(Short answer: yes. Long answer: let’s talk about why.)
Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt overwhelmed by the lights, the noise, the smells, the everything? Or maybe you can’t concentrate unless you’re fidgeting, tapping, chewing, or pacing like you’re solving a mystery only you can see.
If so, you’re not being dramatic.
You’re not “too sensitive.”
And you’re definitely not alone.
Sensory differences are a core part of neurodiversity.
They shape how many neurodivergent people experience the world, often in ways that are invisible to everyone else.
What do we mean by “sensory issues”?
Sensory issues, more accurately called sensory processing differences, relate to how the brain receives, filters, and responds to sensory input.
That includes the classic five senses:
- Sight
- Sound
- Touch
- Taste
- Smell
And a few less well-known but equally important ones:
- Proprioception (body awareness, where your limbs are in space)
- Vestibular sense (balance and movement)
- Interoception (internal signals like hunger, pain, temperature, and emotions)
Neurodivergent brains often process this information differently, not incorrectly.
Sensory processing: not broken, just tuned differently
Think of the brain as a mixing desk in a sound studio.
Some brains turn certain channels way up.
Others turn them down.
Some struggle to filter background noise, while others barely notice it.
Neurodivergent sensory experiences can be:
- Hypersensitive (input feels too intense)
- Hyposensitive (input barely registers)
- Or a mix of both, depending on the sense or situation
And yes, it can change day to day. Brains are fun like that.
Which neurodivergent people experience sensory issues?
Sensory differences are most commonly associated with autism, but they are also very common in:
- ADHD
- Dyspraxia
- Dyslexia
- Tourette Syndrome
- Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
- Anxiety and trauma-related neurodivergence
In fact, sensory processing differences are so central to autism that they are now part of the diagnostic criteria.
But sensory issues aren’t exclusive to any single condition.
They’re a shared thread across neurodiversity.
What sensory issues can look like in real life
Sensory differences don’t always look dramatic. Often, they’re subtle, internal, and misunderstood.
Sound
- Struggling in open-plan offices
- Feeling physically pained by loud or sudden noises
- Hearing every background sound equally, with no filter
Light & visuals
- Fluorescent lighting causing headaches or fatigue
- Difficulty focusing in visually cluttered environments
- Needing dimmer lighting to think clearly
Touch
- Discomfort with certain fabrics, tags, or seams
- Aversion to unexpected touch
- Preference for deep pressure rather than light touch
Smell & taste
- Strong reactions to perfumes or cleaning products
- Limited food preferences due to texture, not “picky eating”
- Overwhelm in places like supermarkets or food courts
Movement & body awareness
- Feeling clumsy or bumping into things
- Needing to move constantly to stay regulated
- Difficulty judging force or distance
To an outside observer, these can look like quirks.
To the person experiencing them, they can shape every single day.
Sensory overload: when the system maxes out
Sensory overload happens when the brain receives more input than it can process at once.
It can lead to:
- Shutdown
- Meltdowns
- Anxiety or panic
- Irritability
- Brain fog
- Physical exhaustion
And here’s the key point:
Sensory overload isn’t a choice.
It’s not a lack of resilience.
It’s not poor coping skills.
It’s a nervous system reaching capacity.
Imagine trying to read a book while ten radios play at once and someone keeps flicking the lights on and off. Eventually, something has to give.
Why sensory issues are often misunderstood
Sensory differences are invisible.
There’s no cast. No crutches. No obvious signal.
So neurodivergent people often hear things like:
- “You’ll get used to it.”
- “It’s not that loud.”
- “Just ignore it.”
- “Everyone finds that annoying.”
But sensory discomfort isn’t about preference.
It’s about neurological processing.
Telling someone to “ignore” sensory input is like telling someone with poor eyesight to squint harder.
Sensory seeking is part of the picture too
Not all sensory differences are about avoidance.
Many neurodivergent people are sensory seekers. They may:
- Fidget, stim, rock, tap, or pace
- Seek strong flavours or textures
- Enjoy repetitive movement
- Prefer loud music or deep pressure
These behaviours help regulate the nervous system.
They’re not distractions. They’re self-regulation tools.
When people are discouraged from stimming or moving, it often makes focus and emotional regulation worse, not better.
Sensory needs across environments
At work
Open-plan offices, constant notifications, harsh lighting, and unpredictable noise can be a perfect storm for sensory overload.
Simple adjustments help:
- Quiet spaces
- Headphones
- Flexible working
- Lighting options
- Clear routines
At school
Children with sensory differences may be labelled disruptive, inattentive, or unmotivated when they’re actually overwhelmed.
Sensory-friendly classrooms benefit everyone, not just neurodivergent students.
In social settings
Busy cafes, crowded events, or strong smells can drain energy quickly.
Neurodivergent people often need recovery time after sensory-heavy experiences, even if they enjoyed them.
Are sensory issues always a “problem”?
Here’s the important reframe:
Sensory differences are only disabling when environments don’t accommodate them.
Many sensory traits come with strengths:
- Heightened perception
- Attention to detail
- Strong aesthetic awareness
- Deep emotional or physical connection to experiences
The goal isn’t to eliminate sensory differences.
It’s to support regulation and access.
So, are sensory issues part of neurodiversity?
Yes. Unequivocally.
Sensory processing differences are not side notes.
They are central to how many neurodivergent people experience the world.
Understanding this shifts the conversation from:
“What’s wrong with you?”
to
“What does your nervous system need?”
And that change makes life better for everyone.
A world designed for more senses
Neurodiversity reminds us that there is no single “normal” way to experience the world.
Some brains crave quiet.
Some crave movement.
Some feel everything deeply.
Some barely register sensations at all.
All of these are valid human experiences.
When we design workplaces, schools, and communities with sensory diversity in mind, we don’t lower standards or comfort expectations.
We create spaces where more people can think clearly, feel safe, and thrive.
And honestly?
That sounds like a better world for all of us. 🌍🧠✨
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