The intensity of these feelings can vary from mild to severe, depending on the individual and the environment. In such situations, our brains grapple with an excessive influx of sensory data, resulting in discomfort and stress. When we enter the restaurant, we step into a busy restaurant filled with the chatter of people, clinking of dishes, and a medley of aromas - all while the lights flicker and music plays in the background. For example, let’s look at the sensory experience of a restaurant. Sensory overload occurs when our sensory systems become bombarded with more input than they can effectively process. People with sensory processing differences are more prone to experience sensory overload. Those of us with sensory differences must be vigilant about getting the support we need to avoid perpetual burnout cycles! What is Sensory Overload? I created accommodations to support my auditory, visual, and tactile sensitivities and was able to communicate better with my family and friends about my sensory needs. Once I was diagnosed with ADHD, I began understanding my sensory profile, and I learned to work with it for the first time. People with ADHD may be more sensitive to our sensory environment meaning sensory overload is common for us.Īs someone with sensory processing disabilities, I have firsthand experience of the disruption sensory sensitivities create. Our brain's processing style makes us more vulnerable to sensory processing problems and sensory processing disorders. People with sensory processing disorder may exhibit over or under-sensitive reactions to sensory input, which can interfere with daily life tasks and cause distress.īetween 5-15% of people have a sensory processing disorder, which is more common in people with ADHD ( Miller et al., 2017). This can result in us becoming more easily overwhelmed by sensory input. Symptoms might include difficulties processing and regulating sensory input such as touch, sound, taste, smell, and visual stimuli. Sensory processing disorder or SPD is when the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. We will delve into everyday sensory experiences ADHDers may experience and explore some hidden ways sensory processing differences can impact us. ![]() In today’s article, we will explore sensory processing difficulties and specifically look at common symptoms of sensory overload, ADHD adults, and sensory sensitivities (next week, I'll take a closer look at Autistic Adults). In this mini-series on sensory regulation, I'll share information and strategies drawn from my personal experience as an adult with sensory processing issues and as a clinical psychologist. While sensory processing disorder can impact children and adults alike, much of the research and tools is geared toward children. While this was helpful for my parenting, I longed for guidance on navigating sensory issues as an adult. When I first got interested in this topic, I delved into internet research to better understand my experiences, only to find images of small boys with fidgets and weighted vests. Before developing a sensory lens, I thought everyone felt overwhelmed in places like restaurants, grocery stores, movie theaters, or crowded rooms! I gained a new appreciation for my sensory processing challenges when I learned about my neurodivergence at the age of 37. From energetic restaurants to crowded grocery stores, even a single loud sound or a bright light can tip the scales, leaving us stressed and uncomfortable. For some of us, especially those of us with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), these everyday experiences can quickly become overwhelming! When one or more senses become inundated, our brains struggle to cope with the flood of information. In our daily lives, the world bombards us with bustling environments, vibrant sights, and cascading sounds.
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