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SENSORY OVERLOAD

1 Sensory Processing in Autism and ADHD: Studies have shown that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may experience sensory overload differently. These conditions can lead to heightened responses to sensory stimuli like noise, light, or touch, resulting in longer and more intense reactions. This could be visualized in your video through simulations or animations depicting how sensory input is processed differently by individuals with these conditions​.(1)

2 Neurological Basis: Research funded by the NIH at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is exploring how genetic factors in ASD lead to auditory hypersensitivity, which is a common form of sensory overload. This study focuses on the balance between excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the brain, which when imbalanced, can amplify sensory inputs such as sound, making everyday environments overwhelming.(2)

3 Sensory Integration in PTSD: Another angle comes from studies on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), where altered brain connectivity affects how sensory information is processed. This results in difficulties with integrating multisensory input, which can contribute to sensory overload. The research discusses how vestibular function and the integration of bodily senses are disrupted in PTSD, affecting how individuals perceive and react to their environment​.(3)

4 Non-Adaptation to Sensory Stimuli in Autism: A study highlighted that some children with autism do not show normal habituation to sensory stimuli. Unlike typically developing individuals who can 'tune out' repeated or continuous stimuli, these children continue to react intensely. This lack of habituation might explain their strong and persistent reactions to environments perceived as sensory-overloading​.

ASD and Sensory Overload (4)

Heightened Sensitivity: Individuals with ASD often have heightened sensory sensitivities. They may find noises, lights, or touch to be overly intense or even painful. This sensitivity can lead to sensory overload, where ordinary sensory environments feel overwhelming.

Difficulty Filtering Sensory Input: People with autism may struggle with filtering out background sensory information. For instance, they might find it difficult to ignore background noise that others can easily disregard.

Strong Reactions: The response to sensory overload in individuals with ASD can include extreme behaviors, such as covering ears, avoiding eye contact, or becoming non-responsive as a way to escape the overwhelming input

ADHD and Sensory Overload

Distractibility: Individuals with ADHD are often easily distracted by sensory stimuli. Unlike the heightened sensitivity seen in ASD, this distractibility is more about difficulty maintaining attention rather than the intensity of the sensory input.

Seeking Sensory Stimulation: Contrary to the avoidance behavior often seen in ASD, individuals with ADHD may seek out intense sensory experiences as a way to satisfy their need for stimulation. This can include a preference for environments with a lot of activity and noise.

Variable Sensory Thresholds: People with ADHD may have inconsistent sensory thresholds. At times, they might be hyper-responsive to sensory stimuli, while at other times, they might seek sensory input due to under-responsiveness​

Commonality: Both ASD and ADHD involve challenges with how sensory information is processed and regulated. This can lead to difficulties in environments that do not match their sensory needs.

Difference in Response: The key difference lies in their responses to sensory overload. ASD tends to involve more withdrawal and avoidance as a defense against overwhelming sensory input. In contrast, ADHD might involve more seeking and distractibility, where managing incoming sensory information is the challenge.

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How Media Can Exacerbate Sensory Overload

Information Bombardment: The constant barrage of news, social media feeds, advertisements, and notifications can overwhelm anyone's senses.

Multitasking Culture: Media often encourages simultaneous multi-device usage, fragmenting our attention and contributing to sensory overload for those susceptible to it.

Distorted Reality: Social media's emphasis on highlight reels and filtered images can raise unrealistic expectations, contributing to stress and a feeling of inadequacy that amplifies sensory sensitivities.

Sensory Intensity: Action movies, loud commercials, and attention-grabbing visual design on websites can overstimulate and leave the viewer feeling drained.

How Media Can Help with Sensory Overload

Mindful Media Consumption: Media literacy campaigns can teach how to curate a calmer digital environment, practice disconnecting, and become aware of triggers.

White Noise and Calming Soundscapes: Apps and specialized videos offer white noise or nature sounds to mask overwhelming environments or soothe an anxious mind prone to overload.

Guided Relaxation: Apps, videos, and online resources with guided meditations, visualizations, and breathing exercises can help people learn to self-regulate when sensory input becomes too much.

Educational Resources: Documentaries, explainers, and even social media accounts run by experts can help individuals and caregivers understand sensory overload and find better management techniques.

Community Building: Online forums and groups dedicated to sensory processing disorders provide a vital support system, sharing tips and combating isolation for those who manage these challenges.