Some people wonder what its like for me when I start getting sensory overload. They think its something that I’m just making up…. well while this is not exactly it, it has some similarities. I would like to see you try and carry on a conversation, do classwork, program or even enjoy a tv show while playing this. You won’t even have to watch it to get my point.
WARNING: Those with epilepsy or people prone to convulsions should not watch this video.
I hope you see what I mean when I’m say I’m overwhelmed and can’t function…. this is why. I would like to thank the blog Thoughts of a spectrum dweller for finding this great resource. Next time you hear someone on the Autism Spectrum say there overwhelmed or in overload – try and remember this video.
Do you think this is a fair representation of sensory overload?
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Durring my workshop on autism, I have the audience do something to give them an idea on what our sensory issues are like. I have them put on itchy very wooly shirts, have them attach the rough side of sand paper to the soles of their feet and to thier heads, and have someone crash symbols together loudly, and then ask them while this is going on to write an paragraph about the info learned so far in the presentation. It’s been rather useful to use.
It also makes a nice analagy when just having someone imagine that, and then say, that is what sensory overload is like.
Thats actually a pretty sweet way of showing it too!
Thank you!
It has gotten the point across many tomes now. My next workshop including that little exercise is coming up Saturday. 
I love my job! 
That aside, thank you for saying that.
Great way to show the sensory overload issue from the sight and sound perspective. I’m speaking from the experience of a person who has Meniere’s Disease rather than autism, but I always have very loud tinnitus in my ears/head and when I get vertigo, it looks and sounds like the first part of your video. As a music therapist, I spend time with many individuals of all ages with autism every week. I’ve known some of my friends for several decades. Those who are able to talk have described their visual and sound issues in ways similar to what you have filmed. Others talk about everything freezing or getting very small and quiet. And some don’t experience those particular issues, but, for example, not be able to tolerate anything touching their feet. Or they may, in fact, crave the deep pressure of hiking boots on their feet. Isn’t it interesting how very differently autism touches the lives of different people?
I liked the analogy of autism shown on TV in extreme home makeover, they taped Tys mouth shut, put those exfoliating gloves on his hands and feet but purposely used amsizemto small, put him in a chair with one leg short, shined a flashlight in one eye then the other erranically, someone rosked the chair so its short leg squeeked, played staticy radio and asked him to listen to a teacher they brought in, saying he would have to report what he learned from the teacher after it was over. This was supposednto simulate an autistic persons feeling of being in a ublic school class, for example. In the end he could not say anything learned from the teacher but was amazed at this family and how well they had adapted, and couldnt say enough in support of autism.
this is a really good representation of overload…i couldnt finish it and my ears and head still hurt now lol. but i had to look to see if it was good enough to show others so maybe they can understand a bit better