Fact: People with an ASD who are hypo-sensitive to touch may have a high pain threshold, and may self-harm. They may also enjoy having heavy objects (eg, weighted blankets) on top of them.

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I enjoy participating in the Autism Awareness blog that RJ Scott does every year because I learn something. This year, my fact has to do with someone sensitive to the touch. Instead of writing a fiction piece or sharing something from my stories, I thought I’d add a little more information on my fact. I went to a website.

From Psychology Today:

Common Autism Experiences With Touch

I sincerely thank some individuals on the autism spectrum forum at Wrong Planet for sharing some of their experiences with touch.

Most of the individuals who responded indicated the following issues with touch:

• light touch, in general, seemed to be more unpleasant than deep touch
• unexpected touch, even from a loved one, could be very unpleasant
• touch from distant acquaintances or from strangers, even if meant to be reassuring, is not.  (Come to think of it, this sounds like a pretty good practice for anyone, right?)
  

What Touch Aversion Might Look Like

• your child tells you on no uncertain terms that all the tags MUST be cut out of her clothing
• your child may resist having his hair combed or teeth brushed because of the very uncomfortable sensations
• your partner might pull away from you when you try to hug her or kiss her
• children, teens, and adults on the autism spectrum may only be able to tolerate foods with certain types of textures (e.g., crunchy versus smooth, hard versus ‘slimy’)

Solutions for Sensory Issues

Helpful Resources

Inexpensive solutions from Brian King.  Brian King, diagnosed with Aspergers and father of three kids on the spectrum, wrote a fantastic article called 6 Simple Sensory Solutions for the Autism Spectrum.  Read the full article for ways that you can use a rolling pin, a hanging bar, a bean bag chair, a back pack with weights, an indoor trampoline, or a wall to regulate your tactile system!

One of his own personal favorite relaxation and de-stressing techniques is to have his wife or kids given him the rolling pin treatment.  They take a regular rolling pin and slowly give him a deep pressure massage while he is lying down on his stomach.

Weighted Vests

can often bring a deep sense of calm and relaxation for kids, teens, and adults alike.