Forgive me for the lack of blog recently. I am trying to juggle motherhood, my job and life, whilst avoiding burnout. New stuff has to go last, annoyingly.

So today I want to talk about sensory issues in Autistic girls (and many boys) and when these issues become dangerous for the individual. I am not a doctor or medical health professional so this information comes from my own personal experiences, the experiences of others around me and from my research.

Sensory issues and in this case, hypersensitivity is a key characteristic to autism, but I feel it is often overlooked in diagnostic assessments and when providing support to autistic girls, particularly in schools. These sensory issues can include fabrics which neurotypical people find non invasive which cause an autistic significant ongoing discomfort. This discomfort can be painful or deeply distracting and can affect mood, concentration and ability to regulate. Likewise restrictive clothing can give the same feel to an autistic person and it’s not something they can get used to, it is always there.

Quick word of advice- never say to an autistic person, you’ll get used to it. It is highly unlikely they will and when they are uncomfortable, they will be so distressed, these words are not helpful.

So when do these behaviours become dangerous for the individual? Well, let’s start with those who like the feeling of being contained my clothing, who find being snuggled in a soft coat comforting, allowing them to regulate more effectively. This is fine in colder weather but in summer this can lead to overheating. The need for comfort will overrule the need to be cool in the mind and this can lead to overheating, dehydration and fainting. It then becomes a delicate balance for those supporting the autistic person, as well as the person themselves, finding the comfort and pressure that a large cost gives them on the body, whilst not overheating.

 This may seem trivial, but this is a real issue. There are lighter weight cocoon, snuggle blankets and lighter weighted blankets which can replace the feeling a heavier coat brings them. It may be best to avoid bright colours, so the person is not drawing more attention to themselves. Understanding of those working with the autistic person is needed to allow them to find the level of comfort they need to function.

Another significant sensory issue for autistic girls is food. There are so many contributors to this, the dislike of feeling full, again the pain and discomfort that this can bring autistic people. Struggling with food textures and smells. This is a real issue, the hypersensitivity of an autistic person causes some food textures and smells to bring on deep distress and discomfort. I personally know some food smells hurt me and they linger for such a long time. Another issue is eating in front of people, less of a sensory issue, I know, but something which causes deep distress. All these things can lead to weight issues, malnourishment and in certain cases death.

Some autistic people overeat because they like the feeling of being full and find out gives them security. They find the feeling of being hungry, which is more than not actually thirst, distressing. Some have a limited diet due to issues with food smell and texture, and often this diet is not at all balanced. This too can have catastrophic consequences for one’s health.

From my research I have no easy answers for this issue, but I know that ever individual should be taken seriously and listened to. Their sensory issues are very real and distressing to them and it is important that those who support them understand this. Autistic girls often have obsessions which can be centred around food, so the correct mental health support needs to be available to them to access when they need it, this sadly is not happening due to lack of funding and understanding.

If you are supporting an autistic person, please make sure that you do not dismiss their sensory issues, they are very real to them, and cause physical distress. Work with them, not against them in supporting their sensory needs so it has less of an effect on health, this can be done by offering grazing trays to be dipped into throughout the day, avoiding the feeling of fullness, providing secure spaces where autistic people can eat and be with their friends but away from others and education about what feeling thirsty feels like opposed to hunger. All of these should be delivered gently and without judgement and confrontation. Give the autistic person a range of options, so they feel in control and making their own choice.

Thank you for reading.