Why get a Sensory Profile?
For many late-diagnosed adults exploring an autism diagnosis, the question often arises: What’s next? A great next step is getting a sensory profile.
What Is a Sensory Profile?
A sensory profile is an overview of how your body uniquely processes sensory input in daily life and how that impacts your functioning and engagement with the world. It can help validate your experiences, strengthen your connection with your body, and empower you to advocate for your needs.
Why Does It Matter?
Many neurodivergent people have been told from childhood into adulthood things like:
“It’s not that loud in the gym—stop covering your ears.”
“You have to wear this sweater. What’s the problem?”
“Why do you get so irritable at the airport? It’s no big deal.”
The world isn’t designed for neurodivergent sensory processing, and these experiences can be overwhelming. The echoes of a bouncing basketball in a large gym might feel unbearable, a wool sweater like pins and needles, and an airport’s sensory overload might lead to shutdown. Because neurotypical people may struggle to understand and ignore or discredit these differences, autistic and neurodivergent experiences are often dismissed.
Completing a sensory checklist or standardized assessment, like the Sensory Profile, can provide insight into how your body processes sensory input (Neff, 2024). It helps bridge the gap between your internal experiences and how you navigate the world.
Reconnecting With Your Sensory Experience
Many autistic and neurodivergent individuals struggle to interpret or trust their sensory input due to years of invalidation. This disconnection from sensory experiences can weaken their sense of self (Thompson, 2024). However, paying attention to your sensory needs can help you reconnect with parts of yourself that may have been ignored.
Sensory processing isn’t always challenging—it can also bring deep joy. For many autistic and neurodivergent individuals, sensory experiences are a source of profound pleasure: the rhythmic crashing of waves, the satisfying crunch of dry leaves, the comfort of a favorite food or the pure delight of engaging in stimming.
Dr. Luke Beardon, an autism researcher, describes this beautifully: “There’s absolutely, categorically no denying that for some autistic people, sensory experiences are the best part of being autistic. I’ve heard people say, ‘I feel sorry for those who don’t experience the joy I do.’” (2023, Packham).
Advocating for Your Needs
Understanding your sensory profile helps you advocate for support in work, school, home, and community settings. It’s easier to ask for accommodations when you recognize what helps you function best.
Maybe you need noise-canceling headphones at the gym.
Perhaps avoiding wool or wearing compression layers makes clothing more comfortable.
You might find that breathwork or movement helps prepare you for sensory-heavy environments like airports.
Tuning into your nervous system is an act of self-care.
Getting Started
Exploring your sensory system can:
Validate your experiences
Strengthen your self-connection
Empower you to ask for what you need
Start small—check in with your senses when you feel overwhelmed: What do you see, hear, smell, feel, or taste right now? You can also try a self-led sensory checklist (there’s a free one on our resource page) or complete a standardized assessment like the Sensory Profile.
Understanding your sensory needs is a powerful step toward self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-advocacy.
Sources:
Neff, Megan Anna Dr. “Empowering Autistic Individuals Towards Self-Actualization.” Star Institute Virtual Summit - Sensory Health and Autism. 14 June 2024. Virtual.
Packham, C. (Presenter). “Inside our autistic minds [TV series]” (2023). BBC Studios
Thompson, Rachel. “Sensory Processing, Autism and Identity.” Star Institute Virtual Summit - Sensory Health and Autism 12 June 2024. Virtual.
