Sensory Overload
A state in which sensory input exceeds processing capacity — producing distress, overwhelm, shutdown, or reactive behaviour in response to sounds, lights, textures, or other stimuli.
Quick answer
Sensory overload describes a state in which the quantity or intensity of incoming sensory information exceeds an individual's processing capacity — producing distress, shutdown, or reactive behaviour. ICD-10: F84.0 (autism), H53.1 (photophobia), H93.22 (hyperacusis); ICD-11: 6A02. A defining feature of autism spectrum conditions and also central to ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, PTSD, and HSP.
Recognition
Do any of these feel familiar?
People describe crowds, bright lights, loud music, strong smells, or busy visual environments becoming rapidly intolerable — producing anxiety, irritability, physical discomfort, or an urgent need to escape. Many feel embarrassed about the extent of their sensitivity, particularly in social contexts. Autistic individuals may describe reaching a 'point of no return' where shutdown or meltdown becomes unavoidable if sensory input is not reduced. Recovery from overload requires quiet, low-stimulation time.
What is Sensory Overload?
A state in which sensory input exceeds processing capacity — producing distress, overwhelm, shutdown, or reactive behaviour in response to sounds, lights, textures, or other stimuli.
Approaches Commonly Explored
Commonly explored for conditions related to Sensory Overload, grouped by mechanism — select your subtype above to highlight the most relevant path.
How to use these approaches
Most people begin with Stabilise approaches, then progress toward Resolve and Sustain.
Nervous system regulation, brain function, and neural pathways.
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