
until calmed.
Asperger Syndrome
Information for
Professionals,
Parents and Carers
Sensory Integration:
The difficulties of
over and under
stimulation
This leaflet is the joint work of Sheffield
Educational Psychology Service and Jayne Dore
of The Asperger Training Company
.
What is the problem?
Understanding the impact:
Children and young people with Asperger
Syndrome often experience difficulties
with sensory input – auditory and visual
channels in particular, but tactile and
olfactory systems may also be affected.
Senses provide information about what
actions we take. Research has shown
there can be a link between sensory
processing of information coming in,
through sight, sound, touch, smell and
behaviour difficulties, including mood
swings, feelings of discomfort, stress and
anxiety. Some may become irritable and
distracted by background noises that
others are unaware of, because they are
filtered out from the steam of
consciousness.
Children who display challenging
behaviours are usually trying to solve a
problem rather than be one. Behaviour
can be their loudest voice so
understanding what is behind the
message is important in deciding how
best to respond to the behaviour.
Reducing sensory stimulation by covering
the eyes and ears are commonly
observed. Some children and young
people use a range of distracting or
displacement activities such as fiddling
with equipment, rocking or humming
loudly to block out the unwelcome
stimulation. For others, the experience
can be painful or feel very intrusive and
even threatening.
The sensory system is complex in how it
works in processing sensory information.
It involves a number of areas including
balance, body awareness, olfactory
(smell), sight, hearing, touch (tactile), and
taste. For some individuals there can be
an over or under stimulation that produces
increased levels of stress and anxiety.
Developing a plan of action on managing
sensory stimulation can be helpful in
reducing difficulties at the individual level.
Adapting the environment to build in an
area of quiet, calmness can provide a
safe place for retreat to when stress levels
are rising due to sensory overload. Any
changes that increase a sense of control
and safety can help reduce sensory
problems. Sensory differences and
problems can have marked
consequences on the ability of the child or
young person to manage the ordinary
routines and encounters of life at home
and in school. Direct face and visual
Hypersensitivity – this is when too much
information is perceived through sensory
systems.
Hyposensitivity – is when too little
sensory information is experienced.
.
contact, sloe physical proximity and
exposure to certain sounds, smells, and
sights can be uncomfortable and
distracting for someone with Asperger
Syndrome. In more extreme cases, they
can lead to fight or flight reactions.
(see leaflet on Emotional Regulation)