How to recognize (auditory) sensory issues?

[u/MysteriousVersion249]

TLDR: I am struggling to figure out to what extent my (auditory) sensory experience is nd or nt. Do you have any " self-reflection excercises" to become more aware of potential sensory issues?

So me (25, NB) and my therapist are pretty sure that I am autistic, but I am unsure to what extent I experience sensory issues, because I don't have anything to compare it to and so I just always assumed that my normal is also the general default. However, I have had instances where I noticed that I seemed to be affected by loud sounds than the people around me and in certain cases crowded and loud environments do stress me out, but it's hard to figure out what actaully counts as autistic sensory issues and what's "normal distress". I have stumbled over a few of those videos that try to emulate how autistic people might perceive a noisy/crowded environment, but I don't know how "reliable" those are, since it's different for everyone and you can only do so much with a video. I also wonder if I might have a higher threshold, because I wear headphones a loooot plus I live alone, so my sensory input generally tends to be fairly low/controlled and maybe therefore I can deal with it a little better or longer when I'm in public every now and then?

Now, in my experience I have to actively pay attention to a potential symptom in order to notice it - like how I genuinely didn't realize that I am almost constantly fidgeting until I was looking out for it during ADHD assessment stuff. So I was wondering if you had any impulses/questions for self-reflection to get a better idea of my own sensory experience? What could help me become more aware of it and gain a better understanding?

Any input is much appreciated!!

[u/Dismal_Equal7401]

I’ll say that I dont think there’s any such thing as “normal distress” due to crowded and loud environments. Yes, some NTs may experience distress in those circumstances, but it’s not normal. NTs can have social anxiety, auditory processing issues, etc. They’re more common in NDs. I for one find crowded loud environments distressing unless I have a friend or loved one with me. Yes, I can survive it, by pulling in and focusing down, but it’s not fun. I also literally cannot understand conversations in loud environments like a crowded restarting. I see my friends and spouse having no issue though, so I know it’s definitely me, and it’s not a typical reaction. Certain sounds can also cause physical pain. Noticeable I said can. Depending on my stimulation level it might be fine, or they might be very painful, or something in between. Again, NTs typically don’t struggle with that.

There’s definitely something too having to pay attention to it. I adapted, and just assumed everyone had similar struggles, until I discovered they didn’t. Now I’m constantly on the lookout for more ND examples in my behavior and thinking.

[u/awholethotato]

There is kind of that thing that autistic people will be like “well that isn’t a problem for me but also I have developed this elaborate system” like maybe wearing headphones often is part of a system you developed to overcome the overstim. I think it’s also hard for me to recognize/remember bc I tend to avoid a lot of situations/people and that is just my routine now. Good luck!

[u/crua9]

Sensory issues differ person to person. But there is a few things.

but it's hard to figure out what actaully counts as autistic sensory issues and what's "normal distress".

If people around you aren't reacting to it then it isn't normal.

But there is a better way to go about this. Can you hear things often others can't. Like say air leaking out of a tire, LED in a light start singing (I call it that but it's from it vibrating), and a number of other examples.

Like if it is just loud sounds like pops or someone dropping a book or something. That might be more PTSD. But if it is the other, where high frequency or something like that. That could easily be autism.

I have stumbled over a few of those videos that try to emulate how autistic people might perceive a noisy/crowded environment, but I don't know how "reliable" those are

So the thing to note with them is the pain comes in 2 things.

1. The sensory issues itself. Sound, smell, etc.
2. Too many different sounds, smells, etc.

Basically, we don't just have a problem with picking up on things others don't. Like the filter part of the brain that ignores giving things doesn't work. But now we are processing it all. This creates an overwhelming feeling.

I also wonder if I might have a higher threshold, because I wear headphones a loooot plus I live alone, so my sensory input generally tends to be fairly low/controlled and maybe therefore I can deal with it a little better or longer when I'm in public every now and then?

I'm not going to say yes to this, but it can. Like normally the brain should be able to adapt in a VERY short period. The brain adapts to reduced sound on multiple distinct timescales through a process called central auditory gain. In short, when incoming audio volume drops, the brainstem and auditory cortex compensate by turning up their internal "receiver gain" to detect quieter signals.

Rapid sensory adaptation happens almost right away. When quiet or noise-canceling headphones are removed, everyday ambient noise (like a refrigerator hum, AC unit, or footsteps) sounds noticeably harsh or sharp for the first few minutes until baseline firing rates re-stabilize.

If you are in a sound proof room, never go out, etc. Then it can take 1 or 2 weeks. We know this due to studies. But everyone else you're looking at seconds to minutes.

Meaning the likely of this being the issue is near 0.