# Understanding Sensory Sensitivities: A Comprehensive Guide for Neurodiverse Individuals
Written on
Chapter 1: Exploring Sensory Challenges
Have you ever felt the scratch of a tag irritating your skin? Many neurodivergent individuals can relate. For some, a tag can feel akin to sandpaper or a cactus scraping against their neck. It’s surprising to note that so many people seem unaffected by such discomfort! Research indicates that approximately 90% of autistic individuals experience sensory processing disorders, which explains why seemingly trivial stimuli can lead to discomfort, frustration, or even sensory overload.
In addition to tags, neurodiverse individuals often encounter various sensory irritations. Below is an extensive checklist organized by sensory categories.
Section 1.1: Visual Sensitivities
Bright White Lights
These harsh lights are often found in workplaces, hospitals, and schools. Many autistic and neurodivergent individuals find them overwhelming, often leading to headaches. Personally, every time I visit the office, I leave with a headache due to these glaring lights.
Direct Sunlight
Even in winter, I never step outside without sunglasses. Direct sunlight can be too much to handle without adequate eye protection.
Bright Monitors in Dark Rooms
The intensity of screens in dim lighting can cause sensory overload, as the light contrasts sharply with the surrounding darkness, resulting in eye strain.
Flashing Images
While flashing lights are well-known triggers for epilepsy, many neurodivergent people also find them distressing. Personally, I often experience headaches from viewing flashing visuals.
Yellow Foods
Surprisingly, many autistic individuals share a dislike for yellow foods. While I enjoy bananas, I can't stand the peel—its appearance is simply unappealing to me.
Section 1.2: Tactile Sensitivities
Tags
This one is straightforward; tags are often unbearably itchy for many neurodivergent people.
Socks
I can only wear socks with my trainers since I dislike the direct sensation of my shoes on my bare feet. At other times, I’d prefer my feet to be cold rather than endure the feeling of socks around my ankles.
Uncomfortable Fabrics
Fabrics like 100% polyester can trigger my eczema, making my skin feel itchy. Research shows that skin issues, including eczema, commonly affect those diagnosed with autism.
Tight Clothing
I have a strong aversion to jeans. I find them uncomfortable, which puzzles me since many people enjoy wearing them. I prefer loose-fitting pants and sweatshirts instead. Joggers are great, but I can’t stand cuffed styles that are snug around the ankle.
Wet Items
I have a strong aversion to anything wet—be it hands, feet, or hair. Wet surfaces and wet food also fall into this category.
- Long Nails/Nail Polish
Although I admire well-manicured nails, I can't stand the feeling of polish or the discomfort of long nails, which I often remove shortly after getting them done.
- Dust
I find dust to be an unpleasant sensation and have to resist the urge to fixate on it, as it distracts me from my tasks.
- Dry Skin
I frequently battle dry skin due to eczema, and while I dislike the feeling of moisturizer at first, I appreciate the benefits it brings.
- Crowds
Being surrounded by many people is overwhelming, especially when I can smell everyone nearby. It feels invasive to my senses.
Chapter 2: Sensory Experiences Related to Smell and Taste
- Strong Perfume
I often find it perplexing that some individuals feel the need to apply excessive perfume. The overwhelming scent can make me feel nauseous.
- Strong-Smelling Foods
Foods with potent odors can be challenging for me. For instance, the smell of vinegar or ketchup is often too intense to handle.
- Foul Odors
I have a low tolerance for unpleasant smells, such as those caused by flatulence. It can be quite overwhelming!
- Overly Fizzy or Flat Drinks
The balance of carbonation is essential. Flat soda is unpalatable, while overly fizzy drinks can make me feel like I’m choking.
- Toothbrushing
I dread the sensation and taste of toothpaste during brushing. Despite my aversion, I push through for hygiene’s sake.
- Swallowing Pills
Many neurodivergent individuals prefer liquid medications due to the difficulty of swallowing tablets, which can trigger a strong gag reflex for me.
- Cold Food
Cold meals, including sandwiches, are unappealing to many neurodivergent individuals, including my husband, who prefers his food warm.
Section 2.1: Auditory Sensitivities
- Loud or Sudden Noises
Unexpected loud sounds, like drills or alarms, can be distressing and leave me feeling overwhelmed.
- White Noise
While some find white noise soothing, I find it excessively loud. I prefer the gentler sounds of brown or pink noise.
- Clattering Dishes
The sounds of dishes clashing or being put away can be painfully loud for me.
- Loud Rock Music
Although some autistic individuals enjoy rock music, the overly loud and chaotic sounds can trigger headaches for me.
- Whispers
I find whispers irritating and often struggle to understand what is being said, prompting me to request that people speak more clearly.
- Balloons
The sound of balloons rubbing together can be nerve-wracking, as I dread the possibility of a sudden pop.
- Running Water
Even the sound of a tap running can be distracting, compelling me to turn it off to regain focus.
- Chalk on Blackboard
The sound of chalk on a blackboard is an unpleasant memory from my school days, though thankfully less common now.
- Chewing Sounds
The noise of someone chewing can be unbearable, leaving me questioning the necessity of such loud eating.
I hope you found this guide valuable. Is there anything you would like to add? Please share your thoughts in the comments; I appreciate your feedback as it motivates me to continue writing! I often delve into the experiences of neurodivergent individuals, so consider following for more insights. Thank you for your support!