Is getting overstimulated at complete random a normal thing?

Post Reply New Topic

I find that this happens to me quite often. I can't seem to pinpoint what is overstimulating me, and it drives me nuts. Any thoughts/advice on how to deal with this?

I can get overly stimulated very easily. It's very characteristic of autism, actually.

I get chills and hand flap over ordinary things. I never know when it's going to strike.

This is quite common; especially on the more sensitive aspies.

These overstimulations are rarely really random though; it is more likely that there is sensory input beyond the 'main 5' that are bothering you without you being aware of them (hunger, temperature, your own thoughts, being a bit dizzy... all of those can contribute to overstimulation)

I'm not sure how to explain how I'm able to handle too much stimuli (and even more than the norm could handle) without being overwhelmed and without trying to avoid them but...
At the same time, not being a sensory seeker or hyposensitive.


All I know is that I 'take' and 'absorb' it, not trying to 'block' or 'push stimuli away'. At the same time more on focusing with the 'inner mind' and clarity than the outer parts.
The focus.. Uhm, sort of propels itself. I don't know.


Does this make any sense??? I wanna know how to explain this.

Gained Number Post Count (1).
Lose Time (n).

Lose more time here - Updates at least once a week.

I've seen people in the past who I think were NT that are sensitive or get irritated by music, or long conversations. Some that avoid certain activities, foods, smells. I do not perceive them to be AS or even introverted. Perhaps they had anxiety I do not know.

I often become overstimulated, or experience emotions too strong to deal with (I'm terrible at coping with emotions), but am unable to determine what triggered it. On reflection, I have never determined the cause of an episode I could not explain at the time through later contemplation.

I don't get overstimulated so often - I live a very calm life.

That said, the things that drive me absolutely nuts about it are the following:

1. It takes me a really long time to notice that I've become overstimulated
2. When I become overstimulated I have a hard time understanding what is causing it and removing myself from that or those particular stimuli. Often, it's several things simultaneously.

I can relate. I live about 15 minutes away from a hospital, so sirens are a normal part of the day. I bloody hate sirens. Every time I hear one, I suddenly feel like I'm being crushed. When you're in a room full of people, their talking can be enough to make you wanna scream after a short amount of time. It doesn't bother the other people, but it bothers you a lot. Or going to the hairdresser. You feel weird having someone touch your scalp. Scared of the noises.

There are several other examples that I can't think of right now.