VIDEO: What life is like for people with autism

To help people have a better understanding of autism, the National Autistic Society created a film showing how everyday sounds can be unbearable for people with autism.

The informative video shows how normal sounds such as dripping faucets and ticking clocks can be overwhelming and stressful for people suffering from autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a condition affecting an individual’s communication and social interaction.

Unbeknownst to us, many people with ASD also have sensory sensitivity or sensory integration difficulties. Unlike typical individuals, people with sensory sensitivity cannot process or organize information from their senses.

For instance, they may have a distorted vision that makes objects and bright lights appear to be moving around. Moreover, they may find it difficult to concentrate since noises can be magnified, distorted, and muddled making it hard for them to cut out background noise. They may experience pain and discomfort from a simple touch while some smells and tastes can be intense and overwhelming for them.

Although there is no known cure for ASD, people with this condition can be helped by various educational and behavioral support programs.

Watch the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Lfg_v9OlVU