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Shopping With Sensory Overload

June 13, 2019 · 5 minute read

Navigating a mall or a discount store involves many sights and sounds, which most people successfully ignore to a point. However, approximately five percent of the population has trouble ignoring sounds, sights, or other types of stimuli, experiencing a form of sensory processing disorder. When these situations create a sensory overload, it can be a challenge to cope. Both children and adults can struggle with sensory overload, especially in bustling places like stores and shopping centers.

What Is Sensory Overload?

Sensory overload involves an overstimulation of one or more senses, causing problems as a person's nervous system tries to process triggers that come from the surrounding environment. People with autism spectrum disorders will often experience sensory overload, although this issue can also impact those with chronic fatigue syndrome, migraines, and other health issues as well. The cause of sensory overload is unknown, but it tends to result from certain triggers.

How Sensory Overload Feels

Sensory overload while shopping can feel distinctly uncomfortable. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by one or more triggers.

Signs of Sensory Overload in Children

Children may have trouble verbalizing how they feel when they have sensory overload. Thus, it's important to look for clues to know if a child is suffering.

Coping With Sensory Overload While Shopping

Understanding sensory overload is the first step to helping someone navigate this problem. Observation will help you identify triggers, which you can then take steps to avoid. It may also help to devise some actions to take to avoid or get out of these situations.

Additional Resources

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