Understanding Sensory Sensitivity vs Pain
Many professionals assume:
- “The patient thinks we are hurting them.”
- “They are overreacting.”
- “We need to sedate to complete treatment.”
But this is often not correct.
What Is Really Happening?
People with:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Sensory processing differences
- Anxiety
May experience:
- Heightened sensitivity to sound, touch, vibration, taste, and movement
Important:
Sensitivity does NOT always mean pain
For example:
-
A dental tool may feel:
- Extremely uncomfortable
- Overwhelming
-
Distressing
…but not necessarily painful in the usual sense
Key Misunderstanding
Professionals may think:
- “They believe we are hurting them”
But in reality:
- The person may be reacting to sensory overload, not pain
- This sensitivity will likely happen in many environments, not just with one professional
👉 It is not always about the clinician doing something wrong
Why This Matters
If misunderstood, it can lead to:
- Unnecessary use of sedation (e.g., gas)
- Increased fear of healthcare
- Loss of trust
- Avoidance of treatment
Balanced Approach to Care
Yes – Some things are easy to adjust:
- Headphones
- Music or familiar stories
- Calm communication
- Slower pace
But some challenges are harder:
- Sensitivity to tools
- Vibrations
- Physical sensations
Good Practice Approach
1. Acknowledge the Experience
- “I understand this feels uncomfortable for you”
2. Do NOT assume pain
-
Ask:
- “Does this hurt, or does it just feel uncomfortable?”
3. Use Gradual Exposure
- Show the tool first
- Let the person hear the sound before use
- Try short bursts instead of long exposure
4. Offer Control
- Agree on a stop signal
- Allow breaks
- Let the person guide the pace
5. Use Sedation Only When Necessary
-
Sedation (e.g., gas) should be:
- A last resort, not a first response
- Based on individual need, not assumption
Core Message
“Not all distress is pain. Not all sensitivity requires sedation.”
2. EASY READ VERSION (UPDATED)
Sounds and Feelings
Some people are sensitive to:
- Sounds
- Touch
- Vibration
This Does NOT Always Mean Pain
-
It may feel:
- Strange
- Uncomfortable
- Too much
Noise is Easier to Help
You can use:
- 🎧 Headphones
- 🎵 Music
- 📖 Stories
Tools Can Be Harder
- Some tools feel uncomfortable
- This is not always pain
What Helps
- Show me first
- Go slowly
- Let me take breaks
- Let me say stop
About Sedation
- Gas is not always needed
- Try simple things first
3. POWERPOINT (NEW SLIDES TO ADD)
Slide – Sensory Sensitivity
- Not all reactions = pain
- Sensory overload is common
Slide – Common Misunderstanding
- “They think we are hurting them” ❌
- Actually: sensory discomfort ✔
Slide – Easy Adjustments
- Headphones
- Music
- Stories
- Calm voice
Slide – Harder Challenges
- Tool sensitivity
- Vibrations
- Touch
Slide – Good Practice
- Ask: pain or discomfort?
- Go slowly
- Offer breaks
- Use stop signals
Slide – Sedation
- Not first option
- Use only when needed
4. PRINTABLE POSTER (UPDATED)
NOT ALL DISTRESS IS PAIN
✔ Some people feel things more strongly
✔ Sounds and tools can feel overwhelming
✔ This is not always pain
HELP BY:
✔ Using headphones or music
✔ Going slowly
✔ Giving breaks
✔ Asking how it feels
REMEMBER:
Do not assume. Ask.
5. TRAINING CHECKLIST (ADDED SECTION)
Sensory Awareness:
☐ Ask: pain or discomfort?
☐ Offer headphones/music
☐ Prepare for tool sensitivity
☐ Use gradual exposure
Before Sedation:
☐ Try environmental adjustments
☐ Try pacing and control
☐ Confirm real need
6. ROLE-PLAY ADDITION
Scenario:
Patient reacts strongly to dental tool.
Incorrect Response:
- “They think it hurts”
- Immediately suggests sedation
Correct Response:
- Asks what they feel
- Slows down
- Uses breaks and support
- Avoids assumptions
7. STRONG TRAINING STATEMENTS (FOR YOUR BOOK)
You can include these as standout quotes:
“Not all distress means pain.”
“Sensory sensitivity is real, even when no injury is present.”
“The problem is not always the professional—it is the experience of the environment.”
“Support the person, don’t silence the response.”
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