Sensory Regulation of Young Adults with Autism

May 09 , 2024

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Julie-Anne Dietz

Seeking both lived experience & observed (loved one or clinical) reflections regarding Sensory Regulation of young Adults with Autism

Trigger warning - discussion around a sensitive topic.

(Read time 4 minutes)

"Most importantly, we want to provide products that are respectful and appropriate to individual’s needs." Julie-Anne DEO Owner

Stimming or self-stimulating behaviour includes arm or hand-flapping, finger-flicking, rocking, jumping, spinning or twirling, head-banging and complex body movements.

It includes the repetitive use of an object, such as flicking a rubber band or twirling a piece of string, or repetitive activities involving the senses (such as repeatedly feeling a particular texture).

Although stimming varies from person to person, the reasons behind it may be the same:

for enjoyment
an attempt to gain sensory input, e.g. rocking may be a way to stimulate the balance (vestibular) system; hand-flapping may provide visual stimulation
an attempt to reduce sensory input, e.g. focusing on one particular sound may reduce the impact of a loud, distressing environment; this may particularly be seen in social situations
to deal with stress and anxiety and to block out uncertainty.

Source: www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour/stimming/all-audiences

DisAbility Equip Online Can Assist - A Message from Owner Julie-Anne

At DEO we do have several products and tools already for sensory regulation that have successfully supported many of our customers and we are now seeking to extend that range so that those older individuals with Autism can have independent and fulfilling lives that are not determined by their diagnosis alone.

We recognise that early intervention is essential and effective however, in my many discussions with individuals and others who support them, we have found that this support needs to be ongoing. Autism and Sensory Processing Disorders do not cease with age, nor do individuals with these diagnoses ‘grow out’ of their diagnosis!

We recognise there is no ONE right tool. Each person stims in their own unique way. We are unlikely to meet everyone’s needs, but we want to try!

Most importantly, we want to provide products that are respectful and appropriate to individual’s needs.

I am hoping to gather as many personal insights as I can. I hope to use your personal insights to assist DEO to help to support those with Autism and SPD’s to live their best life!

If you are comfortable including information about:

what items you/they use to stim with
what actions assist with sensory regulation
what sense do you identify with needing support with – visual, auditory (hearing), tactile, olfactory (smell), Gustatory (oral - taste, texture of food etc.), vestibular (balance and orientation with movement), Proprioceptive (position and movement of the body and awareness of the surrounds), interoception (internal physical and emotional state)
anything else that you think might be helpful as well

I can be contacted on hello@disabilityequiponline.com.au .

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog.

Warm regards

Julie-Anne