How Do Sensory Processing Differences Affect Self-Care Skills in Autism?

PostedDecember 16, 2025

UpdatedDecember 16, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Hannah Smith, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Sensory differences and self-care in autism are closely linked, as sensory sensitivities can significantly impact an individual’s ability to perform daily living tasks. Self-care skills, such as grooming, dressing, eating, and personal hygiene, can become challenging for autistic individuals due to sensory processing(1*) difficulties. Whether it’s the discomfort of certain textures, sounds, or visual stimuli, these sensory differences can interfere with routine tasks and affect overall independence.

For many autistic individuals, completing daily living skills can be overwhelming if sensory sensitivities are not managed. The inability to tolerate certain textures or discomfort from sensory overload can lead to avoidance or difficulty maintaining personal hygiene and other self-care routines.

How Sensory Differences Impact Self-Care Skills

Here is how sensory differences and self-care in autism can affect daily life:

Dressing and grooming

Many individuals with autism experience tactile sensitivities, which can make certain fabrics, clothing tags, or the sensation of water during a shower unbearable. These sensitivities can cause distress and resistance to getting dressed or bathing, impacting their ability to complete basic self-care tasks.

Eating and meal preparation

Sensory sensitivities to taste, texture, and smell can make eating and preparing food particularly difficult. Foods with strong tastes or textures may be avoided, and meal preparation may become a challenge if sensory overload occurs in the kitchen environment.

Routine adherence

Having a consistent routine is important for many autistic individuals, but sensory differences can make adhering to daily self-care routines harder. For example, the discomfort caused by certain stimuli can cause frustration or distraction, making it difficult to maintain hygiene or other routines.

Visit providers like Autism Detect for tailored strategies to address sensory processing challenges in daily living skills and routines.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Sensory Processing Differences(3*).

Hannah Smith, MSc

Author

Hannah Smith is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and over three years of experience in behaviour therapy, special education, and inclusive practices. She specialises in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and inclusive education strategies. Hannah has worked extensively with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities, delivering evidence-based interventions to support development, mental health, and well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.