A clear and compassionate exploration of sensory processing in autism, shedding light on why everyday environments can feel overwhelming, confusing, or physically uncomfortable for autistic individuals.
In Episode 18 of The William Gomes Podcast, “The Sensory World of Autism – Why Everyday Life Feels Different,”William Gomes examines how autistic people experience the world through heightened, reduced, or fluctuating sensory responses.
The episode explains key sensory concepts including hypersensitivity, hyposensitivity, sensory seeking, and sensory filtering difficulties, and shows how these patterns shape behaviour, emotional regulation, and daily functioning.
Understanding Sensory Difference
Rather than framing sensory differences as behavioural problems, the episode situates them as fundamental aspects of autistic perception. Gomes explains how common environments such as classrooms, supermarkets, or busy homes can overwhelm the nervous system through sound, light, texture, and movement.
When this distress is misunderstood, it is often mislabelled as defiance or emotional difficulty rather than recognised as a sensory response.
Sensory Overload and Its Cumulative Impact
A central focus of the episode is sensory overload and its cumulative effects. Gomes outlines how repeated exposure to overwhelming sensory input can lead to shutdowns, meltdowns, or profound exhaustion, particularly when children are expected to tolerate environments without adequate support or recovery time.
Practical Adjustments That Make a Difference
The episode also highlights practical and achievable adjustments that can significantly improve wellbeing. These include:
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Reducing background noise
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Providing predictable routines
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Allowing movement and flexibility
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Adapting lighting
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Offering regular sensory breaks
Such adjustments are presented not as special privileges, but as ways to create environments that support regulation, safety, and participation.
Listening to Autistic Experience
Throughout the discussion, Gomes emphasises the importance of listening to autistic voices and recognising sensory needs as legitimate and meaningful. The episode encourages parents, educators, and professionals to move away from “toughening up” approaches and toward environments designed with nervous system wellbeing in mind.
Who This Episode Is For
Warm, accessible, and evidence-informed, this episode forms part of an ongoing series exploring autism through developmental, psychological, and neurodiversity-informed perspectives. It is intended for families, teachers, clinicians, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of autistic experience.
Listen to Episode 18
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0HgbnXWj7L1cxdrLp3ZBxQ?si=d6fc2b9b614c4e50
Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-william-gomes-podcast/id1582677051?i=1000743398049
