Which term best describes differences in how individuals with profound intellectual disabilities and autism respond to sensory stimuli?

• A. Cognitive development
• B. Sensory abnormalities
• C. Communication disorder
• D. Physical disability

Answer: (B)

Differences in how individuals with profound intellectual disabilities and autism respond to sensory input come from how their nervous systems process stimuli. Sensory abnormalities describe these atypical responses, including being highly sensitive to lights, sounds, textures, or touch, or conversely seeking intense sensory input, or not processing sensory signals in typical ways. This term captures the observed variety in reactions to environmental stimuli, which influences behavior and learning and informs how we set up supports like reducing overload, providing predictable routines, or using sensory-friendly strategies. The other terms—cognitive development, communication disorder, or physical disability—refer to different areas: cognition is about thinking and learning, communication disorder is about difficulties in exchanging information, and physical disability concerns bodily movement or function, not specifically how sensory input is processed. So the best label for these differences in sensory response is sensory abnormalities.