Sensory overload

I relate doesn't work for me ever

i have tried CBT it doesnt help me as i have both autism and adhd its harder for me to control by my own

Have you been through CBT, you are describing pre worry about situations that you have no evidence for, CBT might help in your situation if you haven't already tried could be worth the try

i worry more how busy it will be and if i will start crying and losing my balance i dont wish to hurt myself

I currently get to the end of my street without getting overwhelmed by noise even headphones on and my hands start shaking and I start spinning, I become unsafe to be near roads.

I've been this extreme for 5 months, prior it had been building up for 2 years. I was becoming more reliant on headphones outside.

For me I don't think about the noise, I'm not ruminating thoughts and I can go outside and be fine if no noise, but as soon as there is noise my body starts shaking and my head starts hurting and I need to get away from the environment immediately.

• I've tried the listening program 
• I'm starting private counselling next week with a neuroaffirming therapist 
• I have an assessment next week with a private Occupational therapist to see if they can help 

NHS would only offer me CBT, I've struggled with CBT in the past and because I don't have ruminating thoughts I couldn't see how it was going to help, in highsight I should of just done CBT as I would of stayed in CMHT care, instead they discharged back to GP saying it's autism and I need an NHS approved assessment 

GP refused to refer me to an occupational therapist saying that's not what they do, yet everything I've read says Occupational therapists are trained in sensory integration and energy pacing 

I've read the autism burnout workbook, which I found helpful, but struggling to implement changes suggested because my zappers of energy I'm struggling to eliminate 

It's not just noise, I've become extremely sensitive to temperature and touch also.

I was diagnosed last year late 40s. I felt like this for years without knowing why exactly. Sometimes the build up to one event and having to perform at a specific time can be difficult, if  over or under thinking it. Most feelings are manageable by knowing what causes it for you,

Oh yes! I think about that a lot, especially when it is something that has been sprung on me without at least several days notice. 

Hi yes thankyou for this yes i think might need to reduce the activities. Very good advice 

Thankyou for your replies I also over think a lot about before going out for example I am thinking about what time i will be back or worrying about the night before does anyone ever get this? 

Hi Louised,

Kissyboo2 said:

Hi thankyou for letting me join even though was diagnosed autism late I am 41

Welcome to the community. 

I joined here shortly before diagnosis in my 60s, so to me you have received an early diagnosis.

Sensory overload used to happen more frequently for me than it does now. I have learned to manage and plan my day/week/month, and this has helped reduce demands and decrease sensory overload. Of course, many things are out of my control …then I become overwhelmed and exhausted.

It varies depending on how stressed I am, what the expectations are, the environment, who I'm with, etc.

If you have recently been diagnosed you now have 'permission' to feel things, which is why you notice it more. You may also have lowered expectations of yourself and how you much you should be able to cope with.

You might be more stressed if you are processing things, or are unsure how you feel.

I wouldn't worry too much, it will just make it worse.

You may need to reduce the load for a while, or just change some of the activities. Visiting a familiar place, or somewhere quieter or calmer, or using other means to reduce noise or glare (just a hat can help), have a trusted companion, etc. are ways to reduce the sensations. Being rested before will also make it easier.

Sone things are just harder and require a rest afterwards.

Hi Kissyboo2 and welcome! You are not alone! Many of us are being diagnosed late because assessment and knowledge has improved. I find socialising difficult unless I am with people I know well. There is all the sensory stuff and also the expectations/NT 'rules'. I can mask well but find it tiring. I prefer a good chat about something of depth rather than small talk about weather/family/driving route to the venue. These days I don't try as hard to mask - if a person meets and 'gets' the real me, that's good.

AuDHD here mid thirties. Yeah, crowds are excruciating for me. I believe that thinking about a singular goal or focusing on a particular person helps with that overload. If you can focus on one thing, then the rest can kind of fade into the background a little easier.

I feel the same, diagnosed recently at 40. Its almost as if the diagnosis has made it even more difficult to go out?!

i am the same i struggle with crowds but for me its almost instantly, i am still waiting for a formal further assessment for AuDHD this wait time could be very long