Broken Sun Beam wrote:
What is sensory overload? What is it like? Does it hurt? Is it subtle or would you know immediately that you had it once described?
I mean I never even listen to music in my car because it bothers me but you know that doesn't necessarily mean anything. I used to scream if music was played when I wad a child but I can cope if I must tolerate it. . . Being in large noisy crowds is stressful for everyone I think...?
First of all, you know that screaming when music is playing is abnormal. Second of all, yes, being in large noisy crowds is stressful for a lot of people. This isn't a distinct autistic trait.
I have sensory overload. Part of what that looks like is getting very agitated and not understand that's what's happening or why. Just suddenly feeling ashamed because of my behavior in a situation with other people. Now that I know some things I can connect the dots and understand it's from sensory overload.
I've made adjustments. I carry earplugs with me everywhere. That is crucial. I don't go into small areas with a lot of people, like busy coffee shops or the library at school. I seek out the private nooks where I can be alone for safety. I wear comfortable clothes. Fashion just isn't worth it. I don't eat out with other people, because I have dietary preferences that I'd rather not have to assert. To me I just eat good healthy food, but I'm really abnormally healthy. I wash my sheets twice a week, I blowdry my hair after I wash it, I use very specific products for cleaning and moisturizing my body. I have my own cleaning supplies, so that I don't have to deal with sponges that feel unpleasant or cleaners that smell offensive.
This isn't so much autism. It's being a highly sensitive person. But there is crossover. A lot of autistic people aren't highly sensitive, though. You might not be, although, again, you and I, and anyone reading this who is honest knows that it's not normal to scream just because someone is playing music. That's a little weird.
Good for you. Weird is wonderful.
