What are the impacts of sensory sensitivities on social interactions in autism?

PostedDecember 3, 2025

UpdatedDecember 3, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Beatrice Holloway, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Autism and sensory sensitivities impact plays a significant role in shaping the social experiences of individuals on the spectrum. Everyday environments, such as classrooms, parks, or busy cafes, can be overwhelming due to heightened sensitivity to sound, light, touch, or movement. For many autistic individuals, these sensory triggers make social interaction not just uncomfortable but distressing. This often leads to withdrawal or avoidance, reinforcing isolation and limiting chances to build peer connections. As a result, the impact of autism and sensory sensitivities often creates unintended obstacles to forming and sustaining relationships.

Sensory sensitivities vary from person to person. Some may experience distress from background noise that others hardly notice, while others might find light touch intolerable. These reactions can be misunderstood by peers, making it harder to develop rapport or trust. Unfortunately, this can give rise to social barriers that have nothing to do with willingness to engage, and everything to do with coping with sensory overload.

Signs in Everyday Interaction

In social contexts, sensory sensitivities can appear in various ways. Recognising them helps ensure appropriate support:

Withdrawal or shutdowns

Individuals might suddenly disengage during group activities, a response to overwhelming stimuli that may be misread as disinterest or aloofness. This creates interaction challenges.

Emotional outbursts

Unfiltered environments may trigger visible distress. These emotional effects are protective responses, not behavioural missteps.

Selective participation

Some may only engage in certain settings they find manageable, avoiding crowds or noisy places highlighting the need for inclusive social planning.

Visit providers like Autism Detect for personal consultations that consider sensory needs.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Social Interaction.

Beatrice Holloway, MSc

Author

Beatrice Holloway is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She specialises in CBT, psychological testing, and applied behaviour therapy, working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, and learning disabilities, as well as adults with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, OCD, and substance use disorders. Holloway creates personalised treatment plans to support emotional regulation, social skills, and academic progress in children, and delivers evidence-based therapy to improve mental health and well-being across all ages.

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.