One way to understand sensory sensitivity is to get into a closed car, turn on the radio with the volume set uncomfortably high, and try to stay there for half an hour. You could also wear clothes two sizes too small and walk around outside in them. Or perhaps sit outdoors on a scorching sunny day wearing ski gear—and don’t forget to stuff a rough scrubbing sponge inside your pants. This might help you grasp what it feels like to experience pressure, suffocation, noise, and unbearable discomfort.
At first, the discomfort may allow you to function almost normally, but as time passes, you’ll start feeling nervous, frustrated, and exhausted. Sensory sensitivity can turn a normal light into something blinding and painful for the eyes, an ordinary noise into dizziness, and certain fabrics into sandpaper. In short, people with sensory sensitivity feel how normal, pleasant experiences transform into a nightmare.
Studies indicate that between 10% and 20% of children suffer from sensory sensitivity. The younger the child or the more pronounced their communication disorder, the greater their distress. They may show signs of irritability, rejection, withdrawal, or crying as their body struggles against overwhelming sensory overload.
In some cases, it’s easy to identify the triggers of sensitivity—for example, when a child says they hate noise or covers their ears and rocks back and forth. However, in some situations, the child develops an aversion to anything associated with discomfort, leaving parents to figure out the source of the problem on their own. It’s important to pay attention to the elements in each environment where the child shows signs of distress. Most importantly, it is crucial to remain curious and examine what might be causing the problem. If a parent doesn’t discover the cause, they may overlook their child’s suffering. Unintentionally, a reaction of anger or frustration toward the child’s overload will only make the situation more difficult.
A person with sensory sensitivity experiences discomfort and distress comparable to what others might feel when exposed to much more intense stimuli. When someone is in a state of sensory overload, they cannot think or behave logically. First, they need an environment that understands and supports them. Second, they must recognize the nature and type of their sensitivity. Finally, it’s recommended to seek professional advice in cases where there is an ongoing impact on quality of life.