Sensory Overload

Can a neurotypical person experience sensory overload? Yes, 100% yes!

One of my recent experiences with sensory overload involved my auditory sense. It was a day full of meetings and the baby crying and screaming. By the time my husband wanted to share his day as we usually do, I couldn't listen to him as I needed to decompress. I needed "quiet time", which is not the same as "alone" or "me" time. We sat next to each other, held hands, and enjoyed the sound of silence.

Not everyone is able to verbalize when they feel overwhelmed by a sensory experience/s. Not everyone is able to advocate for themselves.

Not everyone is able to recognize that another person is overwhelmed or how to behave around them.

This is why educating families, from the youngest to the oldest about self-advocacy, empathy, self-regulation, verbal communication, body language, and social skills, is extremely important.