Key Takeaways Many autistic children process pain differently, and research now challenges the old belief that they feel less pain. Pain often shows up through behavior, such as increased stimming, withdrawal, or meltdowns, rather than words. "High pain tolerance" is often a myth. A child who does not react may still be hurting. Autistic children experience chronic pain at higher rates than their peers. Visual tools and multidisciplinary care help children communicate discomf
