Tell Me What It Feels Like Having SID

Post Reply New Topic

Sensory Integration/Processing Disorder

I think I have it. I have most of the symptoms on the checklists.

But I want to know how it feels to someone who is dxed with it.

It pretty much sucks. If small noises that other people seem to completely ignore annoy the hell out of you (my problem), or you seem over-sensitive to changes in temperature or lighting (I don't have this) that would count as SID. When I'm in a noisy room, I am often unable to get any real work done. On the first Calculus test I took this year, the room was very noisy and I was stuck right in front of a kid who must have some kind of tic disorder; he was constantly kicking against the metal desk legs, tapping his desk with his knuckles, or some other type of noise. Add to this a bunch of people with colds who were sniffing constantly. I ended up getting a C on the test despite the fact that I knew EVERY answer cold. I just couldn't focus well enough during the test to be able to get it done properly. The next test day was quieter, I got a 100.

I don't really know if i have it either but some noises (such as people chewing loudly or people stomping their feet) make me go completely insane. Also, I cant really eat certain foods without gagging due to the feeling of it on my mouth

I have the same problem as Orwell in testing environments. I have failed exams because the noise and quality of light from fluorescents drove me mad. The buzzing seems to hit this perfect frequency of unavoidable distraction for me, and the colors are all wrong. I get dizzy when I look at papers, because the high contrast of black on white is too harsh in the poor lighting.

I feel faint when smells are too strong or unpleasant (which is most of the time). I could be considered an audiophile, because flawless sound quality is all I can handle. I went into a spiraling depression when I realized that I needed glasses, because perfect vision is also important to me (star gazing has never been the same since). I cannot wear certain types of clothes, and so I shop like a blind woman--by touch.

When my neuropsychologist told me I had it, he took out a large poster diagram of the brain. He said that the problem originates in the thalamus, where most senses are processed {edit: the only one that isn't is smell. That goes straight through the olfactory bulb}. The thalamus in my brain and those like me cannot process multiple inputs, or inputs that are too strong or unfavorable. This results in excess electricity, which overflows to the amygdala, directly adjacent to the thalamus. The amygdala controls the flight or fight, or panic response. Since both of these parts are in what is considered the reptilian brain, logic has no influence. The only way to calm down after an episode is to physically relax, and let your brain know you aren't going to die in the near future. It's all quite fascinating.

Everyone above described what it feels like internally, but I'll describe what it feels like socially. Everyone thinks you are acting like a spoiled child because things smell bad, taste bad, too loud, too quiet, too hot, too cold, too tight, too loose, too bright, too dull, etc.

They think when you're 4 its normal, when you're 8 you're a little immature, when you're 12, you're wierd, when you're 16 you're acting up and when you're 21 you embarrass the people you are with and you should know better than to react that way in public.

Then you become more confused because how can someone be embarrased by someone else's behavior? I'm the wierd one, not you.

Oh, yeah, humans are social sheep and must be surrounded by others like them to feel ok.

I'm particularly offended by the sound of other people's voices, especially when they are talking AT someone who they THINK is me. Especially the female ones. Throw in 'animated' female and I want to either kill or throwup.

I start mentally checklisting who I won't feel bad about if I were to find they die in the night.
And oh wouldn't the world just be better if.

I am the most restrained person I know in this respect.

The same can be said to the positive. Abeit Spainglish, Male Ebonics, and West Coast Canadian White Female, any kind of Gansta, Korean, Vietamese Gansta or female, Philipino Gansta, I find most Forieng tones to be reassurring: of either gender.

But mostly when they are sincere, warmed tone, not nasal, gutteral negotiable.
Alto-Really.

I get mistaken for being racist based upon my sensory issues in typical affairs. Or rather I notice that I am for these respects first and culture values second if at all. Ironically, those I am affected by the most pursue me the most often.


Other than that. My vacuums tend to sit for years.

Ironically, I am lulled to meditation by the loudest of musics.

It's been better with age. Except for the music. I keep that down for others.

not diagnosed.

I am not diagnosed SID

BTW, you might be interested to know that most mechanical sounds are in the key of Bb.

I'm that way with smells. In fact, I identify people by their smells.



I'm glad to hear about the lack of logic though. I've always been bothered by an inability to talk myself out of it using rational means.

In college I was chatting and joking with some other people about forgetting names, and funny stories about that sort of thing. Everyone can pretty much relate to forgetting names. Then I brought up that I hardly ever remember names or faces, which was found to be amusing. They asked me how I remembered people, and I said "By their smell."
Then we all laughed a lot.

The truth is, that I usually don't get close enough to strangers to smell them, but I know the smell of everyone close to me. For people whose name and face I've forgotten...i'm pretty much screwed.

I do that with buildings too. I went to undergrad in NC, but I'm in TX for grad school. When I walked into the music building (I'm a music therapy major) at my new school, the first thing I noticed, weirdly enough, was that my new music building smelled almost exactly like the old one! It was a very comforting realization.

I just went through something like described above over christmas. There were too many sounds, lights, smells and of course when I mentioned I was having a hard time I recieved looks of distaste.
A lovely example is the unbearable amounts of body washes, shower gels and smelly lotions that my family insists on purchasing for me. My mom tried one on (because I refuse to even open them) and the smell was so strong I went into a cough, sneezing, weezing fit. I told her it was terrible and to please wash her hands and she looked at me like I was crazy. (though eventually it was too much for even her and she did go wash them)

My family (who doesn't know about AS) just thinks I'm being silly. Part of this is of course because I haven't told them a thing about AS but really, even so shouldn't you at least listen when someone says they can't handle something?

As far as what it feels like...

Things that "normally" wouldn't bother someone set you off. It could be any random thing.
Ex. The smell of articial carmel popcorn makes me gag, but skunks have no affect (if it's not strong that is). I hate light touches and like heavy ones. Very high pitched sounds are unbearable. I can't stand the texture of coconut. Hate perfume/scented cleaners/anything strong. Dislike nylon clothes. Can't drive at night (or rather be an attentive night passenger) because of way too bright car lights (can barely keep my eyes open/have to look away). Like the feeling of being scratched. Dislike the sound/feel of people whispering. The sound of bass in music (say, from outside a car ) makes me shudder/cringe/head pound.
You get the idea.

It seems like an exaggeration of "normal" reactions to stimulants. Or an abnormal reaction to things.

Ah! I really didn't think so many people did that too! I used to have each of my friends memorized by sent (as well as each of their family memebers as the scents were often similar/the same). I haven't really paid it much attention recently though, maybe I grew out of it? I still notice but just don't think about it...

A few of my (as far as I know non-aspie) friends said they do this too. I thought it was just us that were crazy

I'm glad my knowledge was useful

I identify people by their smell rather often; I've even dated men because I loved their smell so much. Not always the best idea.

From what everyone is describing, it seems like you guys might find this book useful: Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight, by Sharon Heller.

BTW, I found a great checklist here for anyone interested.

Yeah, high-pitched female voices are painful. Especially my history teacher. Little to none of the music I enjoy listening to includes the human voice. But then, a lot of people seem perturbed by my voice, which I have been told is extremely low. It sounds normal to me.

Mine doesn't sound normal.
Over Microphone repeating things (yes yes fast food) people commented alot on it's auditory quality as if I was some diva. I was careful and thoughtful about what and how I conveyed for clarity. But normal talking I have to feel like yelling for people to hear. If I use a tone I can bear-no one else hears, and they double take or request repeats. Then it sounds really bad to me. I hate talking. I love singing in the car, though! I've heard some pretty deep voices. It makes me think of healthy lungs....ironically. Cool :Shrug: !

I have the same issue. And I don't like the idea of yelling; especially in a world that's too loud already, if you ask me.