Brain & Sensory Processing Differences Across the Lifespan

Fakhri Shafai, Ph.D., M.Ed., describes sensory differences experienced by individuals with autism throughout the lifespan.

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Handouts are online at: https://www.autism.org/wp-content/upl...

Since 2003, Dr. Fakhri Shafai has worked with autistic persons, their families, clinicians, and educators in various capacities. Her research is focused on sensory processing differences in autism spectrum disorder and how these differences are related to social competence, emotion processing, and anxiety. Currently, she works as the Research and Evaluation Project Coordinator for AIDE Canada, a federally-funded nonprofit that seeks to support autistic individuals, individuals with intellectual disabilities, and their families.

00:00 - Intro
2:03 – Sensory processing
5:40 – Optimal attention and arousal window
9:04 – Hyper- and hypo-reactivity
11:00 – Sensory quotes
12:15 – Homunculus visual
13:15 – Sensory receptors in the skin
15:00 – Layered brain development
16:05 – Analogy: atypical neuronal migration
18:35 – Synaptic pruning
20:05 – Analogy: forest of synapses
21:50 – Distant synapses and sensory issues in autism
24:30 – Multisensory integration
28:00 – Auditory system and aging
29:45 – Visual system and aging
30:50 – Tactile system and aging
32:15 – Olfactory system and aging
32:50 – Gustatory system and aging
35:15 – Vestibular system and aging
36:40 – Proprioception system and aging
37:48 – Interoception system and aging
39:50 – Importance of interception
42:40 – The insula and interception
43:40 – Summary of sensory processing differences
45:28 – Limitations
48:30 – Future directions: research and resources
50:40 – Programs, toolkits, and final thoughts
52:48 – Q & A