The Basics of Sensory Overload

Hectic, loud and/or overly busy scenes and settings may not be safe havens for most people. In fact, it’s likely a majority of people find such environments uncomfortable and challenging to be in. Despite that discomfort, people typically can still manage these types of situations. Those who struggle to do so might be dealing with a condition known as sensory overload.

What is sensory overload?

The Cleveland Clinic compares sensory overload to an issue many modern adults have undoubtedly confronted: a computer paralyzed by too many applications running at once. Much like the operating system of a computer can be overwhelmed when too many internet tabs are open at once and/or too many applications are running simultaneously, a person’s operating system can be overwhelmed by too much stimuli, potentially contributing to paralyzing feelings that make it hard to move forward. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the sympathetic nervous system is the part of the body responsible for the fight-or-flight response. When a person experiences sensory overload, that system switches on and alerts individuals that they are in danger. This also occurs when individuals feel sudden stress resulting from some aspect of the world around them, which can be triggered by various prompts.

What are some potential triggers of sensory overload?

The organization Autism Speaks notes that sensory overload is triggered when an intense sensory stimulus overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. A single event, including an unexpected loud noise, can be a trigger for sensory overload. The Cleveland Clinic reports these are some additional potential triggers:

Sight

• — A lot of visual stimuli also can trigger sensory overload. That’s because individuals confronting a lot of visual stimuli may not figure out where to look or focus their attention. Bright, flashing lights also can trigger sensory overload.

Smell

• — Strong scents and aromas, such as those produced by perfumes and certain cleaning products, also can trigger sensory overload.

Touch

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• — The Cleveland Clinic notes some individuals are extra sensitive to the feel of certain fabrics. Tight, uncomfortable clothing can trigger sensory overload, as can wearing materials that feel itchy.

Taste

• — Even spicy foods or dishes individuals have never tried can trigger sensory overload.

What happens when sensory overload is triggered?

Sensory overload can prompt both emotional and mental reactions. The Cleveland Clinic notes such reactions may include:

• General feeling of stress
• Anxiety
• Inability to focus
• Irritability
• Intrusive thoughts, which the Cleveland Clinic notes are unwanted images or urges that come to mind even though they are unwanted

Autism Speaks notes more specific signs that people with autism who experience sensory overload may experience, which can include but are not limited to:

• Increased movement, such as jumping, spinning or crashing into things.
• Talking faster and louder, or not talking at all.
• Covering ears or eyes.
• Difficulty recognizing internal sensations like hunger, pain or the need to use the bathroom.
• Refusing or insisting on certain foods or clothing items.
• Frequent chewing on non-food items.
• Frequent touching of others or playing rough.
• Difficulty communicating or responding as the brain shifts resources to deal with sensory input (shutdown).
• Escalating, overwhelming emotions or need to escape a situation (meltdown).

The Cleveland Clinic notes that children are more prone to sensory overload because youngsters’ coping skills are less developed than adults’. More information about sensory overload can be found at online at health.clevelandclinic.org/sensory-overload.