I love how some of my senses seem to cross over and tangle with other senses. I love how it feels when I visually stim with lights and glitter. Though I experience a lot of pain, discomfort, and sometimes physical sickness from the unpleasant kind of sensory overload, I deeply love the way my Autistic sensory processing works. Ignoring this can strip our humanity away. People are a combination of their strengths and their weaknesses. On the other hand, putting people on a pedestal, ignoring their weaknesses completely also causes harm because it doesn't leave people the space to be human. It's hard to appreciate your strengths when continually reminded of every 'failure.' When we only focus on weaknesses, problems, and shortcomings while constantly comparing ourselves to other people, we often lose sight of how we shine. I believe in having a balanced, human picture of Autistic individuals.

However, I see much less discussion around the more pleasant types of sensory overload, sometimes referred to as sensory euphoria, that many sensory seekers experience. In autism spaces, there are often discussions around painful sensory overloads and sensations to avoid because they cause discomfort. Sensory avoidance, staying away from hostile stimuli, and sensory seeking, engaging in activities that create positive sensory experiences, are essential tools that Autistics and other sensory humans can use to stay regulated and healthy. We are both Autistic, but our needs and sensory experiences differ. He is a great driver, and I struggle with driving (a lot).

I LOVE roller coaster rides and find the pull of gravity stimulating, and that sensation makes him sick to his stomach. I am averse to bright lights, and he needs the contrast from the bright lights to see appropriately. We can have competing, conflicting, and even complimentary sensory needs to one another.įor example, I have an aversion to cold, and my partner has an aversion to heat. What bothers or tortures one Autistic person may be pleasant or soothing to the next.

Though sensory differences are more common with Autistics, no two Autistic People will have the exact same sensory profile. Though many Autistic People experience sensory processing differences, SPDs are not unique to Autistic People. When this happens, we may crave additional sensory input or may sensory seek. On the other hand, we may be less sensitive to some things. We may be more sensitive to lights and sound, avoiding the triggers that cause us pain. No two humans (or any other creature) experience the world the same way.Īutistic people often have sensory profile ranges that fall into the more extreme ends of things, meaning we can be more sensitive or have decreased sensitivity to various sensory stimuli. Meaning, every person's senses (sight, smell, taste, touch, hearing, balance, the sense of where your body is in space) are calibrated differently. On in Health and Wellness #AskingAutistics - What Sensations Give You Sensory Euphoria?Įvery human being, NeuroDivergent or NeuroTypical, has a unique sensory profile.

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