My Sensory-Rich World
Feeling every whisper and breeze, I'm often overwhelmed by life's constant noise.
As someone with Aspergers, my senses are extremely sensitive. It's like seeing and hearing everything in 4D, all the time.
While social interactions can be tough for me as an autistic person, my unique perspective brings strengths like attention to detail and deep focus on my interests. However, unaesthetic visuals, loud noises, strong smells, uncomfortable textures, bright lights, and excessive socialization can be Kryptonite to my Central Processing Unit (my brain).
I have a love-hate relationship with sounds. As a songwriter, I find great joy and inspiration in working with different sounds. However, there are times when certain noises can be truly draining for me. I've come to recognize two distinct categories of sounds in my experience. On one hand, there are sounds that bring me a sense of joy and relaxation, like the captivating music from my Gamelan classes. These are the sounds that energize and rejuvenate me. On the other hand, there are sounds, such as mechanical noises, that can feel utterly overwhelming and disruptive. These are the types of sounds that tend to drain my energy and leave me feeling unsettled. It's an intricate balance, but learning to navigate this love-hate relationship with sounds has been an important part of my journey as a neurodivergent artist.
Being highly sensitive to sensory input is often seen as a weakness, but I believe it's actually a gift for autistic individuals like myself.. It enables me to think outside the box and perceive things that others might miss. I also find solace and inspiration in solitude and silence, which is where I truly thrive. However, the sensory overload can be debilitating, leaving me with headaches and a feeling of impending panic.
Despite the challenges, I still manage to overcome the struggles and pick myself up again. A little silence might help do the trick and calm me down. Additionally, here are 10 personal tips that may help you whenever you find yourself in a similar situation:
Go to a quiet place. Remove yourself from overwhelming sensory input.
Do not suppress your emotions. Cry if you need to release the built-up tension.
Do not be afraid to seek help or accommodations when you're feeling overwhelmed.
Take time to enjoy your special interests - they can be soothing and restorative.
Schedule periods of doing absolutely nothing to allow your mind to rest and recharge.
Prioritize taking regular naps to help manage sensory fatigue.
Plan your schedule a week or month ahead to avoid back-to-back sensory/social activities.
Unplug for a full day, weekend, or even a week to give your senses a much-needed break.
Unsubscribe, remove notifications, and streamline communication to one platform, like email.
Avoid crowded places and background music when possible to minimize sensory overload.
I hope this provides a glimpse into the daily life of an Aspie. I know it's a lot of work, but it's a choice I don't have. Many people are unaware of how much we strive to appear "normal." Regardless, I am proud and happy to have Aspergers, and I truly love myself for it - gifts, flaws, and all.
#Aspie #Neurodivergent
