In Our Own Words: The Complex Sensory Experiences of Autistic Adults.
K MacLennan, S O'Brien, T Tavassoli
PMID 34255236WHAT IT FOUND
Autistic adults described sensory differences as unpredictable, changing with mood and energy.
One person may find bright lights painful while another seeks them out. Clinicians should ask about personal triggers and coping strategies rather than assuming standard sensory profiles apply to everyone.
Key findings
01Sensory seeking and hyperreactivity often co-occur in the same individuals, with nearly half reporting both.
02Sensory tolerance is not fixed but fluctuates based on current mood, energy levels and stress.
03Participants described using avoidance and physical blocking behaviours, such as covering ears or leaving rooms, as essential coping mechanisms.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The sample was self-selected and recruited online, meaning it likely represents autistic adults who are high-functioning and have good literacy skills. Only 4.1% of participants had an intellectual disability, compared to the estimated 50-55% in the general autistic population, so the findings do not apply to those with higher support needs. The study relied entirely on self-report, which may miss experiences of individuals who struggle to identify or verbalise their sensory differences. Specific data on socioeconomic status and education were not collected, limiting understanding of how these factors influence sensory experiences.
Declared interests
The study was funded by MQ and Autistica. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not treat the reported percentages as fixed diagnostic criteria or universal truths for all autistic adults. The study highlights that sensory experiences are highly individual and change with mood, so a patient's profile today may not be the same tomorrow. Avoid using this data to label a patient's sensory needs as static.