The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome

by Anthony Attwood

The intense sensory experiences, described by Nita Jackson as ‘dynamic sensory surges’ (N.Jackson 2002, p.53), result in the person with Asperger’s syndrome being extremely stressed, anxious and almost ‘shell shocked’ in situations that are not perceived as aversive but enjoyable for other children. The child with sensory sensitivity becomes hypervigilant, tense and distractible in sensory stimulating environments such as the classroom, unsure when the next painful sensory experience will occur. The child actively avoids specific situations such as school corridors, playgrounds, busy shopping malls and supermarkets which are known to be too intense a sensory experience. The fearful anticipation can become so severe, an anxiety disorder can develop, such as a phobia of dogs because they might suddenly bark, or agoraphobia (fear of public places), as home is a relatively safe and controlled sensory experience.