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🧩 Neurodivergent
How do you process sensory input?
Assess your sensory sensitivity across all senses.
Rate each statement 1 (almost never) to 5 (almost always).
1I am bothered by bright lights or fluorescent lighting.
2Background noise (AC, crowds, ticking clocks) distracts or bothers me.
3Certain textures of clothing or fabric are unbearable to me.
4Strong smells (perfume, food, cleaning products) overwhelm me.
5I am a picky eater because of food textures, not just taste.
6I feel overwhelmed in busy environments (malls, concerts, airports).
7Unexpected loud sounds make me physically flinch or startle badly.
8I cut tags out of clothing because they irritate me.
9I need to withdraw to a quiet, dark place after sensory-heavy experiences.
10I notice details in my environment that others completely miss.
Understanding sensory processing
Sensory Processing Sensitivity describes how intensely your nervous system registers and responds to stimuli. The AASP (Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, Dunn 1999) measures this across all senses.
The 4 sensory processing patterns (Dunn 1999)
- Low Registration: Misses sensory input, needs more stimulation
- Sensation Seeking: Actively seeks strong sensory experiences
- Sensory Sensitivity: Notices more, gets distracted by input
- Sensation Avoiding: Actively avoids overwhelming stimuli
Key facts
- 15-20% of people have heightened sensory processing (Aron 1996)
- Sensory issues are a core diagnostic feature of autism (DSM-5, 2013)
- Also common in ADHD, anxiety, PTSD, and fibromyalgia
- Sensory overload triggers the fight-or-flight response — meltdowns are nervous system responses
- "Sensory diet" — planned sensory activities — is an evidence-based intervention
Sources: Dunn (1999, AASP), Aron (1996), DSM-5, American Journal of Occupational Therapy.