Sensory Perceptual Issues in Autism and Asperger Syndrome (PDF download)

Different Sensory Experiences – Different Perceptual Worlds

Second Edition by Olga Bogdashina
Foreword by Manuel F. Casanova

Sensory experiences can have a profound effect on communication, learning, emotional regulation, behaviour and everyday participation. In this comprehensive book, Olga Bogdashina explores how autistic people may perceive and process their surroundings differently.

Drawing on research, professional experience and first-hand accounts from autistic people, the book encourages readers to look beyond outward behaviour and consider what the person may be seeing, hearing, feeling or trying to manage.

It is an informative resource for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of sensory processing and perception in autism.

What does the book explore?

The book examines a broad range of sensory and perceptual experiences, including:

• Hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity
• Sensory overload and shutdown
• Delayed sensory processing
• Fragmented or distorted perception
• Difficulty separating foreground and background information
• Sensory-seeking and sensory-avoiding behaviour
• Changes and fluctuations in sensory responses
• Processing one sensory channel at a time
• Using one sense to compensate for another
• Synaesthesia and face-recognition difficulties
• Auditory and visual processing differences
• Proprioception, movement and motor coordination
• Perceptual thinking, attention and memory

Understanding behaviour through a sensory perspective

A central message of the book is that behaviour should not automatically be viewed as meaningless, deliberately difficult or inappropriate.

Covering the ears, avoiding eye contact, rocking, touching objects, refusing particular clothes or withdrawing from an environment may serve an important purpose. Such responses can help a person reduce overload, obtain sensory input, regulate their body or make sense of an unpredictable situation.

By considering the sensory reason behind a response, parents and professionals may be better able to identify helpful adjustments and avoid approaches that could increase distress.

Individual sensory profiles

The book emphasises that every autistic person has an individual sensory profile. A strategy that helps one person may be uncomfortable or ineffective for someone else.

It discusses ways of combining personal accounts, family observations and information from different environments to identify:

• Sensory preferences and strengths
• Sources of discomfort or overload
• Sensory-seeking and regulating activities
• Early warning signs of distress
• Helpful environmental adaptations
• Reliable communication and learning channels
• Strategies that should be avoided or reviewed

The final sections consider sensory assessment, supportive environments and different intervention approaches.

Who is this book for?

This book may be particularly useful for:

• Parents and carers of autistic children
• Autistic adults wishing to explore their sensory experiences
• Teachers, SENCOs and teaching assistants
• Occupational therapists
• Psychologists and healthcare professionals
• Social care and support staff
• Students studying autism, education or psychology
• Anyone interested in sensory processing and neurodiversity

Why choose this book?

• Presents sensory experiences from an autistic perspective
• Connects sensory differences with communication and behaviour
• Combines theoretical explanations with practical examples
• Explores both sensory challenges and perceptual strengths
• Encourages individualised rather than one-size-fits-all support
• Includes recommendations for creating more accessible environments
• Provides extensive references for further study

Important edition information

This book was published in 2016. Some terminology, including “Asperger Syndrome,” appears because it forms part of the original published title and reflects terminology used at the time.

The book is an educational resource and should not replace an individual clinical assessment, medical advice or support from an appropriately qualified professional.