I agree.
Autistic people are more sensitive to stimuli, and any “extra” activity in the brain can cause strange feelings and other consequences. Since those feelings usually accompany overstimulation, this may actually be the mechanism.
I have chronic dry eye for many years and when I feel stressed or depressed it gets worse.
I don't have any links either on the net, just the things doctors have said and having studied medical
arts to become a pharmacist, I have a lot of interest in many subjects on how the body works.
Autism does cause extra activity in the brain.
There are old sayings that are based on some of these things with the cytokines and the eyes
which have true medical meanings, but, they didn't realise why when they said it.
Like "Seeing red" when angry.
Doesn't mean you see the colour red. Your eyes will become bloodshot from the adrenaline and
over production of the cytokines which cause inflammation.
Another is "enough to make my head spin" again caused from the over production of these hormones
and electrical and chemical changes in the brain.
We have hyper-immune systems. More cytokines and histamine to create strange bodily sensations.
The inflammation from the hyper active immune systems and excessive brain activity and hormones
are currently being studied as a way to prevent a lot of the odd physical sensations people with ASD
and anxiety disorders get. Ways to down regulate this without the use of cortisone and antihistamines
which are harmful to the system with extended use are being tested.
Our eyes have a lot of parts that change quickly when strong emotions are felt.
Not only from sadness, but, tears of gladness work the same. Either emotion sets off
the changes in the eye muscles and glands.
Strong emotions can cause these odd sensations of the eyes and head temporarily.
Long term like PTSD will lead to serious bodily destruction like the aspects of chronic dry eye
such as I have.
So, yes, we are more sensitive and over active in our body functions.