When Everything Feels Too Much: Sensory Anxiety in Autism

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A new research study helps us understand why so many autistic children struggle with anxiety - and what we can do about it

As a parent of an autistic child, you've probably noticed how a trip to the supermarket can quickly become overwhelming. The fluorescent lights seem too bright, the freezer aisle hums too loudly and unexpected announcements over the PA system can trigger instant distress. But have you ever wondered why these sensory experiences so often lead to anxiety that lasts long after you've left the store?

A new study by Garrett Cardon and colleagues at the University of Colorado has uncovered important connections between sensory difficulties, intolerance of uncertainty, and anxiety in autistic children. Published in Research in Autism (2025), their findings offer both validation for families and hope for better support strategies.

The Autism Triple Challenge

The researchers studied 30 autistic children aged 6-11 and compared them with 26 neurotypical peers. They found that autistic children experienced significantly higher levels of:

1. Sensory Processing Difficulties Nine out of ten autistic children experience sensory challenges - that's not just a statistic, it's a daily reality for families. These difficulties can show up as:

• Covering ears at sounds others barely notice

• Refusing to wear certain clothes because they feel "wrong"

• Seeking out intense sensory experiences like spinning or jumping

• Missing sensory cues that others pick up automatically

2. Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) This fancy term simply means having a really hard time when you don't know what's coming next. Children with high IU might:

• Melt down when plans change unexpectedly

• Ask the same questions repeatedly, seeking reassurance

• Struggle with "maybe" answers

• Find new situations extremely stressful

3. Anxiety The study confirmed what many parents already know: autistic children experience anxiety at more than double the rate of their peers, with about 40% dealing with clinical levels of anxiety.

The Missing Puzzle Piece

Here's where the research gets really interesting. The team discovered that intolerance of uncertainty acts as a crucial bridge between sensory difficulties and anxiety. Think of it like this:

When your child experiences unpredictable sensory input → It makes the world feel more uncertain → Which then triggers anxiety

It's like a domino effect. The sensory challenges make the world feel unpredictable and overwhelming, which feeds into difficulty handling uncertainty, which then blooms into anxiety.

What's Happening in the Brain?

Using brain imaging technology, the researchers peered inside to see what was happening neurologically. They found differences in how various brain regions communicate in autistic children, particularly:

• Sensory processing areas weren't connecting typically with other brain regions

• The cerebellum (which helps coordinate responses) showed altered connections

• The amygdala (the brain's alarm system) was involved in these different connection patterns

• Frontal areas that help with emotional control showed atypical connectivity

When these brain regions don't communicate smoothly, it creates a perfect storm for sensory-uncertainty-anxiety challenges.

Why This Matters for Your Family

This research is more than just interesting science - it has real implications for how we support autistic children:

1. It's All Connected Those sensory meltdowns and anxiety attacks aren't separate issues - they're neurologically linked. This means addressing one area might help the others.

2. Validation Your child isn't being "difficult" or "oversensitive." These challenges are rooted in real differences in brain connectivity and processing.

3. Hope for Better Support Understanding these connections opens doors for more effective interventions.

Practical Strategies Parents With Children With Autism Can Try Today

Based on this research, here are evidence-informed strategies that might help:

Address Sensory Needs Proactively

• Create a sensory toolkit (noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, sunglasses)

• Build in sensory breaks throughout the day

• Identify and minimize triggers when possible

Reduce Uncertainty

• Use visual schedules to make the day predictable

• Give warnings before transitions ("In 5 minutes, we'll need to...")

• Create social stories for new experiences

• Be specific rather than vague ("We'll be there for 30 minutes" vs. "We won't be long")

Support Anxiety Management

• Teach deep breathing or other calming strategies

• Validate feelings ("I see this is really hard for you")

• Create a calm-down space at home

• Consider professional support like therapy

Work on Tolerance Gradually

• Start with small, manageable uncertainties

• Celebrate when your child handles unexpected changes

• Build confidence through successful experiences

Looking Forward

This research reminds us that autistic children aren't just "being difficult" when they struggle with sensory experiences, uncertainty, and anxiety. These challenges are interconnected and rooted in neurological differences.

The good news? Understanding these connections means we can be smarter about support. Instead of treating sensory issues, uncertainty struggles, and anxiety as separate problems, we can address them as the interconnected challenges they are.

As one researcher noted, "Addressing sensory and IU difficulties has the potential to lead to improvements in anxiety in autistic children." That's not just hope - that's a roadmap for helping our children thrive in a world that often feels too much.

Reference: Cardon, G., Tindall, K., & Rojas, D. (2025). Behavioral and neural interrelationships of sensory difficulties, intolerance of uncertainty, and anxiety in autistic children. Research in Autism, 202618. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reia.2025.202618

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Have you noticed these connections in your own child? What strategies have helped your family? Share your experiences in the comments below.