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The Basics of Sensory Overload
News
April 23, 2025
The Basics of Sensory Overload

Hectic, loud and/or overly busy scenes and settings may not be safe havens for most people. In fact, it’s likely a majority of people find such environments uncomfortable and challenging to be in. Despite that discomfort, people typically can still manage these types of situations. Those who struggle to do so might be dealing with a condition known as sensory overload.

Hectic, loud and/or overly busy scenes and settings may not be safe havens for most people. In fact, it’s likely a majority of people find such environments uncomfortable and challenging to be in. Despite that discomfort, people typically can still manage these types of situations. Those who struggle to do so might be dealing with a condition known as sensory overload.

What is sensory overload?

The Cleveland Clinic compares sensory overload to an issue many modern adults have undoubtedly confronted: a computer paralyzed by too many applications running at once. Much like the operating system of a computer can be overwhelmed when too many internet tabs are open at once and/or too many applications are running simultaneously, a person’s operating system can be overwhelmed by too much stimuli, potentially contributing to paralyzing feelings that make it hard to move forward. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the sympathetic nervous system is the part of the body responsible for the fight-or-flight response. When a person experiences sensory overload, that system switches on and alerts individuals that they are in danger. This also occurs when individuals feel sudden stress resulting from some aspect of the world around them, which can be triggered by various prompts.

What are some potential triggers of sensory overload?

The organization Autism Speaks notes that sensory overload is triggered when an intense sensory stimulus overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. A single event, including an unexpected loud noise, can be a trigger for sensory overload. The Cleveland Clinic reports these are some additional potential triggers: • Sight: A lot of visual stimuli also can trigger sensory overload. That’s because individuals confronting a lot of visual stimuli may not figure out where to look or focus their attention. Bright of flashing lights also can trigger sensory overload.

• Smell: Strong scents and aromas, such as those produced by perfumes and certain cleaning products, also can trigger sensory overload.

• Touch: The Cleveland Clinic notes some individuals are extra sensitive to the feel of certain fabrics. Tight, uncomfortable clothing can trigger sensory overload, as can wearing materials that feel itchy.

• Taste: Even spicy foods or dishes individuals have never tried can trigger sensory overload.

What happens when sensory overload is triggered?

Sensory overload can prompt both emotional and mental reactions. The Cleveland Clinic notes such reactions may include:

• General feeling of stress

• Anxiety

• Inability to focus

• Irritability

• Intrusive thoughts, which the Cleveland Clinic notes are unwanted images or urges that come to mind even though they are unwanted Autism Speaks notes more specific signs that people with autism who experience sensory overload may experience, which can include but are not limited to:

• Increased movement, such as jumping, spinning or crashing into things

• Talking faster and louder, or not talking at all

• Covering ears or eyes

• Difficulty recognizing internal sensations like hunger, pain or the need to use the bathroom

• Refusing or insisting on certain foods or clothing items

• Frequent chewing on non-food items

• Frequent touching of others or playing rough

• Difficulty communicating or responding as the brain shifts resources to deal with sensory input (shutdown)

• Escalating, overwhelming emotions or need to escape a situation (meltdown) The Cleveland Clinic notes that children are more prone to sensory overload because youngsters’ coping skills are less developed than adults’. More information about sensory overload can be found at https:// health.clevelandclinic. org/sensory-overload.

Patrons Bank warns community of rising phone scams
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Patrons Bank warns community of rising phone scams
July 25, 2025
Patrons Bank is urging the community to be on high alert as phone scams targeting bank customers continue to rise across the country - and right here at home.Scammers are spoofing legitimate bank phon...
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Christmas in July is today
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Christmas in July is today
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Downtown Henryetta is set to come alive with holiday spirit and summer sunshine today, as the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce presents its annual “Christmas in July” celebration. The event, scheduled fr...
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Back-to-School excitement builds
July 25, 2025
As summer winds down and the school year quickly approaches, Henryetta Public Schools and Dewar Public Schools are rolling out the red carpet for students and families with a series of exciting back-t...
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Main Street Crossing Temporarily Closed
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Main Street Crossing Temporarily Closed
July 25, 2025
The City of Henryetta has announced that the Main Street railroad crossing is currently closed to all traffic. Residents needing to cross the tracks are encouraged to use the Trudgeon Street crossing ...
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Sales Tax Holiday returns Aug. 1-3
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Sales Tax Holiday returns Aug. 1-3
July 25, 2025
Shoppers across Okmulgee County and throughout the state will soon get a much-needed break on back-to-school expenses, as Oklahoma’s annual Sales Tax Holiday kicks off Friday, Aug. 1, and runs through...
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Historical Museum open Saturday
July 25, 2025
The Henryetta Historical Museum continues to welcome guests through its doors this summer with its special every-other-weekend schedule - and this Saturday is no exception. The museum will be open Jul...
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OCEM Report
July 25, 2025
This report is a summary of activities Okmulgee County Emergency Management participated in and does not reflect all activities performed by or participated in by Okmulgee County Emergency Management....
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Plans underway for Okmulgee County Fair
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Plans underway for Okmulgee County Fair
July 25, 2025
Planning is in full swing for the much-anticipated 2025 Okmulgee County Fair, with the event officially set to take place Sept. 4-6 at the Okmulgee County Fairgrounds.Members of the Fair Volunteer Com...
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Lions Club celebrates new members, history and upcoming events
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Lions Club celebrates new members, history and upcoming events
July 25, 2025
The Henryetta Lions Club held a lively and productive meeting on Thursday, July 17, at The Shack 2.0, welcoming new members, celebrating local heritage and preparing for several key community events o...
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Preston Schools announces Child Nutrition Program
July 25, 2025
Preston Public Schools announced they are participating in free lunch and/or breakfast program for the 2026 school year. All students enrolled in the district or the listed sites may participate in th...
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OCA All-State Week festivities are July 26-31
July 25, 2025
The Oklahoma Coaches Association (OCA) is gearing up for its annual All-State events, set to take place from Saturday, July 26 through Thursday, July 31. Athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts from...
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