Connections Between Sensory Sensitivities in Autism; the Importance of Sensory Friendly Environments for Accessibility and Increased Quality of Life for the Neurodivergent Autistic Minority

Abstract

Many adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience sensory processing sensitivities. Research shows that 94.4% of adults with ASD report co-occurring sensory differences that impact their daily life in a significant way. These sensitivities can create accessibility challenges for the autistic neurominority, especially for autistic individuals with hypersensitivities. This literature review has two purposes. First, it seeks to better understand how these sensory differences impact the experience of individuals in the neurodivergent autistic minority and the correlations between sensory overload, accessibility, mental, emotional and physical health. Secondly, the epistemology influencing this review is critical in nature and is aligned with the ideals of the Neurodiversity Movement which seeks to promote the “civil rights, equality, respect, and full societal inclusion for the neurodivergent”. The articles included in this review provide a better understanding of how these connections are related to experiences of marginalization due to a neurological divergence.