I am an Autistic adult who has always had “heightened sensory sensitivities and subsequent physical symptoms” (according to my diagnostic report). Still, for the first twenty-nine years of my life, I didn’t understand what was happening to me whenever I would become overwhelmed and sick, seemingly out of nowhere. 

Being diagnosed Autistic in adulthood at the age of 29 meant that for the first part of my life, all of my struggles, including the sensory ones, were misunderstood, mislabeled, and mistreated. Treat your neighbor as you would like to be treated is a nice sentiment.

However, it doesn’t always work well in cross-brain-type relationships. Treating a cat like a fish (dumping it in a pond) or treating a fish like a cat (putting it in a litter box) would be bad for both animals, just as treating Autistic People as if we are NeuroTypical is terrible for us (because it ignores that we have different brains and needs).

Autistic People often have sensory processing differences, also known as sensory processing disorders, that can cause our various senses to be hyper (more) or hypo (less) sensitive than the “average” person. This can manifest as sensory aversions when sensory sensations are uncomfortable or overwhelming or sensory seeking when we are less sensitive or if we crave sensory input.

Growing up, nobody knew I was Autistic (including me), so my treatment and expectations were often in opposition to my needs, which was often painful, confusing, and traumatic for me.

When I was first diagnosed Autistic over seven years ago now, I did not understand sensory processing or how sensitive my own sensory system was (when compared to that of the people around me).

At the time of my diagnosis, I also did not understand how to take care of myself (to prevent the pain and discomfort that had plagued me for most of my life), leaving me stuck in recurring, surprise sensory overloads, shutdowns, and meltdowns. 

Now, over seven years post-diagnosis, I know a LOT more about sensory processing (and how it impacts me) than I once did.

Some of the lessons I’ve learned have taken years to master (because the information about sensory processing was never presented to me). 

I hope that by sharing what I’ve learned in my journey, I can help you understand yourself and your sensory system. 

Here are 10 Surprising Lessons I Learned About Sensory Processing After Being Diagnosed Autistic in Adulthood

Lesson 1: Every human on earth has a different sensory profile.

Every human being, whether they are Autistic or not, has a unique sensory profile. This can vary significantly from person to person (even from Autistic person to Autistic person). 

If we think of sensory processing and people’s individual sensory profiles, each person has a DJ’s controller board with all the sliders that can go up or down. The sliders can be adjusted for each of the senses – sight, smell, touch, vision, taste, balance, and how well you feel your body in space. 

There is an average range in the middle (where non-autistics and neurotypicals sit). Autistics (and others who experience sensory sensitivity) often will slide up or down from those normative averages. Our sensory profile ranges often tend to be on the extreme ends of things, being overly or under-sensitive in various areas of our sensory profiles (if compared to non-autistic or allistic people). 

A previous video I’ve done on the topic:

Lesson 2: Sensory overload is a thing. 

When I didn’t know sensory overload existed, I just thought I was a sensitive person with a bad attitude who randomly got cranky and dizzy (with migraines that caused me to curl up on the ball in a corner and puke from time to time for no good reason) – because THAT’s NORMAL. 

Knowing about sensory processing and sensory overload means I now understand what had been happening to me for all those years,

When I didn’t know what was happening to me (sensory overload), I was at its mercy because I couldn’t avoid my triggers. 

Now that I know what my triggers are and how to avoid them, I don’t have as many overloads as I used to. 

PREVIOUS VIDEO ABOUT SENSORY OVERLOAD: 

Lesson 3: My sensory needs and tolerance can vary (depending on a variety of factors).

My sensory tolerance is better when I am well rested, fed, hydrated, haven’t had much exposure to my sensory triggers, and don’t have increased stress levels. 

When I’m not doing well, I can handle only a few minutes in a grocery store without protection, but if I’m having a good day and all of the needs above have been met, I may be able to handle the entire store trip without any sensory tools or aids. 

Additionally, I am more sensitive in the morning when I’m not awake, and my sensory system is out of whack as I struggle to transition from sleeping to waking. I also become more sensitive as I grow sleepy at the end of the day. 

Stress is another BIG trigger for me. If I’m stressed or anxious, EVERYTHING seems brighter and louder to me.

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