#sensory processing difficulties

My husband only likes soft, loose clothing. I hate the feeling of cloth moving on me; I prefer tighter, stiffer clothing that stays in place.

I’ve walked out of class a couple of times because I was experiencing sensory overload, and I thought it would be a good idea to have some cards that we can show teachers/friends/whoever if we need to leave the situation but can’t bring ourselves to talk.

Here’s a link to the PDF that you can print out and cut up - there’s eight identical, small cards so that there’s enough for you to put one in each bag/jacket pocket so that you always have one with you.

This would fall under sensory processing difficulties, so yes.

Today I did a hard thing.

I spoke to my HR manager about getting some reasonable adjustments at work.

It went really well. They were fine with me minimizing noise levels whilst concentrating, and with me using the same computer every time I’m in work.

I feel so happy and elated. If it weren’t for my upset stomach I’d be happy stimming so much right now!

I’m proud of myself for having done this really hard thing. It was a challenge to actually communicate whilst talking to the HR manager, but I managed it, and I’m happy that I got what I wanted. I’m still learning about myself though.

I just went out on my lunch break to buy some food and all at once it hit me. This, wave, of understanding hit me.

And now I can see things in my life a little bit more clearly.

Having just spent 6 hours sat at my desk, doing the same repetitive actions, going outside disrupted the routine, and comfort of my world, and it was because of this that I suddenly realised why parts of my life are so difficult, and why I do the things I do to cope.

I realised I was overwhelmed by the outside because there were too many unknowns and too many things for me to see, and smell, and feel, and hear, and experience and for the first time I actually understand why those things are overwhelming to me. Partly it’s because they’re unknown, unknowable, unexpected, things that could be good or bad, but it’s also partly because my brain is a chaotic whirlwind of thoughts, emotions, and feelings and adding to that makes me feel out of control.

This isn’t some revolutionary discovery that will “change the way autistic people look at the world forever!” it’s just something that will make my life a little bit easier, and that’s a huge comfort to me.

I used to think my dislike of unknowns was limited to “big” things, or things that involved a lot of travelling or things that were “important” (interviews etc.) but I’m starting to realise that it expands to my whole life. My dislike of the unknown is all encompassing and is as pervasive as the bone-chilling wind, on a stormy, winters day.

It’s why I’ve realised that I need to stim and why I need routine. They’re like breathing air for me. They allow me to take hold of my silly, topsy turvy, messed up, unknowable world and make some sense of it. They allow me to hold things still enough for me make out what’s going on.

I need some new stims, so why not send me pictures, gifs, videos or descriptions of your stims so I can try them out?

They can be any kind of stim, even if people say it’s “gross” or “weird” or whatever. I’m just here to learn some new stims and have a good time!

Meet Harry - a young boy with sensory processing difficulties. Harry invites readers to learn about why he finds it hard to process sensory information effectively, and how even simple thing such as washing, dressing and coping with meal times can be challenging for him. He also talks about difficulties he faces at school and why large groups and loud noises are especially hard. He explains how other people can have different sensory processing issues and talks about what he and those around him can do to help.