Not Too Sensitive. Not Not Sensitive. Just Wired Differently: Understanding Sensory Differences in Autism and AuDHD

By Tim Aiello, MA, LPC, NCC, ADHD-CCSP, ASDCS

Clinical Director, Myndset Therapeutics

“You don’t seem that sensitive to things.”“But I thought all autistic people hated loud noises?”“I like hugs. Doesn’t that mean I’m not autistic?”

Let’s clear something up: not every autistic person reacts to the world the same way. Sensory processing differences are real, but they are also diverse. And for those of us with AuDHD (Autism + ADHD), the sensory landscape gets even more layered.

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing. Some of us are hypersensitive, others are hyposensitive, and many of us are both—depending on the sense, the day, or our nervous system state.

Hypersensitive? That’s Me.

I am ridiculously hypersensitive when it comes to my sense of touch. Seriously—light fabrics, clothing tags, and even the sensation of water droplets on my skin can throw me off. I’ve had to rip off shirts in public before because they suddenly felt unbearable. I’ve flinched at the wrong kind of hug. I’ve cried because someone touched my arm when I wasn’t ready.

This isn’t drama. It’s a neurological response—a literal flood of input that my brain processes as threat. This type of hypersensitivity is common in autism and can also be seen in ADHD. Research shows that individuals on the spectrum often experience sensory over-responsivity (SOR), particularly in tactile and auditory domains (Baranek et al., 2006). In ADHD, sensory modulation difficulties are also common, though often misattributed to behavioral issues (Bijlenga et al., 2017).

When my body feels unsafe, my nervous system responds accordingly—by retreating, bracing, or even lashing out. And yet, when I explain this to others, I still get the “everyone hates itchy clothes” line. No, they don’t. Not like this.

Hyposensitive? Also Me.

You know what else is true? I’m hyposensitive when it comes to interoception—my ability to feel internal signals like hunger, thirst, or temperature. I’ve burned out, shut down, or snapped at people simply because I didn’t realize I hadn’t eaten in hours. I’ve gone entire days without drinking water and not noticed until I got dizzy. My body doesn’t naturally “ping” me with alerts the way it should.

Interoceptive differences are a big deal in autism, and they’re wildly under-discussed. A 2019 study found that interoceptive awareness is significantly impacted in autistic individuals, contributing to difficulties with emotional awareness, body regulation, and even anxiety (Garfinkel et al., 2016; Shah et al., 2016). Add in the impulsivity and distractibility of ADHD, and you’ve got a recipe for ignoring or missing crucial body signals entirely.

It’s like being hypersensitive to the world outside of me—and hyposensitive to the world inside.

You Can Be Both (Most of Us Are)

This is the part most people misunderstand: you don’t have to be either/or. You can hate loud sounds but crave deep pressure. You can avoid touch from strangers but melt into a hug from your partner. You can be overwhelmed by a crowd but underwhelmed by your own hunger cues.

In fact, research supports that most autistic individuals exhibit a mixed sensory profile—meaning both hyper- and hypo-sensitivities across different systems (Tomchek & Dunn, 2007). ADHD adds another layer, often heightening reactivity to external stimuli and decreasing internal awareness.

It’s also important to remember that sensory experiences fluctuate. Your ability to tolerate input isn’t static—it’s tied to stress, fatigue, emotional state, and regulation.

That’s why sensory overwhelm can feel fine one moment and unbearable the next.

This Is Not a Deficit. It’s a Difference.

We aren’t “too sensitive.” We aren’t “not sensitive enough.” We’re wired differently.

Our nervous systems were built to scan for threat or interest. In autistic and AuDHD brains, this often means the dial is turned up, down, or sideways compared to neurotypical experiences. It’s not broken—it’s just different. And when we understand our profile, we can stop blaming ourselves and start supporting our needs.

If your child covers their ears or chews their shirt, they’re not trying to be difficult.If you suddenly snap at your partner after being touched lightly, you’re not overreacting.If you forget to eat until you’re shaking, you’re not lazy or careless.

You're neurodivergent. Your sensory world speaks a different language. And that language is worth learning.

References

• Baranek, G. T., David, F. J., Poe, M. D., Stone, W. L., & Watson, L. R. (2006). Sensory Experience Questionnaire: Discriminating Sensory Features in Young Children with Autism, Developmental Delays, and Typical Development. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 47(6), 591–601. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2005.01546.x

• Bijlenga, D., Tjon-Ka-Jie, J. Y. M., Schuijers, F., & Kooij, J. J. S. (2017). Atypical sensory profiles as core features of adult ADHD, irrespective of autistic symptoms. European Psychiatry, 43, 51–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.12.003

• Garfinkel, S. N., Seth, A. K., Barrett, A. B., Suzuki, K., & Critchley, H. D. (2016). Knowing your own heart: Distinguishing interoceptive accuracy from interoceptive awareness. Biological Psychology, 104, 65–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2014.11.004

• Shah, P., Hall, R., Catmur, C., & Bird, G. (2016). Alexithymia, not autism, is associated with impaired interoception. Emotion, 16(6), 785–790. https://doi.org/10.1037/emo0000140

• Tomchek, S. D., & Dunn, W. (2007). Sensory Processing in Children With and Without Autism: A Comparative Study Using the Short Sensory Profile. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61(2), 190–200. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.61.2.190