Sensory Overload

Sensory overload is a state of feeling overwhelmed by sensory input, often triggered by sensory over-responsivity to stimuli. It occurs when the brain takes in more sensation than it can process — even triggering fight-or-flight response (FFR) to what feels like a crisis (feeling unsafe or panicky). Those already anxious, including those with ADHD and autism, may be susceptible to sensory overload and vice versa—sensory overload can elicit anxiety. Triggering situations: loud noise/music, crowded spaces, emotionally intense people/groups, drastic changes in light/temperature, unexpected/unwanted physical contact (hugs), intense smells, scratchy/uncomfortable clothing, mass media/technology. By sense:

• Auditory/hearing: fearful reactions to noises (baby crying, vacuum, sirens), sounds from multiple sources (several people talking at once)
• Visual/sight: hypersensitive to bright/strobing light, avoid eye contact, crowded/cluttered spaces, frenetic movement, fast TV scene changes
• Gustatory/taste: strong aromas, spicy foods
• Olfactory/smell: distress from smells (commonly toys, clothing, food), causing avoidance or aggressive reactions interpreted as negative, even if not negative
• Tactile/touch: aversive reactions to clothing, waistbands, labels, hair brushing, body contact/being touched by someone, feel of cloth on skin
• Vestibular/gravitational insecurity: irrational fear of changing position, swinging, or any movement where feet are off the ground, feeling dizzy, motion sickness