Sensory-processing informed autism practice for child-centred therapists

A majority of autistic children experience sensory processing difficulties. In this paper we give concise summaries of the impact of sensory processing difficulties and baseline chronic dysregulation for autistic children. We acknowledge the need for flexible, informed and individualized child-centred therapy practices that are sensitive to, embrace and include autistic sensory experiences. In consideration, we discuss the subtle implicit assumptions and communication biases non-autistic therapists may hold due their neurotype. We consider the concept of interactive mismatch: exploring how difficulties in autistic/non-autistic interactions are bidirectional in nature and not inherent to either neurotype. We identify five areas of sensory-processing informed adaptation in clinical technique, encouraging practitioners to (1) create sensory-stable spaces for their clients, (2) adapt their basic use of voice and body, (3) consider cross-neurotype differences of emotional experience and employ behavioural observations at the heart of empathic processes, (4) facilitate interoceptive awareness and support personalised connections between sensations and regulatory actions, and (5) support the development of individually tailored vocabularies of feelings. The strategies we present in this paper offer a practical roadmap to address each autistic child’s sensory needs, reducing dysregulation and fostering meaningful connection without compromising the child’s agency.