What Do Sensory Processing Differences Look Like in Adults with Autism?

PostedDecember 15, 2025

UpdatedDecember 15, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

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

Sensory differences in adults with autism can present in a variety of ways, impacting their daily lives and social interactions. While sensory processing differences are often discussed in the context of children, many adults on the autism spectrum continue to experience heightened or diminished responses to sensory input. These differences can significantly affect adult traits, such as communication styles, social interactions, and overall well-being.

For some adults, sensory sensitivity, including hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sights, sounds, textures, and smells, can be overwhelming and lead to difficulties in various environments, from workspaces to social settings. Recognising how sensory differences in adults with autism manifest is key to offering support and accommodations that enhance quality of life.

How Sensory Processing Differences Appear in Adults

Here is how sensory differences in adults with autism might look:

Auditory sensitivity

Many adults with autism may experience heightened sensitivity to sound, finding everyday noises like buzzing lights, chatter, or traffic intolerable. This can lead to sensory overload and difficulties in crowded or noisy environments.

Tactile sensitivity

Adults with autism may be highly sensitive to certain textures, such as fabrics, foods, or physical touch. These sensitivities can affect their clothing choices, eating habits, or willingness to engage in physical activities like hugging or shaking hands.

Visual sensitivity

Sensory differences in adults with autism often include sensitivity to bright lights, flickering screens, or visual clutter. This can cause discomfort or even lead to migraines, making certain environments, like offices or stores, overwhelming.

The daily impact

These sensory sensitivities can have a profound daily impact, affecting an individual’s ability to work, socialise, or engage in routine tasks. Understanding and accommodating these sensory needs can significantly improve overall well-being and functioning.

Visit providers like Autism Detect for guidance on supporting adult traits and managing sensory differences in adults with autism.

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.