More than five senses
Alongside sight, sound, smell, taste and touch, balance, body position and internal signals such as hunger or pain can also be processed differently.
Overload is not misbehaviour
When input becomes too much, a person may need to leave, become quiet, move repeatedly or lose access to speech. These are signs of stress, not deliberate defiance.
Create sensory safety
Small adjustments—lower lighting, predictable noise, comfortable clothing, movement breaks or headphones—can make a major difference.