Part 3 in a series exploring the experiences of AUTISTIC YOUNG WOMEN.

For individuals with autism, sensory experiences often carry profound significance. Sensory sensitivity—whether as an intense overreaction or an unresponsiveness to environmental stimuli—is a core feature of autism. It can appear as early as infancy and persists throughout life, shaping how autistic individuals experience the world.

This heightened sensitivity spans all sensory modalities—sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, and even internal bodily signals like hunger or pain. For many, it turns ordinary environments into battlegrounds, making social and community activities overwhelming. The consequences? Isolation, anxiety, and a diminished quality of life.

“It feels like I’m drowning, surrounded by people swimming. They’re on a yacht, and I’m in the water, but no one taught me how to swim,” shares one anonymous individual. “The world is too bright, too loud, too much.”

More Than Overload

Sensory sensitivities do more than overstimulate—they interfere with attention, trigger anxiety, and can lead to meltdowns. The toll doesn’t stop there; these sensitivities are closely linked to mental health challenges, including depression, anorexia, and self-harm. And while sensory sensitivity is strongly associated with autism, it’s not unique to it—conditions like ADHD and schizophrenia also share these traits.

What stands out is just how pervasive sensory sensitivity is within the autistic community. Research shows that nearly 90% of autistic children and adults grapple with these challenges. But here’s the critical part: autistic individuals don’t simply “get used to it.” Unlike typical sensory experiences, which can become less intense with repeated exposure, the discomfort and pain of sensory overload persist, no matter how often it’s encountered. Dismissive advice like “just get over it” misses the mark entirely.

The Many Faces of Sensory Sensitivity

Sensory experiences in autism can take many forms. Some individuals are hyper-reactive to external stimuli—this is known as exteroception. Bright lights may feel blinding, certain sounds unbearable, and even soft fabrics may feel grating against the skin.

“I struggled with not being quiet enough, not sitting still, asking questions because I couldn't stop thinking about them until I had an answer,” recalls another anonymous voice. “I never felt understood.”

Others, however, may be hypo-reactive, appearing disconnected from their surroundings but battling a different challenge: recognizing their own body’s internal signals, like hunger or thirst—an area called interoception.

Yet sensory experiences aren’t always negative. For some, certain stimuli, such as a soothing fabric or a particular sound, can be deeply comforting, even joyful. This duality—pain on one hand, pleasure on the other—reveals the deeply personal nature of sensory experiences in autism.

Why Understanding Matters

Sensory sensitivity isn’t just about overstimulation; it’s about navigating a world designed for neurotypical experiences, a world that can feel harsh and unaccommodating. “Autism is way more than just getting overstimulated,” says Amelia. “It’s lonely.”

Understanding the nuances of sensory sensitivity is crucial—not just to support autistic individuals but to foster empathy. Each sensory experience shapes how we interact with the world and, in turn, how the world interacts with us. For autistic individuals, every sensory moment matters.

“Autistic difficulties are masked. They present themselves later in life as anxiety, depression, or even self-harm,” one individual explains. “The world is harder for me, and I just can’t cope.”

By creating more accommodating environments and offering patience and understanding, we can help make the world feel a little less loud, a little less bright—and a lot more welcoming—for everyone.