Let’s Take a Break
“Moment by moment throughout our lifetime, our brains hum with the work of making meaning: weaving together many thousands of threads of information into all manner of thoughts, feelings, memories, and ideas” – author Daniel Tammet writes explaining the brain and how it absorbs sensory information. Tammet’s book, How to be Normal, navigates the experiences of someone on the autism spectrum and challenges the idea of a neurotypical brain. Individuals with disabilities are more susceptible to sensory sensitivities because they function differently than those labeled as typical.

What is Sensory Overload
Sensory overload is when one or more of the senses become overwhelmed. Medical News Today states, “It can happen, for example, in a crowded restaurant, when the radio is too loud, or when a passerby is wearing a strongly scented perfume. The brain receives too much information in these situations to process it properly. Sensory overload leads to feelings of discomfort that range from mild to intense” (para. 3, 2025). Anyone can experience overload; however, it’s a regular occurrence for some.

Symptoms of Sensory Overload
Symptoms can include loss of focus, restlessness, or inability to ignore loud sounds, strong smells, or other types of sensory input. In children, signs of overload can show as avoiding specific places or situations, inability to connect with others, and placing hands over their ears. Emotionally charged situations or groups of people can also overwhelm the senses.

When sensory information appears faster than an individual’s brain can process, this causes sensory overload, triggering the fight or flight response. Queensland Health states, “If sensory overload makes you feel the same as a predator attack, you wouldn’t be feeling good—unsafe, fearful, panicky, sweaty, pale, and shaky. These feelings and symptoms can take up to half an hour to subside. This process quickens for some by calming or down-regulating practices (deep breathing, meditation, hand-on-heart exercises, and similar).” (2022, para. 6).

Sensory Overload and Individuals with Disabilities
Those with intellectual disabilities can be susceptible to sensory overload because of sensitivities to noises, lights, smells, or textures. The May Institute writes, “The flashing lights and sirens of an emergency vehicle, the smell of a greasy burger, or the intense heat and light of the sun can make it difficult for someone with these sensitivities to enjoy an outing in the community with family members or friends.” (2025, para. 1). Tools or instruments help reduce unwanted stimuli. The May Institute furthers, “With consistent support and planning, people with ID can learn to cope and manage when their communities’ sights and sounds become challenging. With your help, community outings can become less stressful and more fun.” (para. 7).

Overstimulation results from an abundance of sensory input. Sensory overload can trigger overstimulation because of the amount of stimulus. Lisa MacLean, a psychiatrist at Henry Ford Health, states, “It can feel like you have too many tabs opened on your mental browser, and your brain doesn’t know what to do.” An overstimulated brain finds it more difficult to complete small tasks, for example, daily chores. Examples of coping strategies are reducing screentime, proper nutrition, quality sleep, breathing exercises, and practicing mindfulness.

Echoing Hills works to ensure that all individuals feel supported and taken care of. The values and teachings of Jesus Christ drive the quality of our service. Our faith-based standard of care provides opportunities for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. We help people live out their full potential.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sensory-overload#symptoms
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/newsroom/features/sensory-overload-is-real-and-can-affect-any-combination-of-the-bodys-five-senses-learn-ways-to-deal-with-it#:~:text=Sensory%20overload%20is%20when%20your,%2C%20flight%2C%20or%20freeze%20mode.
https://www.mayinstitute.org/news/acl/asd-and-dd-adult-focused/helping-individuals-with-special-needs-manage-sensory-overload/
https://blog.zencare.co/overstimulation-and-sensory-issues-explained/
https://www.henryford.com/blog/2023/12/how-to-identify-and-manage-overstimulation
http://www.danieltammet.net/how-to-be-normal.php
https://ehvi.org/service-in-action/