Sensory Processing Differences
The term "sensory processing differences. It mirrors the DSM criterion B.3, which is described as:
"Hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects of the environment (e.g. apparent indifference to pain/temperature, adverse response to specific sounds or textures, excessive smelling or touching of objects, visual fascination with lights or movement)."
Sensory processing differences are essentially when an individual has abnormal sensitivities to sensory stimuli. Abnormal as in both over and under-sensitivites. This is called hyper and hypo-sensitivity, respectively. Each individual has a different combination of hyper and hypo-sensitivities. For example, somebody could be hypersensitive to audio stimulu but be hyposensitive to touch. This could manifest as being quite sensitive to loud and complex noises, but having a great affinity for music; As for touch, they may have a high pain tolerance and.
Stimming
Stimming stands for self-stimulatory behavior, also known as "fidgeting" or "self-stimulation". Stimming is any repetitive behavior performed (unintentionally) for the purpose of stimulation of the senses. Having control over one's senses can be critical when, as autistic people, we're so much more sensitive to under- and overstimulation.