Aspergers Children and Sensory Issues
Children with Aspergers (high functioning autism) may have problems processing information from one or more of the following seven sensory systems: 1. auditory (hearing) 2. gustatory (taste) 3. olfactory (smell) 4. proprioception (movement) 5. tactile (touch) 6. vestibular (balance) 7. visual (sight) These processes take place at an unconscious level, and they work together to help attention and learning. Each system has specific receptors that pick up information that is relayed to the brain. The sensory characteristics of children with Aspergers can be responsible for many of their negative behaviors and unpleasant emotions. Reactions to sensory stimuli for typically developing children often become stress responses for those with Aspergers. Sensory System Impact on Children with Aspergers— 1. Auditory System – Hearing: While they have intact hearing abilities, kids with Aspergers may not efficiently or accurately interpret auditory information. They