[bamapsych]

I've heard that people on the autism spectrum sometimes have strong senses which make them sensitive to differnent things. Usually it's sensitivity to light, touch, sound, or smell. Never read about someone having strong sense of taste. I do have a very strong sense of taste. It drives my family crazy. I can tell what brand a product is just by tasting it even if it's just a minor difference that a common person would not be able to detect. I eat everything plain. My diet consists of mostly meat, bread, potatoes, and sweets.

[-jimi-]

Taste is a sense. So why not.

My friend who is probably somewhat autistic, has a huge issue with food, especially meat. She can taste blood when no one else can.

[bamapsych]

All of my 5 senses are sensitive, but not as much as some folks on here. Thank goodness mine is milder. My eyes are squinted all the time except in a dim room. Sound is a major one for me. When I was in high school, I'd refuse to go to pep rallys and events because of the noise. I've sat and cried during church singing before because it was too loud for me but very tolerable for everyone else. I can smell things that most others can't. Kirklands store gives me a busting headache. I'm also sensitive to touch. Hugs and affection are really uncomfortable and awkward, but I tolerate it to not seem rude. People still notice and even bring it to my attention every now and then.

My ability to taste is quite strong, but not as strong as my sense of smell. I think the two are connected. Most food I eat is plain, since I get disgusted quite easily. Spicy foods bother me, except for salami. When I need to add some flavour, the spices I use are limited to pepper, salt, steak spice and paprika.

There are some foods, I will not eat because of their texture. Bananas, any kind of lettuce, water chestnuts, and whole wheat pasta, feel gross in my mouth.

My ability to smell everything isolates me. My nose is extremely sensitive, that I can isolate a myriad of odours in the air. I get nauseated very easily, so I tend to stay away from public places and people with bad hygiene. My nose also limits where I eat (if I do eat out).

People touching me is not allowed. I don't like shaking hands, but I will when I have to. Only a select few can hug me and kiss me. The sensation overwhelms me.

[bamapsych]

I went to a restaurant called Ghengis Grill and got terribly grossed out. It's Mongolian stir fry restaurant. They have a buffet with raw meats, veggies, spices, etc... You get all you want in a bowl, and then they cook it for you and bring it to your table. The smell of the raw meat turned my stomach. Nobody else seemed to have a problem with it and could barely smell anything.