To those of you with sensory issues (I believe this is pretty common, right?) have you noticed them changing as you grow older? Have they gotten easier to handle, harder, or stayed the same? In fact, if you feel like “going there” and sharing - please feel free to even express what they feel like.
No need to share what they are, if you don’t feel like it. Share what you’d like.
Mostly about the same, but I am now more aware of them and able to manage them better and, hopefully, catch myself before things get too bad.
Aww, super jam! That’s really cool =)
As for me…I just experienced my least favorite sensation on the face of this planet. Or at least, that’s what it felt like when I experienced it. It fills me with doom, and makes me want to rip off my own skin. In fact, that’s what I imagine through flashes of what I can only describe as “pain” but can also describe as a “serious case of the yucks.” I know it sounds like I am downplaying this, but legitimately I feel so unbelievably awful still. But it cools off after a while. But I have noticed it has gotten worse for me as I’ve gotten older. Maybe because I am not so mean to myself, and just accept my experiences as valid. But it’s still hard, because it’s something so casual for most. And it’s like finger-rippingly awful to me.
I can still acknowledge that I am okay though, and that’s pretty good. Phew!
Anyone else wanna share?
Better, but I suspect that’s largely due to the fact that im way more economically secure now. Thus I can afford, literally, to avoid situations and sensations I can’t handle.
Aww man, I was thinking about like…splashing cash for comfy clothing and just like comfy everything. Like never having another material that ever feels to “scratchy” or too “trappy” again. Hot damn, man you just lit up my brain like a Christmas tree. Hehehe!
I know you’re talking big picture, but that’s where my brain went with it =P
That’s a great example of what I was talking about.
It’s also about the situations: regarding clothing, I avoid working for uptight companies that do the whole “serious business” suit and tie thing and instead work for ones where the dress code is wearing jeans and t shirt every day. But I can only do that now that I’m more economically secure and have the CV power to actually get to make that choice.
So I’m never in a situation day to day where I have to wear a stupid scratchy collared shirt. (Ever seen Falling Down? The opening scene was sooooo hard to watch cos it reminded me of that shit)
Falling down? You know I think I know of it (it’s the one about going postal right?) but I actually never ended up watching it. Which is kinda funny, cause I had it lined up with Taxi Driver but pulled one and not the other (I had Taxi Driver first and it was like game over by the end).
I don’t really understand corporate rituals. I don’t know if I ever understood them. I know they are the way they are to do business globally. But I think it’s way better to do like you’re saying and just feel comfortable working. Because that’s what drives others further. But eh, it is what it is. I’m glad you got there! Thanks by the by =)! For that bit at the top, it was sweet!
Yep, that’s the movie. Hmm I haven’t seen Taxi Driver but I hear they’re similar. The opening scene of Falling Down is like… the character being driven crazy by all these abrasive sensory things while stuck in traffic. Would screw with anyone but yeah… that oldschool srs bsns office getup is my most despised element
You’re right, a lot of the time the rituals get in the way of getting the job done. And you’re welcome, thanks for the thread!
Yeah buddy =)! I’m on PieFed and there’s like…five posts. And I think we deserve a space to express ourselves. Cause you never know what you’re gunna find out. Either from your own writing or the writing of others (which sounds very Forrest Gump-y hahaha!)
Cheers!
Over time, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in how I manage sensory issues, though the nature of the triggers has remained the same. My sensory experiences with ADHD differ from what might be typically reported in autism. For me, sensory overload is not constant; it’s specifically triggered by stress and diminishes when the stress is relieved. This transient nature of my sensory responses has stayed consistent through the years.
Interestingly, I’ve found that engaging in multisensory activities or even intentional sensory overload can actually be calming. For example, focusing on multiple sensory inputs—such as watching TV while listening to music—provides a sense of control and helps to regulate sensory responses rather than overwhelm them. This approach creates a structured sensory experience that can reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.
The sensation of being overwhelmed usually doesn’t stem from direct sensory inputs like noise or lights. Instead, it’s triggered by intense environmental or emotional situations. When overwhelmed, I feel a surge of mental clutter and physical tension, as if every nerve in my body is being pulled tight. While I’ve become better at recognizing when to withdraw and give myself space to recharge, sometimes I fail to manage effectively.
In moments where I can’t withdraw, it can lead to outbursts or complete shutdown. The outbursts are intensely cathartic, serving as a release valve for built-up pressure. They happen because, despite my best efforts, the sensory and emotional overload reaches a tipping point where it becomes too much to contain. It’s a constant reminder of the challenges I face with ADHD, where the boundary between being in control and losing grip can be very thin. As I continue to learn and adapt, my methods for managing these situations improve, helping me reduce the frequency and intensity of these outbursts.
I’m curious about potential overlaps with autism, as exploring these similarities might further enhance my understanding of how to navigate my own path with greater clarity.
Everything my gal does is with a television on and it makes me literally sick to hear that chatter all day. She listens to it most of the time with headphones on (we got the cushiest of the cush and she actually likes it so win/win). I knew someone else who was ADHD and said they can’t work without having a movie they’ve seen on in the background. I always think it’s crazy because I can’t even work with distracting music in the background, or a second monitor and my ass is ADHD too. It’s too distracting, it’s as if a siren is calling me from a liminal space and my brain heads to the clouds. Even with medication. I much prefer a single but sizeable (enough for me) monitor and everything super chill (I work on the floor most times).
I have always found ADHD stuff that pushes me over the edge are things that are like “flashy” and intended to draw attention. I was thinking why in that sense things might have gotten worse and I figured it’s because our entire world is one giant slot-machine. So yeah, in that sense, it’s absolutely awful. On the autist front the sensory stuff does distract but it “feels” way worse to me. As in, it prompts pain I guess? Is the best way to describe it. Ickies. It prompts ickies. Both are overwhelming af though. Idk how the fk I used to do clubs n shit, cause I went to a show recently and it blasted me into another universe. I still like music and what not, I just don’t think I’ve got it on that level anymore.
My sib, who also has fun genetics goes ham-sandwich when they cross that threshold. I’ve snapped a time and two, but I think I am more of a “slip-out the backdoor and leave” kinda person. But either way, it’s no fun and I am glad you’re trying your damndest to find your happy middle.
p.s. - I know with stims autistic ones are for the feels and adhd are for the stimulation and maybe the sensory issues line up like that too? I also know stuff can show up differently between the genders, but I don’t know entirely in what way because I haven’t read too much into it and it’s all pretty new. Either way, good luck on your travels fellow fighter =)~
I can definitely relate! I have the Predominantly Inattentive type of ADHD and sometimes wonder if there’s some overlap with autism too. I’ve only been paying attention to how I feel for a few months, so it’s interesting to see how differently ADHD affects everyone. I honestly had no idea about the differences in stims between ADHD and autism. The sensory issues and gender differences are new to me too, so I’m learning as I go. Here’s to both of us finding our way, fellow traveler in this fight =)~
Feel thisss! Yess! There’s a huge overlap between the two by the by! AuDHD. I think they said 1/5 ADHD individuals are also Autistic. I’m just lucky I found someone who understands me, and vice versa. Yeah on the gender stuff a lot of women were thought to not be able to be autistic or ADHD. I am not sure when that changed but I really don’t think it’s been that long. But I think I read something like it teaches women to cope in different ways that basically allow them to “super mask” but ultiamtely masking is unhealthy. So, eh! I have a mixture of both. I forgot what it’s called (maybe just mixed). But I always thought mind was explicitly inattentive, but later found out I was diagnosed with both.
Oh, one more thing before I go. I heard that gender and queerness can be (but not always) aligned with autism. I can’t give you the scoop on that one cause I am about to hit the hay. But I think it comes down to being less adherent to gender roles/norms. Fist-bump =)~!
Yeah, it seems like women aren’t really being taken seriously by their doctors. I might also “super mask,” not sure. It’s awesome that you found someone who understands you. I know how difficult it is to go through life being misunderstood.
I actually don’t know what queerness means, but I’ll definitely look into it. I’ve never really cared for roles or norms and always stay true to myself. Maybe that means I’m in the same boat?
Have a good one! Fist-bump =)~
Oh yeah for sure. I am not saying if you’re autistic you’re definitively queer but it’s just like I believe there’s a high rate of LGBTQA+ members that are neurodivergent like off the cusp. Idk what your life is, but I just wanted to say I think it’s kinda funny. But in general neurodivergent people don’t understand the kinda superficial bull that a lot of society enforce. So eh! It’s an uphill battle, but if you can figure out how to make it work you can be a huge innovator. Because you see and think differently, and can problem solve in ways that supesede normality. Kinda like how Betty Edwards tells you - you can flip a canvas upside down and learn how to draw that way and it shifts your perspective and changes the way you understand the very act. We’re kinda like the automatic “flipping” of the canvas so to speak, because we understand the world in a very different way than the majority. Which if we can find a way to ground ourselves in the world, can be a very sought-after skill. But also know, there’s bigots out the ass. I found a lot of places like it when you have a “hint of something interesting” but not when you come at them like a bird of paradise. Hahaha! Sounds like you’ve overcome a lot of the chaotic bits by forcing yourself through the system. But masking is fkin hard and it fucks us up good - take care of yourself! Big hugs, my brother! We got this =P!
The older I get, the more loud noises bother me. That might be normal though? Hearing loss is pretty common among the elders in my family. 🤷🏻♂️
That doesn’t make sense to me lol. Wouldn’t hearing loss make loud noises less bothersome?
Woah, your name. Is a whole thing. Of space and time =O! It is a bug zapper, for my mind. Also, hey - you azn? Whatsup!
you azn?
No I’m a filthy gwailou 😔
Hahaha, you cracked me up! Hahaha! I legit typically see only Asians taking the time to select the light-skinned emojis. So I thought maybe “hey brother!” Hahaha! Hey either way, hahahaha~! Hahahaha. I am still laughing. Hahaha!
They’ve gotten worse. I became a parent, and that’s stressful. and Stress makes my sensory issues worse. and Kids are a sensory nightmare.
No lie, and I mean no disrespect - but I thought the other day “Thank god I am not a parent, because I have no idea how people can hold down their own shit while trying to pretend everything is okay and taking care of at least one living, breathing thing with their own wants/needs/personalities.” I feel like that would be my hell. But I know there’s got to be some really wonderful trade offs that I can’t see because I am on the outside. I hope you have some kind of sacred space or time to decompress from it all.
I feel no disrespect. Having become a parent, I understand why people don’t want to be one. It taught me more empathy and is why I’ve doubled down on abortion rights since becoming a parent. It’s scary, it’s super difficult, and I understand people’s decision. I can’t imagine being a single woman, alone, pregnant. And watching my ex wife struggle with birth to ultimately have an emergency C section opened my eyes to why women don’t want to go through that. They inflate a balloon in you!
Yo, you’re a really cool person. Sorry it didn’t work out with your wife. Idk what led to what, but I am thankful every damn day that my partner and I have pretty-identical disorders. Because I’ve been with a lot of people, but I don’t think any of them ever quite got me like she does. Or vice versa, I think there’s a lot of stuff we do left of center that neither of us give a hoot about but would be considered “weird” or “annoying” in other situations. I mean, I got alright. But it really does feel different to be understood and not just accepted I guess…is what I mean =P!
I used to call myself nature’s birth-control. Because while all the little girls around my age growing up were naming their children and planning their marriages (like at six, legitimately) I was sitting around with the boys and drawing obsessively. I love my pets like they’re kids, but I also understand they’re still pets at the end of the day (I say this because I think a lot of people are more prone to the plight of animals than people - and I know it sounds anthropocentric but people will spend tons on carting animals around the states for adoption but won’t bat an eye that there’s tons of humans starving all over the world. Don’t dig factory farming though!) << aside!! But I don’t believe I have ever had the urge to have children in my life. And I am rounding the end of my ovulation-cycle (I guess it’s called? Idk. I am just pulling that out my ass) so I don’t think it’s gunna hit but who knows? Either way, I think a lot of women (like my mother) followed traditionalist logic. But I don’t think she ever was particularly driven to have children (I think the autism comes from her tbh), nor was particularly enthralled after having them. I mean, I was okay, but I think my other sibling pushed her over the edge to be honest. She for sure changed after they were born, but equally as I became less of what she expected and more of who I actually am she clearly felt a strong distaste for my being =P!
We’re okay now, but I think because we’ve reached a mutual space of love and respect. But for sure, I am still convinced my mother never wanted to be a parent. And for sure I believe this is actually more common than people want to admit. But I used to think it was a gay thing, but I’ve met a ton of gays who want babies. So idk, seems to be more of a personal thing.
I think it’s super cool that you support women’s rights though. Let alone people’s rights. I was watching The Cut (I think it is? Nope it was Vice) or something like that once upon a time on Youtube. There was a guy on there who was a former Marine, who talked about how he was really angry. Just so angry all the time. But then ended up having two daughters, and in his love for them and his wife he found a way to become more empathetic and it really touched me. I know people kept making fun of people “not realizing women are humans until they had a daughter” but I think it speaks levels to how toxically men are raised. I mean it literally seemed that up until now (where it’s 50/50 on what side you get) all roads led to you being “gay” and being “gay” was the worst thing you could be if you were a guy. And it stopped people from being able to enjoy the things they liked, or express themselves in ways other than being funny/angry/silent. And that’s pretty fucked up.
Not saying women have it better, but that in general it’s pretty crazy how we’ve let extremist really run our society ragged. And as a little aside, on the c-section thing, a loved one lost their sister recently due to a botched c-section. She complained in the hospital that she felt unwell, but nobody listened until it was too late. And in my own health journey (which has been incredibly tumultuous until I finally started getting heard only recently) I know the medical system tends to operate off of high-speculation (esp. with women). And lord knows it’s racist as hell too =P! I just uhh, cringe when I think about it all.
Either way - cheers and you keep being you =)! Even if you and your kids don’t exactly fit into one another’s worlds right now. Maybe in the future at least one of your kids will find a really sweet way to connect with you and you’ll end up falling in love (all over again?) and it’ll be super great =)!
now in my 30’s they are definitely better than back in my early 20’s. used to hurt my ears when people just talked in the same room, that went away completely. couldn’t touch some materials like cardboard and paper, now i can but it still irritates me a little. some things have stayed, like it hurts my skin if someone rubs me over a t-shirt but direct skin contact is fine.
I still don’t understand why over the clothing is a no-thank you in most situations but direct skin - eh, come on it. I was better at ignoring that kinda stuff when I was in my 20s because I was dumb and horny. Now I am dumb, but in a dedicated relationship and better at expressing what I need to feel safe. Which is also a high-five. As in, high-five to you ***!
I’ve gotten way more sensitive to clothing textures as I get older, and I don’t remember having too much texture sensitivity as a kid (except for hating itchy tags). I’m also way too aware now of my clothes when I sleep, so sleeping in any kind of pajama bottoms or socks is impossible for me. That never used to be A Thing for me until a few years ago. It doesn’t really impact my life very much though.
Idk how old you are, but I wanna just make assumptions (because it seems there’s a large bracket of a certain age group floating around here) and say - it’s it crazy to get more sensitive to clothing textures when all clothes used to be made of the most durable yet least breathable/staticly cut/outright funky (but some real!!) materials? LIke, sometimes I’ll go to thrift stores and see stuff that I actually wore (not the actual clothing, but like the same shirts or jackets or whatever) from a hundred years ago and my hand will wander to the material and I will wonder how I got on so long in life wearing a paper bag and pretending it’s clothing. Or itchy af sweaters. Or sweats that felt old the second you put them on. And maybe, because they were? Idk, it’s weird.
But new stuff is nasty too. I am like a huntress on the prowl for solid clothes. Cause stuff will say x-material and feel like someone slid their shit-covered ass cheeks off my side. No thank you (and apologies for the visual, it’s just what came to mind =_o!) I’m glad you found what works for you. I hope things level out and you just do what you gotta do whenever you go shopping =)
ND here, with autistic spectrum trails.
For me it’s getting worse.
But my sensory issues started around puberty.Major issues. I can’t work in noisy environment, like excessive talking, loud music, machine buzz.
I started using earphones when I’m outside (walking or riding a bike) or do shopping.
I hate sunny days in the summer.
Can’t stand blinding car headlights at night.
Room temperature comfort, looks like the range is shrinking.Mine are also much worse and I suspect it’s because I’m I’m a near constant state of burnout.
I hope you find some way to start taking time and space for yourself through out the day. Cause you can get really sick staying in this constant state of >o
Do you mean burnout from the overstimulation or just everyday feels like a groundhog day?
My burnout is a bit more complicated. The elements you described are involved but there’s also an element of being trapped or out of control.
Yeah, these run the gamut. What’s the other side of the fence? ADHD? Know the two are solid bedfellows =P!
Diagnosed as SzPD 👀
I don’t use the term anymore cause I heard it was some jam to separate the “feasibly usable” autist from the “useless” ones. I mean, I read about it a couple years back so that’s a summary - but here’s the article if you’re interested. But like, yeah it’s a spectrum and yeah there’s still “tiers” but every one of us has their own strengths/weaknesses and wants/needs and it sucks to think about there being “good autistic” people and “bad.” And I am catching a touch of the itis after lunch but I think that it’s the same thing eugenicist proposed. If I remember correctly it was something akin to there being two types of people those of higher intelligence and will who are destined to forge society and promote growth and degenerates who are feeble-minded and cannot care for themselves so thus should be sterilized and quartered away for the greater good of man. That was one terrible run on sentence, but here’s the wiki if you’re interested.
Much better, but then again, leaving my parents house and finding myself on a safe environment for the first time in my life made a lot of things better I did not expect.
This might be an experience that more autistic people have
It’s a bit hard to describe. Because I’ve learned to have much more awareness oh what is happening to me when I’m experiencing sensory issues. One the one hand, this has made me hyper aware of them sometimes, which makes me sometimes hyper focus on them, making them worse. But on the other hand, I’ve learned to actually realize what is happening and get myself away from the situation, or at least practice some coping mechanisms and to practice self compassion. A bit of a two edged sword.
I’ve heard a lot of the “adulting” aspects of managing things is basically always towing the line between blowing up and being okay. God that sounds awful. By that, I mean I heard it’s something like - if you notice you’re being triggered super hard by something figure out a way to calm down as best as you can otherwise you might lose control of yourself and you could end up pontentially harming yourself or others (and I am not saying just going around smashing stuff up but just kinda “losing control” in general). But I’m not a doctor, and I only know what I know. One really great thing my therapist said is that even planning rest can be an exhausting situation for someone who’s neurodivergent. So on a whole, it let me be kinder to myself and the things I need. Not having children helps with this about ten fold. But it’s always an uphill battle, and I feel like we get stuck with the short end of the stick a lot, and have to work harder than most just to exist.
Another thing I read, which might have been on here - was that it seems neurodivergent folks have their own social cues and are much better at picking up them between one another. And while I can’t speak for the whole of my closest loved ones - I can say one unifying factor between all of them is that they’re all “kinda different” and they all have “big hearts.” And by all this I mean, it seems when you surround yourself with people who just “get you” or just want to “be your friend” (the same as if you were 10 years old or 50) they always seem to be the easiest to be around. And I never stress about anything outside of frustrating situations they might be going through together. And if I feel like shit, I don’t have to hide it - I outright say “I feel like shit” and they just accept it. It’s pretty tits, and it’s kept me going after all these years =)!
Gl! You got this. Keep kicking ass and taking names! HYAH!
The actual experience of them? About the same. How much that impacts my life? Less than before.
Because I have greater vocabulary for describing what’s wrong and have greater agency in my life to decide not to experience it I can avoid it better. I’ve also found that drowning some textures with others works;
Ex: melted cheese outside of the context of pizza or as a sauce is not good to me. However adding several other textures helps a lot. So getting a cheese burger when I ordered hambuger is only really a dealbreaker if it was meant to be bun, catchup, & burger. But if I get other ingredients light cheese isn’t unacceptable.
Ah, yeah I get this one. Like a lot of people would shrug that off, and think you get “bonus” stuff. But it’s something you can’t just soldier through, because it ruins the whole experience and then some. While that’s not my deal I did think about how icky it would be and it made me sad. I am glad you advocate for yourself =)
I wouldn’t describe myself as ever having “sensory issues”, but there’s definitely things that bothered me more than most normal people. A lot of things have gotten better, but mostly just because I’ve learned to not care about a lot of things. Like loud noises used to bother me a bunch, but being in the city + concerts + playing loud music on the speakers at work has gotten me over that. Things like not liking socks that are too tight on my toes are solved by just being able to buy my own socks.
Yeah, you know what - you might be on to something. I haven’t lived in a city in a while, esp a city I like. Cause I sure af haven’t been vibing out here. So legtimately my younger days might have just been easier by being forced to assimilate. But then again, I hear that leads to health issues down the road. And guess who has those? But eh, I can’t point that crap in any one direction. All things aside I am glad you’re where you gotta be. Cause that’s real good =)
Worse, but I think a big part of that has been giving myself the space to have those sensory response moments, and just like understanding myself better, being more patient with myself, stuff like that.
Being true to yourself is 10/10 the way to go even if it causes things to get worse I think. Cause then at least you can figure out what you’ve been hiding with masking and just unapologetically do the opposite from here on out.
Worse. Or maybe I starter noticing more that my headaches and ear pains were caused by it.
Aww man, are yours smells? Lights? I took a pillow outside for some sun and prayers (as in, I pray it smells better) cause it’s filled with some of the stinkiest materials known to man and it was stinking up the joint and giving me a solid headahce. I hope you’re not exposed to something on the regular that is miffing you up. But I did hear this thing about colored glasses. And maybe if stuff is getting too much, you could consider grabbing a pair and just looking eclectic like =) GL! May things even out or get better!
