Is autism mostly about sensory processing ?

Post Reply New Topic

Putting aside a behavioral diagnosis, my perception of autism is that's mostly based on sensory processing.

Sensory processing is likely WHY I avoid people.
Sensory processing is likely WHY I avoid looking people in the face.
Sensory processing is likely WHY I prefer a calm, dimly-lit environment.
Sensory processing is likely WHY I prefer loose fitting clothes.
Sensory processing is likely WHY I have light sensitivity for particular kinds of lights ("flicker" at 60-75HZ noticeable)
Sensory processing is likely WHY I sometimes develop overwhelming anxiety.
Sensory processing is likely WHY I observe patterns (autistic trait of "prefer sameness" make me notice differences more readily)
Sensory processing is likely WHY I prefer sameness, since it minimizes potential disturbances.

Likely, many of my behaviors are coping mechanisms that help me avoid sensory pain?

There is a lot to it.
I'm not sure if it's only sensory processing, I think the whole information processing may be altered - note all the "may" and "not sure" here.
But I believe indeed, behavioral symptoms are secondary to the above, they are results of altered information processing.

Sensory processing is a major component. But like Magz said, it is about information processing, a lot of which is sensory.

I am hyper sensitive (sensitive for all senses and emotions) but my AS-like BFF is hypo sensitive (not sensing and not feeling). I have a hard time with affection b/c I feel so strongly. She has a hard time b/c she feels nothing. Soooo... I think AS folks are more likely (but not always) to have extremes in Sensory Processing - more or less. Even though my BFF isn't overstimulated like I am, she still sees patterns, make connections, avoid crowds, etc.

Some AS aren't expressive or can't read emotions very well at all (my BFF), some AS are and can read them, perhaps too well (me)
Some AS are very sensitive (me), some AS aren't at all (my BFF)
Some AS have very bad EF (me), some AS have very good EF (my BFF)

And all AS... ??? patterns, over or under reacting?