Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance in Adults
You know you want to do the thing.Sometimes you even care deeply about it. Reply to that message.Book the appointment.Start the project you’ve dreamed about…
Author: sensoryoverload
Autistic Scripting: Why You Rehearse Conversations (and How to Reduce the Load)
You replay the same conversation in your head for days.You rehearse what you’re going to say before a meeting, a message, or a phone call.You…
Sensory Overload Headaches: When Too Much Input Turns Into Pain
Some days the headache feels like it came out of nowhere.You wake up okay, go through a normal workday or family routine, and by late…
Stimming in Adults: What It Is, Why It Helps, and How to Stop Feeling Ashamed
You might catch yourself rocking in your chair during long meetings, tapping your fingers in a very specific pattern, chewing sleeves, playing with your hair,…
Sensory Overload Hangover: Why You Crash the Next Day (and How to Recover)
You get through a noisy workday, a family birthday, a supermarket trip, or a long appointment and think, “Okay, I survived that better than expected.”…
Sensory Diet for Adults: Build a Daily Plan That Prevents Overload
Some days your nervous system feels like it woke up already at 80%.The lights are too bright, clothes feel wrong, everyone is too loud, and…
Shutdown Prevention Self-Care: Recognising Early Signs and Responding Before Collapse
Shutdowns are one of the most misunderstood experiences in neurodivergent adulthood. They happen when the brain and nervous system reach a point where continuing to…
Social Cooldown: What Neurodivergent Adults Need After Family Visits, Group Events or Meetings
For many neurodivergent adults, socialising is a double-edged experience. You may enjoy people, care deeply about relationships, and want connection — yet still feel completely…
Sensory Detox Days: Low-Input Space for an Overloaded Neurodivergent Nervous System
Many neurodivergent adults live with a constant stream of sensory information.Sounds, lights, textures, movement, temperatures and social cues all compete for space inside the nervous…
Masking Recovery: How to Care for Yourself After Long Days of Performance and Pretending
Masking is one of the most energy-intensive experiences many autistic, ADHD and AuDHD adults face. Whether it happens at work, with family, in public, or…