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Goth Fairy
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07 Feb 2017, 1:23 pm

Since getting diagnosed there have been a few things where I think, is this normal or an Aspie thing or is it just me?
One of these things is the way that I really enjoy certain sensory experiences. Some things make me go all happy and bouncy, like flashing lights (Christmas lights, disco lights, or the lights of a city when you're in the car) or stuff like that). Some things make me go into a kind of happy dreamy feeling of goodness, like a kind of trance - like warm sunshine, loud repetitive music (especially electronicy music) or the smell of new plastic.
So has anyone else experienced something like this?


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SteveSnow
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07 Feb 2017, 1:54 pm

There are a variety of sounds that I can't get enough of like boots stomping in sync or even clapping again in sync. I am also a huge industrial/electronica fan so I enjoy repetitive sounds. Otherwise I like pressure, I don't really have any other sensory joys.


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StarTrekker
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08 Feb 2017, 6:15 pm

That's a pretty common aspie thing that I don't see a whole lot in NT's, unless you count the common female penchant for pungently scented candles and body lotions (something that makes me feel sick by the way). I know NT's who say they love the smell of books, but I'm the only one I've ever seen actually smelling them.

I love staring at Christmas lights, lava lamps, and the lights that come on in pools at night (I love the rippling effect the water creates on the light). I also love soft fabric textures, and have a whole collection of blankets that I like to hid under, rub my face in, and brush with my fingers. I also can't help but touch every piece of soft-looking clothing I pass in a store. Squishy things like play dough and putty are my kryptonite (love the smell of play dough too). I have a whole collection of them, and I can get lost just squishing the stuff through my hands for ages. I also really love smooth things like marble. My mom has a soapstone statue in our living room, and I stroke it every time I see it, it's like my hands are starving for the texture, if that makes sense.

I think that enjoying specific sensory things is as unique an aspie thing as being hypersensitive or overwhelmed by other sensory things like loud noises, crowds, and the wrong kinds of light. It puts a positive spin on the sensitivity that I don't often stop to think about.


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Moondancer
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08 Feb 2017, 9:20 pm

When I was about 4 I had 2 dusters that had to smell of mr sheen( for anyone not familiar with England's polishing cleaners it a yellow cloth and a wood polish) nothing else would soothe me to sleep.
But I get soft lighting and especially I like the electric orbs, and lava lamps and I'm obsessed with lightning storms but not the thunder



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08 Feb 2017, 9:54 pm

The repetitive music is one I enjoy, especially glam rock and other related genres with pounding drums and repetitive choruses/tunes.


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NikNak
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08 Feb 2017, 10:30 pm

I'm sure NTs must have similar experiences, otherwise I feel there'd be little point in engaging with the physical world as it would be so bland and boring?

That being said 'sensory seeking' is a thing for many people on the spectrum and perhaps we can get a different level of enjoyment out of sensory experiences compared to NTs.

I love the warm, early morning sun- definite euphoric feelings there! I definitely prefer warm light and all this talk of lava lamps reminds me of how badly I wanted one as a kid! I also enjoy squidgy things and making them into cubes or rolling them into balls. What started as me being silly stroking soft things in stores has become a but of a habit and I have just discovered the tingly yet calming sensation of rubbing my face with my blanket. I can think of sounds I enjoy but nothing repetitive comes to mind though I do like to play songs or a selection of songs on repeat sometimes.

I'm also quite sure I've experienced 'ASMR' which could be related though I think my main 'triggers' are related to personal attention.


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Goth Fairy
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09 Feb 2017, 12:46 pm

Thank you all! I think that there are things that I enjoy on an NT level, but this is something more than that.
I also always wanted a lava lamp, but when I finally went to get one, they also had a glitter lamp, and the effects of that were amazing so I went for that one. Still haven't got a lava lamp.
Oh, squishing, yes! When I was a teenager I had a rubber (read eraser if you're American) and the little crumbs it left after rubbing something out all kind stuck together to form a kind of putty. I used to collect them and keep the result in my pencil case to sqidge during lessons, I think my classmates all thought it was rather gross.


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Exuvian
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09 Feb 2017, 8:30 pm

Goth Fairy wrote:
Oh, squishing, yes! When I was a teenager I had a rubber (read eraser if you're American) and the little crumbs it left after rubbing something out all kind stuck together to form a kind of putty. I used to collect them and keep the result in my pencil case to sqidge during lessons, I think my classmates all thought it was rather gross.

When I was in elementary (primary) school, someone brought in erasers shaped like space shuttles for everyone. They were super soft and smelled amazing! Thanks for reminding me of that memory. :)



citoyenlambda
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11 Feb 2017, 1:02 am

I can only speak for myself, but certain forms of Gregorian chant make me feel incredibly euphoric. I think it might be a personal ASMR trigger because I feel the waves go from my head down my spine, and also into my shoulders.


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mr_bigmouth_502
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11 Feb 2017, 2:01 am

EclecticWarrior wrote:
The repetitive music is one I enjoy, especially glam rock and other related genres with pounding drums and repetitive choruses/tunes.

I get a similar type of enjoyment out of electronic music, especially techno or trance, when I listen to it on a set of good headphones where I can feel the bass pumping.


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Skilpadde
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11 Feb 2017, 3:53 am

There are definitely sensory inputs I enjoy.
The scents of old books, some scented candles and perfumes, some foods, the sounds of running water, clocks ticking and the humming of machines, the sensation of glossy paper and even glassed plates against my fingers etc
Personally I don't think I'd go as far as to call them euphoria though, for me that's something I feel when I lose myself in my special interests/ obsessions, but it sure is delightful.

StarTrekker wrote:
I know NT's who say they love the smell of books, but I'm the only one I've ever seen actually smelling them.
They might do so when alone though. I love the smell of books, particularly old books, but I only inhale their scent when I'm alone or at the very least at home.


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Moondancer
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11 Feb 2017, 6:15 am

EclecticWarrior wrote:
The repetitive music is one I enjoy, especially glam rock and other related genres with pounding drums and repetitive choruses/tunes.

What is zinc of team rocket?



RetroGamer87
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11 Feb 2017, 6:22 am

Wait, so how can I make myself feel sensory euphoria?


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Exuvian
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11 Feb 2017, 2:07 pm

RetroGamer87 wrote:
Wait, so how can I make myself feel sensory euphoria?

Have you listened to any ASMR stuff on Youtube? For some people it's kind of like a "brain massage" or just very relaxing. Different sounds may be more or less effective and affective.



Goth Fairy
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12 Feb 2017, 2:42 am

I've never heard of ASMR before, I had to look it up. I think I like it, but my kids came and interrupted. I will check it out again when I have more time.
I think my personal euphoria might be related to endorphins or something. It is like the feeling I get when I excercise, do a lot of dancing. My zumba class is my biggest trigger at the moment. There's stage lights and loud music, and dancing and I just start feeling like I'm on drugs.


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Your neurodiverse (Aspie) score: 149 of 200
Your neurotypical (non-autistic) score: 73 of 200
You are very likely neurodiverse (Aspie)