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do i have sensory issues?

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rebeccadanielprophet
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10 Jan 2018, 5:52 pm

I'm not sure. Some experiences I've had that might count: 1) I was at a big event for Capoeira (a "batizado") and everyone was making the cords and it was loud so I went to the bathroom and cut myself to cope. People asked me if I didn't want to be there. I don't remember what I felt.
2) Sometimes I get extremely cold. I thought it was elvish heartbreak, but maybe its a combination of that and sensory issues
3)Maybe I am the opposite often? Withdrawn and understimulated/under-sensory...would this preclude me from being autistic?
4) I was at a basement show and it was just way way too loud. When I got home my ears were ringing and it didn't stop for weeks. Does that count as an over stimulation?
I'm trying to remember. Most of my "issues" are social awkwardness, playing with my hands/flapping them...I don't know why I do them, and I used to bang my head against my pillow or bed frame. I've run away from home a few times but I never got far. I don't fit in with my own family. idk. What do you guys think?


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10 Jan 2018, 6:25 pm

Being under sensitive(hyposensitivity) not only does not preclude you from being autistic it is as much of an autism trait as oversensitivity(hypersensitivity).

There are many types of hyper and hypo sensitivities
Sensory issues

Quote:
Sensory issues are very common for people on the Autistic spectrum. Individuals vary in their responses to sensation -- some may be hypersensitive (over-sensitive) to some things, and hyposensitive (under-sensitive) to others. Any range and combination of the senses may be affected.

If the sensory issues are ignored or not treated with respect, a sensory overload is likely to occur


Most of what you wrote is consistent a with an Autism or Sensory Processing Disorder.

Playing with and flapping your hands could be a way of dealing with being overstimulated. They are called "stims" or "stimming"
Features of autism: Stimming
Quote:
Stimming is a repetitive body movement that self-stimulates one or more senses in a regulated manner. Stimming is known in psychiatry as a "stereotypy", a continuous movement.
Stimming is one of the symptoms listed by the DSM IV for autism, although it is observed in about 10 percent of non-autistic children. A few autistic people have no stims. Common forms of stimming among autistic people include hand flapping, body spinning or rocking, lining up or spinning toys or other objects, echolalia, perseveration, and repeating rote phrases.

There are many theories about the function of stimming, and the reasons for its increased incidence in autistic people. For hyposensitive people, it may provide needed nervous system arousal, releasing beta-endorphins. For hypersensitive people, it may provide a "norming" effect, allowing the person to control a specific sense, and is thus a soothing behavior. It can also serve as a way to communicate,or to calm down. Stimming is a natural behavior that can improve emotional regulation and prevent meltdowns in stressful situations.


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rebeccadanielprophet
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10 Jan 2018, 7:01 pm

thanks. one question: how do I notice if i'm over-or-under stimulated? Sometimes its like not knowing what to feel/numb going through the world withdrawn gazing towards nothing zoned out. hard to tell.


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Change: sometimes it's painful, sometimes it's beautiful, but most of the times its both.

"Someday you might see who I really am, and it will change the way you feel about me." "Nothing could ever do that."

Made different to make a difference

whether as victor or vanquished, isn't it better than sullen resignation?


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10 Jan 2018, 7:44 pm

rebeccadanielprophet wrote:
thanks. one question: how do I notice if i'm over-or-under stimulated? Sometimes its like not knowing what to feel/numb going through the world withdrawn gazing towards nothing zoned out. hard to tell.


You can be overstimulated for one sense and understimulated for another. The sensory issues site I linked above goes into some detail about hyper and hypo simulation for a number of different senses. It lists some suggestions. They are geared towered kids but there are some things that could help adults.


_________________
“Self Acceptance is a process not a performance”
“You are autistic enough. And you always have been”

Professionally Identified and joined WP August 26, 2013
DSM 5: Autism Spectrum Disorder, DSM IV: Aspergers Moderate Severity.