Understanding sensory needs is essential for supporting yourself and neurodivergent individuals, such as those who are autistic or have ADHD, as they transition into adulthood. These needs are categorised into different sensory areas: sound, taste, touch, smell, sight, balance (vestibular), proprioception (awareness of space), and interoception (awareness of internal body signals).
Each sensory category can be experienced as hypersensitive or hyposensitive. Individuals who experience hypersensitivity may require more space or feel overwhelmed by stimuli, while hyposensitive individuals might seek additional sensory input to feel that their 'sensory cup is full'. These sensory needs can vary depending on the environment/ time of day etc and how narrow an individual's window of tolerance is.
Recognising these differences is crucial for creating supportive environments.
For example, in proprioception, hypersensitive individuals may need more personal space, while hyposensitive individuals might struggle with spatial awareness. In interoception, hypersensitive individuals may frequently feel hunger or thirst, whereas hyposensitive individuals might not notice these internal signals.
Understanding and accommodating these sensory needs can significantly enhance the quality of life for neurodivergent individuals, facilitating smoother transitions into adulthood and promoting overall well-being.
