Hello World! Welcome to another blog. In this read, and in honour of Autism Acceptance Week and beyond, I will be talking about Sensory Overload, what it is, how it affects me and what others can do to help. As these emojis below sums up how I really feel when it does kick in, and that once you read this you'll rethink your initial judgement.
Sensory overload is the overstimulation of the senses. It's different for everyone, but for me, some of these include:
Loud Noises= It can be overwhelming. These include concerts, anywhere with crowds or even when there's people at home making a lot of noise (mostly from enjoyment but even that in itself can be distressing).
Flashing Lights= These include the lights you see in concerts, the sun and for me, when its bedtime and all the lights are still on.
Touch= That can come in many forms. From the sensation of clothes on the skin to skin to skin contact. When it comes to clothes, I used to wear no socks with my shoes as it was too sensitive. But I gradually learnt to wear them. When it comes to skin to skin contact, I do prepare myself for it, and it can vary when it comes to the art of romance.
Strong Smells= These can include perfume, food that's rich in flavour or the smells from nature depending on where you live.
How everyone deals with it is different. For me here is how I deal with Sensory overload:
Block Out As Much Noise As I Can= When I was younger, I used to wear ear defenders in concerts to avoid loud noises. even though I've gradually stepped away from them, there are moments where I feel like I still need them. I've also tried to keep as many doors shut as I can whenever there's TV or music in the room next door.
Sunglasses= As mentioned before, when it comes to concerts, I need to wear glasses to avoid sensory overload in the eyes. And I still wear them to this day. Not only to make me look like a rockstar (lol) but to also make my experience sensory friendly. I did hear someone shout epilepsy during my time at college, and yes whilst I also have epilepsy, flashing lights do not cause the seizures for what I've got, the glasses are simply there to avoid overload in my eyes
Times Out= When it comes to large events in particular, I need to have a few minutes to myself where if it gets too crowded or noisy, I need to have an area to reset before going back in. As the years went by I gradually adapted to it and I don't mind it during shows. It still bothers me to this day but I'm dealing with it better. As I know audiences in theatres will make noises, so I'm preparing myself for it.
There is still a long way to go to make all areas sensory friendly. But there is hope. One of which is The National Youth Theatre of Great Britain. During their Access Acquired Weekend, they had everything and anything to make sure that we were all happy and regulated. These included fidget toys, ear defenders, not turning the house lights down during performances, having a mini break throughout each act, and having a room if ever we needed a time out. I was still amazed to this day that they had all of this, as then not only did it make me more relaxed, but it also felt like a second home rather than a event. And I know this won't be the last time they do stuff like this, and that all companies should follow in their footsteps.
And that comes to the end of my view on Sensory Overload. I hope this has been an insightful read and whilst everyone is different with this trait, I hope this has inspired you to help with your needs and helping others and see what works for them.
See you soon for another blog. Until next time...
This is The Autistic Actress Signing off :)
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