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AUTISM GLOSSARY
Sensory Avoiding
DEFINITION
Sensory avoiding describes a pattern in which a person actively avoids sensory input — pulling away from touch, covering ears, avoiding crowds, refusing certain textures, or withdrawing from strong smells.
WHY IT MATTERS
Sensory avoidance reflects genuine neurological sensitivity, not preference or picky behavior. Forcing sensory input on a sensory-avoiding person can cause significant distress and dysregulation.
COMMON MISCONCEPTION
Sensory avoidance is not stubbornness or poor tolerance. The input is genuinely aversive at a neurological level — comparable to asking a non-autistic person to put their hand on a hot stove.