Understanding Sensory Sensitivity and Its Challenges

Sensory sensitivity is a condition where an individual experiences heightened or diminished responses to sensory stimuli such as sounds, lights, textures, tastes, or smells. While everyone has a unique sensory profile, some people experience extreme sensitivities that significantly impact their daily lives.

What is Sensory Sensitivity?

Sensory sensitivity, often associated with disorders like Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Autism (Asperger) Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or other neurological conditions, involves an atypical response to sensory input. For example, a person with auditory sensitivity might find everyday noises like vacuum cleaners, loud music or crowds overwhelming, while another with tactile sensitivity may be uncomfortable with certain fabrics or texture, and yet another has an aversion for certain food types (taste, smell and texture).

My Experience

From personal experience, I can tell you that suffering from Sensory Processing Disorder, given the lack of knowledge of the general population of this disorder, especially in the ‘60’s and 70’s when I was growing up (and even still in this century with all its so-called advanced thinking and wisdom), has been challenging and often left people with the conclusion that I am just full of nonsense, being difficult or quaint.

In fact, my personal aversion to certain fabrics (sponges, velvet, corduroy, flannel, angora, nylon sheets – ‘70’s, sauce, dough or dirt on my hands, slimy textures as the bottom of a tidal pool full of sea creatures, moss or whatever grows there…), certain food types (fatty foods, leavy greens, especially the sound that lettuce makes when it is eaten, pickles, raw figs that looks like a thousand worms – I love fig jam though, raw lichees – that look like eyes – but I love lichee juice, artichokes, bananas & avocado which sometimes makes my throat itchy, especially when I was a child and my throat would itch “right into my earl canals”, soya products flavoured to taste like meat or chicken, and the list goes on…), and last but not least, not only loud sounds, but having to listen to music / talking / TV or smart phone app sounds for long periods of time. I absolutely love silence. In fact, I often find it difficult to be creative in the presence of “noise”. And do not even get me started on too much / too bright light… I cannot fall asleep if the room is nor dark enough, frequently suffer from migraines and headaches when lights (or even daylight) is too bright. When we moved to the coast earlier this year, I practically lived on migraine medication. The natural daylight was much brighter than that I was used to where I had lived for more than 60 years of my life. I has been three months, and I still battle headaches and migraines, but at least (I think) my body is getting used to the brighter light (clean, fresh air with no pollution). 

I almost forgot, the list would not be complete if I did not tell about my aversion to blood (the sight of which makes me queasy and prevented me from following a career as a medical doctor like I have always dreamed of – I love watching medical series and documentaries, which I find super interesting), diapers (I often gagged changing my children’s diapers), the excretion of stomach contents via the throat canal, or mucus being spit up or excreting from the nose canal. I am a complete germophobe, except when it comes to my 4-legged dog children, who give the most wonderful kisses. 

On top of all of the above, I am a vegetarian. Grew up as one and will die as one. When I married my husband, I tried tasting meat, chicken and fish, but I was just so repulsed by it. Both the taste and the fact that these foods come from animals who could see me… The idea grossed me out for life! I must mention (as you most probably gather from the above, that I have an overly active imagination, being part of an “arty-farty” family whose members have been painters, singers, musicians, photographers, story tellers, writers, etc.)

By now, I am sure you the reader, might also think that I am a molly coddle (a spoiled brat whose whims have been given into since I was a child), but it simply is not true.

My late parents and others never understood my irrational fear for masses of water, water pipes (especially large ones), riverbeds, river rafting (which I was forced to participate in as part of team building at a job I had), having my head under water, or the deep sea where my feet cannot touch the ground. The latter of which robbed me of ticking off an item on my bucket list of desiring to swim with dolphins in the ocean (I did have the opportunity but had a panic attack and had to be rescued back into the boat at the time). 

I’m able to hear the slightest little noise and have a very keen sense of smell. Certain smells easily overwhelm me, making it difficult for me to be in its presence. Some perfumes produce an immediate headache, as do air fresheners, etc. Too much chatter drives me up and over the wall, as does “off-note” singing (yes, I sing, had musical training, play some instruments and can hear an “off-note” immediately. My poor husband refuses to sing in my vicinity (I asked him if he was able to hear himself whilst singing – extremely “off-note”). He has switched to whistling, which, thankfully, is not “off-note” (I know, I know. Sorry. Harsh, but “off-note” sounds scar the brain…”) 

I distinctly remember an incident where my first granddaughter, who must have been about three years of age at the time (who could not keep quiet for the life of her – who, if was not allowed to talk, would make other noises or sing, until she reached school-going age and the teachers gratefully cured her from constantly having to make some sort of sound), just would not stop making some sort of noise (talking, followed by making other noises and singing). I remember asking her to be dead quiet for a while to enable me to think! What type of grandmother does that!? I had to. She was driving me nuts! 

As far as taste is concerned, I am not fond of “foreign matter”, fatty foods, raw soya, soya milk, heavily spiced foods, half-cooked or undisguised egg, chunky relish (it should be made law that all things relish should come in a puree form, including and especially onion-and-tomato relish), strong coffee and fruit juices mixed with milk. 

I relate to everything in my life in colour. People start off by having no colour in my mind, but as we get to know each other, they get assigned a colour, which hardly ever change throughout our relationship. My late mother was “purple”, my father was “chocolate brown”, my late sister was “pink”, my husband is “maroon”, my daughter is “yellow”, my son is “baby blue”, my son-in-law is “green”. Likewise, all the days of the week each have their own colours, as have the months of the year. Sometimes even experiences have colours. You must be thinking, “one flew over the cuckoo’s nest…”, or maybe even that the latter might indicate me to be somewhere on the Asperger / Autism Spectrum. Who knows? Might I just remind you, that people suffering from the latter are normally highly intelligent, but socially awkward. 

I am however fortunate to have inherited and extroverted personality and a love of talking to people from my late father. I have no scruples of talking to strangers out of the blue. I am very selective of who I let into my inner circle. I have a strong 6th sense when it comes to people, situations, danger, places and the like. I am very often spot on (I am only human after all 😊). If I make you my friend, I am a friend for life. However, should I dislike someone I meet, there usually proves to be a good reason. Bad manners, rudeness, badly educated persons, control freaks, disrespectful, judgemental, irrational, disloyal, lazy, unthankful & unappreciative persons, please leave on the next Rover to Mars… PS, I have no problem with weird, otherwise or “arty” persons. Just be interesting.   

Living with all of this has certainly been a challenge. Appearing “normal” to other people, something I have had to work on my whole life.  I know I have exposed myself in telling you all this, but I need people to know that I never chose to suffer from SPD or ASD. It is something I inherited, as has my son. It has so disrupted his life that he refused to get married or have children as he “did not want to pass on his genes” to others. 

I want parents to be able to identify the disorder/s in their children, people to self-diagnose and name what they thought were “strange traits”. Stop flagellating yourselves for suffering from Sensory Sensitivity. Name it, own it and get help where possible. Above all, accept yourself, appreciate your own worth. Other people’s opinions do not define you.     

Common Challenges Faced by People with Sensory Sensitivity

1. Difficulty in Social Situations Sensory overload can lead to discomfort or anxiety in crowded, noisy environments like shopping malls, parties, or public transportation. This can cause social withdrawal or avoidance, impacting relationships and social development.
2. Maintaining Focus Excessive or insufficient sensory input may interfere with concentration. For example, bright lights or loud sounds can distract someone during work or school, making it hard to complete tasks or learn effectively.
3. Emotional and Psychological Effects Constant sensory challenges can cause frustration, anxiety, and exhaustion. Feeling misunderstood or overwhelmed can also lead to feelings of isolation or depression.
4. Difficulty with Routine Activities Everyday tasks such as dressing, eating, or grooming may become stressful if textures, smells, or appearances of certain items trigger discomfort or aversion.
5. Sleep Disruptions Sensory sensitivities can interfere with sleep patterns. For example, a person might be unable to fall asleep due to bright lights, loud noises, or certain bedding textures.

Strategies to Cope with Sensory Sensitivity

• Environmental Modifications:

Creating calm, sensory-friendly spaces at home or work can help reduce overload.

• Use of Sensory Aids:

Noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, or textured clothing can provide comfort.

• Structured Routines:

 Predictable schedules minimize unexpected sensory stimuli.

• Therapeutic Support:

Occupational therapy can help develop coping strategies or desensitization techniques.

• Self-awareness:

Understanding personal triggers allows individuals to plan activities accordingly and communicate their needs.

• CBT Therapy:

Evaluating relevance of existing frame of reference, monitor & change thoughts

Conclusion

Sensory sensitivity is a complex condition that impacts many aspects of daily life. By increasing awareness and implementing thoughtful strategies, individuals with sensory sensitivities can improve their quality of life, fostering greater independence and well-being. Support from family, friends, and professionals plays a vital role in navigating these challenges with resilience and understanding. All they need is acceptance and love…

To find out more about CBT and how this can help you with a variety of issues you need to address (which to date you have not been able to conquer - anxiety, reaching goals, procrastination, etc), please contact Coach Liane Ellis-

e-mail: [email protected]

WhatsApp: 082 580 1338