Episode Details

A quick story from early in my autism journey that completely shifted how I understand sensory overload. One small moment in a speech therapy room turned into a lifelong reminder: we may be in the same space, but experiencing it in very different ways.

Key Takeaways
•  Sensory overload isn’t always visible—A child may be overwhelmed even when the environment feels “normal” to us
•  Not all brains filter the same way—Some learners hear, see, and feel everything at once
•  Small details can be big triggers—Sounds you don’t notice (like a ticking clock) can be intense and constant
•  Same room, different experience—Two people can share a space but have completely different sensory input
•  Perspective matters—Understanding sensory differences helps build empathy and better support
•  Don’t assume ease = universal—What feels simple to you may be overwhelming for someone else

Resources
•  Check out this social story about communicating about sensory needs I Need Something: https://abainschool.com/p8t6

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