How Do Sensory Processing Differences Affect Social Skills in Autism?

PostedDecember 18, 2025

UpdatedDecember 18, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

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

Sensory differences and social skills in autism are deeply intertwined. Many autistic individuals experience the world through a different Sensory Processing lens, making sounds louder, lights brighter, and touch more intense. These sensory experiences can significantly impact communication and overall social development.

For instance, background noise may make it difficult to follow conversations. Touch sensitivity can cause discomfort with typical social gestures, while eye contact may feel overwhelming or even painful. As a result, sensory differences and social skills in autism can shape how someone connects with others, often in ways that are misunderstood.

These behaviours are not signs of disinterest, they are often protective responses to environments that feel too intense. Recognising sensory needs is key to building more inclusive and meaningful social engagement.

How Sensory Processing Impacts Social Development

Here are some ways sensory differences affect social interaction, with practical strategies to help:

Avoiding group settings or eye contact

Social environments may be overstimulating or uncomfortable. Support strategy: Quiet spaces, flexible social norms, and one-to-one play can support comfort and connection.

Struggling with back-and-forth conversation

Managing both sensory input and speech can be overwhelming. Support strategy: Visual communication tools and structured turn-taking practice can improve confidence.

Misinterpreting facial expressions or body language

Difficulty focusing visually or filtering non-verbal cues can lead to confusion. Support strategy: Emotion cards and guided observation activities can help build recognition skills.

Visit providers like Autism Detect for advice on supporting communication and improving social development.

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

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.