Understanding and Addressing Sensory Overload in Autistic People.
ID: an abstract portrait of a female presenting person experiencing emotional dysregulation. Painted by Jeff Baker. This print is available for sale on Jeff’s Etsy Store (click image)
As many people in the autistic community know, sensory overload is a common experience for those on the spectrum. Sensory overload can be described as an overwhelming experience where sensory information is processed by the brain in a way that is difficult to handle. This can be caused by a variety of different sensory stimuli, such as sounds, lights, smells, textures, and more.
For many autistic people, sensory overload can be a daily occurrence, which can lead to a range of negative experiences such as anxiety, stress, shutdowns, and meltdowns. Sensory overload can also lead to a desire to avoid certain situations or environments altogether.
Understanding the causes of sensory overload and how to address it is an essential step in helping autistic people live their lives in a way that is comfortable and manageable for them. Here are some tips on understanding and addressing sensory overload in autistic people:
Understand the triggers: It's important to understand what specific sensory stimuli can trigger a sensory overload in an autistic person. For some people, it might be certain sounds, while for others it might be bright lights or strong smells. Once the triggers are identified, it's easier to work on avoiding or mitigating those triggers.
Create sensory-friendly environments: Creating sensory-friendly environments is an excellent way to prevent sensory overload. This can include reducing bright lights, minimizing loud noises, and minimizing strong smells. Additionally, it can be helpful to provide sensory tools such as weighted blankets, fidget toys, or noise-cancelling headphones to help regulate sensory input.
Develop coping strategies: Developing coping strategies can be helpful for managing sensory overload when it occurs. Some strategies that work for some autistic people include taking breaks, practicing deep breathing or meditation, using sensory tools like fidget toys, or having a quiet place to go to when feeling overwhelmed.
Communicate and advocate: It's essential to communicate with others about sensory overload and advocate for accommodations that can help prevent it. This can include communicating with teachers, employers, or friends about specific needs and advocating for accommodations such as sensory-friendly spaces, noise-cancelling headphones, or flexible work schedules.
Overall, understanding and addressing sensory overload is essential for helping autistic people live their lives in a way that is comfortable and manageable for them. By creating sensory-friendly environments, developing coping strategies, and advocating for accommodations, we can help reduce the negative impact of sensory overload and support the well-being of autistic individuals.
PS: As you may know, I am an autistic artist and I sell prints of my paintings on Etsy. I’m offering 10% off all canvas wrapped prints on Etsy during the month of April for Autism Acceptance Month. Put some vibrant art in your space and support autistic artists! jeffbakerdraws.etsy.com