“Everyone experiences this. Learn to listen to what your body and mind are telling you.”

If you know anything about Autism, you understand overstimulation. Overstimulation is when too much sensory information is being processed within the brain, causing in many cases pain. Children with autism are often overstimulated, which causes discomfort and can lead to a shutdown. As all five senses are involved, it can be any sensory stimulus, such as a piece of clothing, a loud noise, or a sharp smell.

One does not have to be autistic, however, to experience overstimulation. Everyone has experienced a sensory stimulus that has caused discomfort. A personal example for me would be the sound of people eating. The sound of food being chewed can cause me to become sick at my stomach. Especially if someone is eating with their mouth open.

Many are in an overstimulated state and do not know it. Learn to listen to what your body is telling you. Sometimes, something as simple as taking a 5-minute break can help.

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Nathan Driskell, MA, LPC

Owner at Nathan Driskell MA LPC

Nathan Driskell, MA, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas (License #306534) specializing in Internet addiction and high-functioning autism. With over 16 years in clinical practice, he treats children, adolescents, and adults through his private practice based in Texas. He is the author of three books — Internet Addiction: Kicking the Habit, Is Your Child Addicted to Electronics?, and So You Have Autism, Now What? — and writes the Spectrum & Screens newsletter on LinkedIn covering technology, autism, and mental health. Learn more at nathandriskell.com.

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