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Sensory Overload

Moogle

Hello, 

I do not yet have a diagnosis, so I'm not sure if it's ok to post on here. Please let me know if it's not and I'll remove my message.

I had my ASD assessment 3 weeks ago, and I'm awaiting the report, but things seem to be getting more and more unmanageable. Sensory overload in particular, especially noise. I just wondered if anybody may have some advice please? I wear ear plugs all the time and sometimes defenders too. But I find myself so worn out all the time for so much sensory input, leading to meltdowns and leaving very little if anything to give. I have recently moved house and so anxiety is definitely alot worse at the moment, could things being more heightened be linked with stress in some way? Forgive me if this is an obvious question. 

Thank you 

Parents

  • Of course it's ok to post. Welcome. Some folks never bother with an assessment and are happy to self identify. I for one am a big fan of that. Not everyone wants assessment stress, but everyone here wants to learn more and help themselves.

    A chap I am a huge fan of on the sensory stuff and its consequences is Luke Beardon. Read his books, youtube him. He has a simple equation that makes perfect sense:

    Autism + environment = outcome

    Or as on the card my lovely friend send me when I was diagnosed:

    "When a flower fails to bloom you change the environment in which it is grown, not the flower".

    Yes, we need to mitigate the sensory input. Use things like headphones, persaude others to be considerate of our sensory needs, counterbalance with restorative sensory positives. It's hard work, but the more you understand about your sensory profile (what restores and what triggers and how changeable that can be) the better you will get at finding work arounds, the better you will get at negotiating your need, the more you will tailor good solutions for you.

    We are all different. The answer for each is different.

    Give yourself permission to be demanding for your own need and well being.

  • in reply to Dawn

    Thank you for your reply and for the reassurance that it is ok to post here. I wasn't sure how things worked.

    I will have a look into Luke Beardon, sounds like it would very helpful. 

    What a wonderful card that was from your friend. And so poignant too. I hope that quote is always a beautiful  reminder for you. I'll be remembering that one too, so thank you very much for sharing. 

    Yes, like many I have always thought I was overreacting and had to try and push through the sensory issues as they didn't make sense to anybody around me. That's not to judge them, it's impossible to understand when they are not experiencing it too. But it never occurred to me that I can make accommodations for myself and to ask others to help with that too. 

    Thank you so much for all the advice you have given, I really appreciate it. 

    I don't know how long ago you were diagnosed, but I hope you are doing ok with everything and finding ways that work for you. 

    Take care 

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  • in reply to Dawn

    Thank you for your reply and for the reassurance that it is ok to post here. I wasn't sure how things worked.

    I will have a look into Luke Beardon, sounds like it would very helpful. 

    What a wonderful card that was from your friend. And so poignant too. I hope that quote is always a beautiful  reminder for you. I'll be remembering that one too, so thank you very much for sharing. 

    Yes, like many I have always thought I was overreacting and had to try and push through the sensory issues as they didn't make sense to anybody around me. That's not to judge them, it's impossible to understand when they are not experiencing it too. But it never occurred to me that I can make accommodations for myself and to ask others to help with that too. 

    Thank you so much for all the advice you have given, I really appreciate it. 

    I don't know how long ago you were diagnosed, but I hope you are doing ok with everything and finding ways that work for you. 

    Take care 

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