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No Sensory Overload

MCFCBJ

I’m not yet diagnosed, although have been referred for an assessment, and the more I read around the subject, the more I believe I am autistic. However, there’s one thing that has held me back from seeking a diagnosis. I think, and I’m happy to be corrected, that sensory overload is one of the most well known symptoms of autism. However, I’m the complete opposite. I struggle working unless there is a tv or radio on in the background. I’m constantly looking for things to have brighter, more vivid colours, as opposed to my wife who would have everything in our house some sort of off-white shade. Essentially, I’m after my senses being constantly stimulated. Is this something that others here experience?

  • I think they use the prefixes 'hyper' when the sensitivity is too strong and 'hypo' when it's not strong enough. It can go either way, or one way with one thing and the other with something else, even swing between the two. 

    Sounds like you're hypo-sensitive to a few things so seeking some extra stimulation. Tell your assessors it's all part of the package.

  • Every autistic person’s sensory profile is different, so some people may be more sensory seeking than others. This means they may crave stimulation, but may avoid certain stimuli. You can be both sensory seeking and avoiding, these traits will be very variable.

  • So you are sensory seeking rather than sensory avoidant! My daughter is the same. It was explained to us at an OT appointment for a Sensory Processing Disorder assessment years and years ago. She loves white noise, will lie down and thrash from side to side, loves bouncing, dancing, moving. Its calmed down a bit with age - but its still there. She has an ASD diagnosis also, high functioning. She still hates loud noises though ...