Definition
Sensory overload occurs when sensory input exceeds what the nervous system can process comfortably. Sounds, lights, smells, textures, or movement, individually or combined, can exceed the threshold and trigger distress, meltdown, or shutdown.
Why It Matters
Sensory overload is physiological, not behavioral. The distress is real. Environments can be modified to reduce overload, this is not pampering, it is access.
Common Misconception
Sensory overload is not the same as being startled. It is not an overreaction. The same environment that is merely loud for a non-autistic person may be physically painful for an autistic person.