Tag: overload
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Autistic Shutdown: When the System “Shuts Down”
Disclaimer: Individuals on the autism spectrum may respond to stressful situations involving sensory overload (Overload) with a meltdown or a shutdown. A meltdown is a visible emotional and physical reaction to being overwhelmed, often accompanied by intense feelings or movements such as crying, screaming, or even tantrums. A shutdown, on the other hand, is an…
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Meltdown
Disclaimer: People with neurodivergent brains – especially those on the autism spectrum or with ADHD – often experience severe sensory overload in stressful situations. This can lead to a meltdown (an emotional outburst) or a shutdown (withdrawal and inertia). While meltdowns are often associated with intense emotional outbursts and overstimulation, shutdown is a reaction in…
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Sensory Gating Deficit: When Stimuli Become a Challenge
Imagine sitting in a café. People are talking over each other, the lights flicker, and suddenly, you feel overwhelmed by everything around you. Welcome to the daily reality of many individuals with a sensory gating deficit. For those affected, this condition is far more than mere “sensitivity”—it can significantly disrupt everyday life and is often…