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Struggling with Sensory processing disorder

Stephd94

Hi I am struggling in my home. I live in a flat near the elevator shaft so I hear the noise and vibration throughout my home. This began in 2019 but has become worse over time and it's stressing me out I have been sleeping on my kitchen floor for over a year as it was the only room that I couldn't really hear the noise but now I can and have to sleep with earplugs. I have applied to be rehoused but theirs a crisis going on and I really don't know what to do also considering becoming homeless but have been advised not to as it would help me get a new place to live. Others dismiss the noise because it doesn't affect them 

  • Hi, for some reference Im a teenager who was diagnosed with SPD, vpd(visual processing disorder) and ADHD over the course of the last few years. (I'm likely also autistic)

    I do not know all of the details of your living situation but I do have some things I would like to recommend that help me overall.

    1) As you said you were wearing earplugs to sleep, I suggest getting some for during the day as that may help with daytime overstimulation. I personally like to use the loop engage earplugs when at school.

    2) A weighted blanket/stuffie. That might help you feel more grounded when then the elevator is being used. 

    3) Eyemask. I know it may sound a bit odd, but it may help prevent more overwhelm/overstimulation. (I mean the kind that's supposed to block out light)

    4) Going on a walk, especially before you get ready to go to sleep.

    5) Comfortable bedding/pajamas. That way you have something you like about sleeping.

    6) If you are sleeping directly on the kitchen floor, please use a inflatable mattress or something. Sleeping on the floor isn't good for your bones.

    7) Keep your flat as organized as you reasonably can. It will likley help with your stress.

    Obviously not the same things are going to work with every person but if you could, I would give some of these a try, they may help in the mean time until you figure out a good living situation. 

    Hope this helps!

  • Others have talked about the official channels whch is the right way to go, but this will not help the immediate issue or give any guaranatee that the next place will not have different issues.

    Have you considered hypnosis?

    Getting a hypnotherapist to persuade you that the sound is soothing rather than annoying may work. It isn't something I have had a lot of experience with so would appreciate if anyone else has anything to add.

    If you choose to go down this route then I would take a recording of the sound with you to help play in the session to reinforce the association.

    Failing that as a short term thing why not consider getting a small fold up bed to take to the kitchen a few days a week? Alternating night between the bedroom and kitchen may be enough to keep you rested enough to function normally while you wait for a better solution.

    From what you say you can live with earplugs - does this let you sleep fairly normally?

    Should you want to go down the rehousing route then remember to bring up the fact autism is your disability and your issues are directly caused by this. It may help get you further up the list.

    Also it is worth remembering that anywhere new will have its own risks of loud neighbours, road noise, smells from neighbours (cooking or smoking) or even other plant machinery (air con, water pumps, another lift) so it is not a guaranteed fix. 

    Personally if this is the only issue then I would try to find a way to live with it rather than take a risk on moving. Hypnosis seems the quickest fix if it works.

  • Dear Stephd94

     

    I too am sorry to hear you are struggling in your home at the moment. It is encouraging to read such a detailed and empathetic response from overwhelmed and underwhelmed and I hope their advice and website resource proves helpful. Here are some more website resources that also might come in handy: 

     

    NAS - Guide for Reasonable Adjustments and Adaptations in Rental Housing (please ignore if you are not paying rent for your flat).

     

    NAS Types of welfare benefits

    NAS Benefits you can get 

     

    Citizen’s Advice website 

     

    I hope you manage to get a nicer, quieter new place soon.

     

    Good_Vibes365