The Static in the Signal
It starts with the hum of the refrigerator that no one else seems to hear. Then it’s the way the fluorescent lights in the office feel like a physical assault on your eyes, or how the texture of a new sweater feels like sand against your skin. You’ve likely spent years being told you’re 'too sensitive' or 'difficult,' but there is a profound difference between having a delicate temperament and living with sensory processing disorder.
When your environment feels like a constant barrage of unedited data, it isn't a failure of will. It is a biological reality. To understand why your world feels louder, brighter, and more chaotic than others', we have to look past the surface-level irritation and into the very wiring of your brain. To move beyond the frustration of the moment, we must first look at the underlying mechanics of how your mind translates the world into experience.
The Science of a 'Glitchy' Filter
Let’s look at the underlying pattern here. Your brain is essentially an air traffic controller, and for most people, the incoming flights—sound, light, touch—are sequenced and landed with ease. However, when we talk about sensory processing disorder, we are describing a scenario where the central nervous system processing becomes congested. The signals don't just arrive; they collide.
In clinical terms, this is often a matter of your neurological threshold. Some brains have a high threshold, needing intense stimulation to even notice a change. Others have a low threshold, where even a minor stimulus triggers a massive response. When we look at sensory integration, we are observing how the brain organizes these inputs. Without this organization, you may experience sensory modulation disorder, where you are unable to 'dial down' the volume of the world.
This isn't random; it's a cycle of neurological over-responsivity. Your brain is working overtime to filter out the noise that others don't even perceive. Here is your Permission Slip: You have permission to stop apologizing for how your nervous system functions. You are not being 'extra'; you are being brave for navigating a world that wasn't built for your specific frequency.
Moving Beyond 'Too Sensitive'
To move beyond feeling into understanding, we have to acknowledge the heavy emotional weight of living with a constant overstimulated brain. It’s exhausting to feel like you’re constantly 'on edge' while everyone else seems perfectly fine.
I want you to take a deep breath. That physical discomfort you feel? It’s real. It’s not 'all in your head' in the way people imply—it’s in your biology. When you have sensory processing disorder, your desire for a quiet room or soft clothing isn't a demand for special treatment; it’s a search for safety.
Looking through the Character Lens, I see your resilience. The fact that you continue to show up, work, and love despite your nervous system feeling like a raw nerve is a testament to your strength. That sensitivity isn't a flaw; it's the same trait that likely makes you incredibly empathetic, observant, and deeply attuned to the beauty in the world that others walk right past. You are a safe harbor for others because you know exactly what it feels like to be caught in a storm.
First Steps Toward Clarity
While the validation is necessary, we need to convert those feelings into a strategy. If you suspect you are dealing with sensory processing disorder, you need objective data to bring to an occupational therapist or a specialist. This moves the conversation from 'I feel overwhelmed' to 'This is how my nervous system responds.'
Start by tracking your triggers over a 7-day period. Look for patterns involving: 1. Vestibular input (movement and balance) 2. Proprioception (body position and 'heavy' work) 3. Auditory and visual thresholds.
Note if you struggle with sensory based motor disorder, which can manifest as physical clumsiness or a lack of coordination. Once you have this data, you can advocate for yourself with precision.
The Script for Self-Advocacy: When someone dismisses your needs, say this: 'I’ve realized that my brain processes sensory information differently than yours. It’s not a choice I’m making, but a physiological response. To be my most productive and present self, I need [specific accommodation, e.g., to wear noise-canceling headphones / to dim the lights].'Strategy isn't about hiding your sensitivity; it's about engineering your environment so your sensitivity becomes an asset rather than a liability.
FAQ
1. Is sensory processing disorder the same as ADHD or Autism?
While they often co-occur, they are distinct. Sensory processing disorder focuses specifically on how the central nervous system interprets sensory input, whereas ADHD and Autism involve broader neurological and behavioral patterns.
2. Can adults be diagnosed with sensory processing disorder?
Yes. While it is often identified in childhood, many adults seek a diagnosis later in life to better understand their lifelong 'sensitivity' and to access occupational therapy tools.
3. What is the primary treatment for this condition?
The most common treatment is sensory integration therapy, typically led by an occupational therapist. It involves 'sensory diets' and activities designed to help the brain retrain its response to various stimuli.
References
en.wikipedia.org — Sensory Processing Disorder - Wikipedia
psychologytoday.com — Sensory Processing Disorder | Psychology Today