Understanding Sensory Sensitivities
Sensory sensitivities are a key topic in neurodiversity, but they can be hard to understand. Let's explore these sensitivities to see how they impact people who are neurodivergent.
What Are Sensory Sensitivities?
Sensory sensitivities are about how we experience the world through our senses. For neurodivergent people, these experiences can vary greatly. They might feel things very strongly (known as hypersensitivity) or not as much as others do (known as hyposensitivity).
Hypersensitivity: Intense Sensory Experiences
When someone has hypersensitivity, their senses are extra sensitive. Simple, everyday things can feel way too intense. A gentle touch might feel too harsh, a quiet noise could seem really loud, and a weak smell might be too strong. Picture being in a crowded place where every noise feels as loud as thunder. For people with hypersensitivity, situations like this can be too much to handle, making normal activities challenging and stressful.
Hyposensitivity: Subdued Sensory Experiences
Hyposensitivity is the opposite. It's when someone's senses are less responsive than usual. They might not notice quiet sounds, light touches, or mild tastes. For these individuals, the world can seem less vibrant, and they might seek out stronger sensations. They may need louder music, brighter lights, or spicier foods to truly feel connected to what’s happening around them.
Exploring Different Types of Sensory Sensitivities
Sensory sensitivities cover more than just the traditional five senses. They also include how we feel our body's position and movement, and how we sense things happening inside our bodies. Let's look at each type:
Touch (Tactile Sensitivity): This involves how we feel through touch. Some people might find certain fabrics itchy or uncomfortable. Others may not feel light touches and prefer a firmer touch to feel comfortable.
Sight (Visual Sensitivity): This relates to seeing light and color. Bright lights can be overwhelming for some, while others might need colorful or vibrant settings to see things clearly.
Hearing (Auditory Sensitivity): This is about hearing sounds. Loud noises can be really bothersome for some people, while others might not hear lower sounds.
Taste (Gustation Sensitivity): This affects how we taste food. Some flavors might be too strong for some people, while others might prefer stronger tastes to feel satisfied.
Smell (Olfactory Sensitivity): This is about how we smell things. Strong smells can be too much for some people, while others might not be able to detect faint smells.
Balance and Movement (Proprioception and Vestibular Sensitivity): This involves our sense of balance and how we move. Some people may need extra help to feel stable or move easily.
Internal Feelings (Interoception Sensitivity): This is about sensing things like hunger or pain inside our body. Some might feel these sensations very strongly, while others might not notice them as much.
Hopper Health’s Approach
At Hopper Health, we recognize that everyone experiences sensory sensitivities differently. We’re dedicated to providing support that is tailored to each person's needs. Our goal is to make sure everyone feels heard, understood, and respected. We focus on each person’s unique sensory journey and offer care that values their experiences.
We believe in building a world where all sensory experiences are acknowledged and supported. By understanding sensory sensitivities, we can offer better support to neurodivergent individuals. This knowledge is crucial in creating a more inclusive and empathetic society.
Understanding sensory sensitivities helps us appreciate the diverse ways people interact with the world. At Hopper Health, we're committed to supporting this diversity and helping everyone find comfort in their sensory experiences.
