Sensory question

[Angel B]

Hi guys! Angel here again. Unsure if I am on the spectrum or not, probably have ADHD, definitely have OCD.... so my question is about sensory issues. I don't really have any sensory issues as an adult, except a couple. I cannot STAND the feeling of waterlogged fingers rubbing against cardboard. AND I hate the sound of water trickling gently into water. Waterfalls are fine because they are like white noise or static, but those little desk-top water fountains, or when you turn on the faucet just a little bit and pour some water... it makes me feel extremely uncomfortable and a little bit fearful. It even makes me feel awkward and uneasy. It's so weird I can't describe it. I think it's because one time when I was a kid, the adults were watching some movie where a guy was stranded on a snowly hillside and this family took him into their cottage. I think the wife of the family was pouring him some hot water, and there was scary sexual tension in the air (in the movie) and i think the stranger was going to try to make a move on the wife. she was clearly uncomfortable. but to this day, the sound of water gently trickling into water makes me feel like the woman on TV probably did.
is that weird or what??? (PS, i was never molested or assaulted, if that helps any.)
I can tolerate being around it, but i hate the sound. thanks for any insight you have <3

 

[Neonatal RRT]

I am not sure if that is a "typical" autism-like sensory experience,...I am thinking not,...but something more psychological. In autism, these sensory experiences are more likely caused by thalamocortical dysrhythmias, synesthesias,...issues due to either sensory processing "cross-talk" or processing integration between multiple centers in the brain. The sensory experiences are not intermittent, but rather pervasive. Now, specific stimuli may heighten or lessen the experience, but even at its lowest points, is still there.

 

[Darkkin]

This doesn't sound like a sensory issue, so much as a sound triggered emotional reaction.

This comes across as trying to shove a square peg in a round hole to make an experience fit a definition, rather than a definition aligning with an experience.

Sensory issues are often more universal in their presentations. And can be both positive and negative.

e.g.

food textures
the actual feel of water on skin
(an aversion to showers)
being able to 'hear' certain types of lighting
sensitivity to sunlight, sound, motions
adverse reactions to different cuts of clothing and/or fabrics (itchy, too tight, fabric touching one's skin)
strong reactions to smells

Any of the example stimuli resulting in a sensory overload (shutdown, meltdown, physical manifestation of illness like a migraine...)

The smell of white out (corrector fluid) is an olfactory trigger that will overwhelm my nervous system in under a minute. (We are talking bone searing migraine.)

Anything related to nicotine tiggers major breathing issues and olfactory induced migraines.

I cannot be outside without a hat, sun glasses, or source of shade because of light sensitivity. (Again migraine will be the end result.)

I avoid a huge number of foods and routinely eat only those I know are 'safe', not because of the taste, but due to texture.

Sensory seeking is the flipside of sensory aversion.

e.g.

the thrill of riding a roller-coaster

From a personal standpoint, I love park swings. Easy to control thrill, while being mildly reckless. Tire swings, merry-go-rounds, the tilt-o-whirl at the county fair.

Controlled motion along a chosen plane that doesn't overwhelm my systems, but hits the right notes.

Part of the reason I love doing dishes by hand, sensory input. Hot water, bubbles, and multiple textures.

A true sensory issue extends across one's lifetime and experiences. They are the leading source of system overwhelm and meltdowns among ASDers.

It isn't a learned aversion from a single memorable experience, that is more specific in nature (being a phobia), and phobias are often cheek by jowl with OCD.

Autism is rooted in the neurobiology of the brain and the nervous system. The operating system itself is inherently different than those not on the spectrum. It is the driving force behind characteristic traits of autism like specific, repeative behaviours, rigid think, and a need for routine. It is a biological imperative to exert and gain control of one's environment.

e.g.

A real world example, my cat, Potato. He loves draping himself on his people, but he hates being petted. If you try, he will glare at you and immediately vacate the space.

The physical touch overwhelms his nervous system; it isn't because he is a mean or unsociable cat. He has been this way since he was a very small kitten. He seeks attention, but makes sure it is on his terms. (Affection and attention that respects his needs).

 

[Angel B]

Oh! I see! Thank you, that helps a lot!

 

[Aspie_With_Attitude]

I had recently explained "SENSORY FILTERS".