Many autistic people experience hypersensitivity to bright lights or certain light wavelengths (e.g., LED or fluorescent lights). Certain sounds, smells, textures and tastes can also be overwhelming. This can result in sensory avoidance – trying to get away from stimuli that most people can easily tune out.
In conclusion, there are many factors that can make autism worse. Sensory overload, changes in routine, social isolation, co-occurring conditions, and lack of support can all exacerbate the symptoms of autism.
For some, it will be talking about their special interests to someone who will actually listen, or just listening quietly to music through headphones. And remember, what makes one person happy may be unique to them. Sometimes a quiet contented mind can be the happiest feeling of all.
Every autistic person is different, but sensory differences, changes in routine, anxiety, and communication difficulties are common triggers.
Let them rest and give them time to calm down and relax. If speaking is possible, tell them it's okay to feel this way and that it will go away soon. It is essential to be empathetic, validate the experience, and make sure they know they are not alone.
In the brilliant first account of autism by Kanner (1943), Kanner wrote that “loud noises and moving objects” are “reacted to with horror” and things like “tricycles, swings, elevators, vacuum cleaners, running water, gas burners, mechanical toys, egg beaters, even the wind could on occasions bring about a major panic” ...
Love and affection may be felt but expressed differently
They may show love, for example, through a practical act, and tidy up for you, or iron your shirt, rather than through a more neurotypical way of looking at you and telling you or using physical affection.
Many people with autism crave intimacy and love. But, they don't know how to achieve it in a romantic relationship. They can feel blind to everyday subtle social cues from their partner. This can cause conflict and hurt feelings.
Some kids on the spectrum feel a constant need for affection because they are not sure when or if the attention will be available. Schedule 5 to 10 minutes every day when you can provide your youngster with undivided attention (i.e., no computer, T.V., cell phones, etc.).
Sensory Issues
Many people with autism experience sensory processing disorder. This is more commonly known as sensory overload. Noise, crowds, bright lights, strong tastes, smells, and being touched can feel unbearable to someone with HFA. This makes going to restaurants, movies, and shopping malls difficult.
Strained social interactions
It is common for people with HFA to have difficulty interacting with their peers. Often, they are deemed socially awkward and have a problem making friends. Also, it is often challenging for them to understand nonverbal communication, puns, and other subtle forms of humour.
Phobias – or unusual fears – have been a feature of autism. Some kids are scared of loud noises, while other kids fear other seemingly every-day, “shouldn't-be-scary” things, like running water, swings, or vacuum cleaners.
Why might autistic people experience anxiety? Even though it is not part of the autism diagnostic criteria, many autistic people experience high levels of anxiety. Research varies but the consensus suggests that it might be common for around 40-50% of autistic people to receive a clinical diagnosis of anxiety.
Autistic children and teenagers experience a range of emotions, but they might need support to recognise, understand and manage their emotions. For example, your autistic child might feel all negative or unpleasant emotions as anger. Or they might not recognise when they're excited.
While love is expressed and experienced differently from person to person, those with autism are fully capable of forming deep emotional connections. These can include love for their family, friends, romantic partners, or even interests and hobbies.
They may fear that they've said something inappropriate or insensitive. Overwhelmed. Depending on their sensory issues, an autistic person might feel stressed or anxious by environmental factors, such as lighting. Social situations can also be demanding and leave them feeling stressed out.
It's always a learning curve in the beginning. And there are always challenges and benefits to each person you date. For instance, autistic people tend to be particularly honest, reliable, and loyal — some of the most important traits for a long-term relationship.
Often people with autism are like three-year olds: They are brutally honest to a fault. While this trait can cause embarrassment, it also means this person hasn't learned to lie, hide true feelings, sweep things under the rug, or manipulate.
They may be very sensitive to other people's thoughts. They may also find it hard to understand the stages of friendships, which can lead to confused emotions. They may struggle to cope with anxiety that could be linked to them not knowing what to say in conversations.
People with autism may have one or more sensory sensitivities. They may be hypo – or hypersensitive to certain stimuli. They may be affected by a dog barking but not bothered by loud music. They may find all loud sounds aversive but seek out interesting smells.
The article was professionally consulted by Doctor Dang Thi Thanh Tung - High-tech Unit for Treatment of Cerebral Palsy and Autism - Vinmec Times City International Hospital. Yelling often occurs when children with autism don't like it, don't like it or express a desire for attention, telling us a certain message.
Children with autism are often clumsy, physically awkward or uncoordinated.