Sensory/occupational therapy

[vergil96]

Is it worth it? The descriptions I've read aren't something that is useful for me. For example calming techniques never worked for me. "Getting used to" a stimulus was something adults tried on me when I was a child, and it was a horror and traumatising. Despite having some knowledge on overstimulation already, I still have a problem with it, this is why I'm looking for help with it. With weak interoception, it's even harder to understand where overstimulation is coming from.

 

[Outdated]

I know nothing about it but my very first gut reaction was the same as yours, that's one of the ways in which I was tormented as a child. You can to some degree teach yourself to tolerate a bit more but that comes at a cost, the same wearying drain as when you're putting up with an injury.

Sometimes the cost is worth it, sort of nature's own buy now pay later scheme.

 

[grommet]

Hello. I do not know what sensory therapy is but I read your post and I have done terribly using exposure therapy. I never felt better forcing myself to be around something that made me feel bad to start. It never worked. I just suffered.

I did not know about the word interoception. I looked it up. I have that, I did not know it was named. I have never felt hunger. I have felt problems because my stomach was empty and I had to eat but from how I hear it described, I have never felt it. I do not care about food at all. I used to fantasize that I could find a way to not have to eat any more and I do not know why but I believed somehow I could do it. But I must eat like everyone does so I gave up the idea.

I hope you find some things that help you. I got Apple AirPods Pro and I wear them from when I first wake up in bed until I fall asleep with them in bed. They have changed my life, made it better. All the sounds I do not have bothering me now.

 

[Rodafina]

@vergil96
It looks like evidence based research supporting its efficacy for adults is seriously lacking.

What exactly are you considering? Was it recommended to you? Do you know someone that it has helped?

It sounds like you don't think it would be helpful based on what you've read, so I wonder why you would even consider it?

 

[vergil96]

Was it recommended to you?

The problem is that nothing. I don't have a problem, even though I clearly have a problem and don't really "function" right now. I don't understand why or what can be done. I attend therapy, my therapist doesn't have experience with or knowledge about people who are autistic and are prone to overstimulation and have sensory issues that interfere with their daily functioning. He is knowledgeable about autism, other traditional therapists are less knowledgeable. I'm frustrated, it's not a psychological problem. Autism is beibg redirected to psychology, because medicine doesn't understand it.

Do you know someone that it has helped?

No. I know someone for whom speech therapy has helped, though.

What exactly are you considering?

I have found a therapist who does a "sensory profile" for adults, whatever that means. The idea hasn't been suggested, I just think I need someone to help me understand where my overstimulation is coming from and to have an idea how to "do it right" instead of looking for what I'm doing wrong.

I'm sorry if I'm being unclear. This is exactly the problem that I'm talking about. I can't focus to the degree that I have problems communicating. I know what I have in mind, but... i can't quite find the words. But communication is only a part of the problem.

 

[Rodafina]

@vergil96
It sounds like you are eager, maybe even desperate, for some help with complex issues that are difficult to pinpoint and narrow down into easily solvable problems.

In these scenarios, I do think trying new things and having an open mind to what could help is useful.

If this sensory therapy does have an exposure element, I'd be hesitant. I think the idea of exposure therapy can be useful to address things that we are essentially fearful of and thus, avoiding. But, sensory overstimulation does not appear to work like that for us. It appears to be a much more visceral and often physical experience. My approach with overwhelming sensory stimuli is to shield, avoid, and allow for recovery - headphones, sunglasses, hats, always comfortable clothing, avoid busy places, quiet dark rooms.

I'm sorry if I'm being unclear. This is exactly the problem that I'm talking about. I can't focus to the degree that I have problems communicating. I know what I have in mind, but... i can't quite find the words. But communication is only a part of the problem.

Maybe if you keep writing and talking about it you will find clarity. Some things take time to figure out. I'm guessing some of the most valuable information for how to handle some of the things you are talking about would be right here among a huge number of autistic people.

 

[vergil96]

maybe even desperate

Yes. I can't function for some reason and I don't know what to do. All I know is that I need to persuade health professionals more. I went to a doctor, got a medication prescribed. Is it going to help? It is helping a bit, but I have reached this state somehow in the first place. I have periods of much better, normal functioning, but it got worse and it's not improving on its own, therefore something has changed and gor the worse, but I don't know what it is. Also, medications don't quite help, because there is no "cure" for autism. They can help mitigate some symptoms, that's all.

for some help with complex issues that are difficult to pinpoint and narrow down into easily solvable problems.

Yes, exactly

In these scenarios, I do think trying new things and having an open mind to what could help is useful.

Yes

If this sensory therapy does have an exposure element, I'd be hesitant.

Definitely

But, sensory overstimulation does not appear to work like that for us.

Yes

My approach with overwhelming sensory stimuli is to shield, avoid, and allow for recovery - headphones, sunglasses, hats, always comfortable clothing, avoid busy places, quiet dark rooms.

Mine too, however, it has stopped working or isn't enough recently I'm basically stuck in my flat, have to cover windows, and order takeouts. It's hard to do anything, including cooking, cleaning, taking showers, eating, I sleep very long. It's been getting gradually worse. Why? I don't know.

Maybe if you keep writing and talking about it you will find clarity. Some things take time to figure out. I'm guessing some of the most valuable information for how to handle some of the things you are talking about would be right here among a huge number of autistic people.

I don't even know what to write about.

I've been looking for a job, but that's all. I don't want to ask for job seeking advice, I have it figured out and got some offers, but it's going to take time. It's not that much effort/fatigue, I do most of that online or ask other people to help. Being systematic and persistent is the key to many things.

 

[Ronald Zeeman]

I went through a number of these therapies after my stroke not sure what any of them meant. All I know is that they worked. and the various therapists knew what they were doing.

 

[vergil96]

So in the end I went to a different psychotherapist and we don't do occupational therapy itself, but I got kind of similar homework.

Playing with toys and stuff, lol. Weighted blankets. I didn't buy one yet. Not sure if it's helping any, but who doesn't like jigsaw puzzles and aromatherapy? Meditation is fun too.

I'm not sure. I might be reaching the conclusion that it might be electronics that are a part of the problem and a lack of alternative ways to relax? The TV and podcasts might be hard on my brain. Not just mine, electronics are a common concern when it comes to mental wellbeing.