Many people with autism, in addition to having challenges in other areas, are also hypersensitive or under-sensitive to light, noise, and touch. They may be unable to stand the sound of a pressure cooker, or, on the other extreme, need to flap and even injure themselves to be fully aware of their bodies. These sensory differences are sometimes called "sensory processing disorder" and they may be treatable with sensory integration therapy. Sensory processing involves taking in information through our senses (touch, movement, smell, taste, vision, and hearing), organize and interpret that information, and make a meaningful response. For most people, this process is automatic. People who have a Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), however, don’t experience these interactions in the same way. SPD affects the way their brains interpret the information that comes in and how they respond with emotional, motor, and other reactions. Children with autism feel as if they're being constantly bombarded with sensory information. Sensory integration therapy is essentially a form of occupational therapy involving specific sensory activities to help a child appropriately respond to light, sound, touch, smells, and other input. Intervention may include swinging, brushing, playing in a ball pit and a whole range of other activities. The outcome of these activities may be better focus, improved behavior, and even lowered anxiety.