Pediatric Occupational Therapy in Charlotte

As an adult who is hypersensitive to visual input, I don’t ride roller coasters. I am able to go to an amusement park and watch my husband on them, but the few times I have been brave enough to go on them I’ve gotten off crying and had to keep my eyes closed for the ride. I can go to concerts but I make a concerted effort to be in a section with nicely anchored seats to organize that crowd, as opposed to a standing room only area. Once the lights go down and the show starts the lighting enables me to focus on the stage alone and visually tune out the crowd. I prefer to get to the movies very early so I can find a seat and watch the crowd of people come in and fill the theater slowly, this is much better for me than walking into a crowded theater and having to look around to find a seat. 

I don’t like to drive at night, the headlights are in much sharper contrast and then more overwhelming than driving in daylight. My outfits almost never have bright colors. I own no printed or patterned clothes, except for a few gifts, only organized stripes or organized writing. I am very aware that the right hand margin of this text is not in a straight vertical line to match the left side. 

These details or quirks can at times impact my ability to socialize, how efficient I am in the work I produce, the stores I’m willing to enter, and what time of day and where I’m comfortable driving.   At this age I have learned a lot of coping skills to enable myself to participate in all my chosen activities. Sensory sensitivities are important to treat and work with when they limit your ability to participate in desired activities. Some days I am limited, but most days I am able to participate in spite of this.