I've been closing one eye when in bright light since I was a little kid, turns out it's a way to lower the amount of sensory input. Younger me had no clue about autism, just that the world was painful and annoying beyond tolerance.
When it's a bright day and I'm with a group of people I've noticed that I am constantly the only one with their hands over their eyes to give them shade from the light. I've literally been in town surrounded by hundreds of people and I'm the only one that I've noticed doing it.
SAME HERE!!! Photosensitivity is really a thing. I have had eye doctors call it Photophobia, which is bizarre to me because it's not a fear or phobia, it's just that bright lights are painful.
I completely relate to this. I have to wear sunglasses almost always whenever I'm out of my house. I wear them indoors, outdoors, day and night. I wear these sunglasses that fit over my eyeglasses. Light sensitivity is my greatest sensory challenge. It makes me feel tired and irritable. And I get this throbbing sensation in my eyes and head. It's one of the reasons why I didn't want to go get my master's degree. I didn't want to be in pain for another three years.
I have major difficulties with bright lights. Florescent and LED lights really mess with me. In America, a lot of cars have LED headlights that totally blind you when you drive at night. It freaks me out because it looks like oncoming traffic is heading straight towards you and you can’t really tell where the oncoming car is in relation to you. I always tell people I am a vampire at work(just kidding) to explain why I go around turning off most of the lights as soon as I get to work.I also have problems with bright sunny days. I always end up with a headache when I have to go out in the sun.
I here you!! In with you on this! Haha vampire 😂👌🏼. Hey I have a free autism coping secrets master class you can watch it here: www.copingsecrets.com/masterclass Thank you so much for the comment! Please subscribe to my channel to see more videos from me :).
I am just like you. I was diagnosed with autism yesterday and am checking out videos. Your comment registered. with me. I actually have to use a particular pair of sunglasses when driving at night because LED lights anywhere blind me! The ones I use turn the lights yellowish. I still struggle some with the lights coming at me, but it does make a big difference for me!
I just recently discovered that I'm autistic, but it made so much sense with my sensory issues. I have hypersensitive hearing, my eyes are really sensitive to light, my skin is hypersensitive and easily irritated, my sense of smell is hypersensitive and I have problems with tastes and textures. I use noise canceling headphones, vibes earplugs, sunglasses and a face mask for filtering smells and I usually take them with me everywhere I go. I also recently started using a ball cap after it was suggested to me as an alternative to sunglasses.
I've not been diagnosed, past a recent online test that score me at 21 out of 30, but reading comments like this is like reading something I could write. I'm extrememly sensitive to sound, it can make me feel incredibly stressed. I can't take bright light. I don't eat cheese or drink beer, never been able to get past the smell to taste. Super fussy eater anyway. I live with some form of audio I'm in control of to drown out other noise, also have a huge box of earplugs by my bed (stupid bird). Soft, soft, soft, I love soft things, clothes tags drive me nuts and I can't stand the feel of metal jewelry. Having recently found this channel, I feel like I'm not only learning about myself but finally hearing other people speak about how I feel. It's maybe making me feel like I'm not wrong and broken, just different. Thank-you for sharing something that was so relatable to me.
You said hearing sensitivity. I can hear the most annoying things, yet have a hard time hearing a conversation. My hearing has been tested and it's reasonably fine. Have you had any similar issues?
@@breathofrane If a sound is something I either really like, or really dislike, then my brain over focuses on it. I usually watch people's lips when they're talking, I can't lip read but it fills in the blanks enough if something like traffic goes by. The bird outside my window drove me literally to the edge, I couldn't take it anymore, thankfully good earplugs saved me from that. Things that are ticking, clicking or beeping can be so hard to unfocus from and really stress me. I do also have both tactile and auditory seeking behaviour, so it's not all bad, I wish my ears had an off switch though lol
@@LittleBallOfPurr yes, for movies and such I have a hard time hearing at home due to my location, the angle of the TV, and the fish tank, I also try to read lips. With people irl I have a harder time because I as long have ADHD-Inatentive type. I get lost with just a random thought
I'm really sensitive to light and sound, I always have headphones on me but it somehow never occurred to me that sunglasses would help the visual aspect! Strangely, I can use smells I like to ground myself so I often have spray bottles to help me out too.
Oh my goodness! My son is on the spectrum and one of the spontaneous sentences he utters that we never understood was "Light burns your eyes!" Now I am thinking he has been dealing with light sensitivity this whole time....thank you so much for this video.
My autistic symptoms have shifted as I've gotten older- things I used not to be able to tolerate now don't bother me anyone, and things that never were an issue now have become troublesome. This new light sensitivity is one of the new ones I appreciate less than others, for sure, particularly in the later half of the day.
Oh my goodness I totally get it! I call it my "Princess and the Pea sense" because the tiniest bit of sand in my shoe feels like a giant rock stabbing my foot and I can hardly drive after dark because the headlights of oncoming traffic are far too distracting and bright.
With almost every video of yours that I watch a new trait of mine becomes apparent! I'm currently going through diagnosis. I've always hated driving in sunshine after the rain and it's because of how the light bounces off the road so bright! I'd rather drive in snow than that!! Also, does anyone else get it where headlights play tricks on you in the dark? I often feel like they're coming towards me on the wrong side of the road, it can make me quite anxious sometimes! Not sure if it's an ASD thing.
I'm not diagnosed yet, gonna bring that up at next month's Dr appt but I'm pretty sure I'm on the spectrum. I see the flickers in lights, I'm always thinking aproaching headlights are on high beam even when they aren't and I have to wear sunglasses all the time even on grey overcast days. I'm hypersensitive to sound and smell. Very particular about the feeling of clothes. I don't feel hunger, not even when I'm lightheaded from not eating or on the flip side, I'm famished when I shouldn't be. I have a muted sense of sharp pain and an intense, overwhelming sense of dull pain. I guess it's nice to know it's not just me.
Same here with sunglasses -but I always get mirrored ones as people can’t tell where I‘m looking so the pressure to look them in the eyes is greatly reduced. I’ve likewise been told that I apparently stare at people too much, so the mirrored glasses help mitigate that as well. Coupling those with a baseball cap that I can use totally shield my eyes, or even my whole face while looking down, and I’ve been able to help deal with my anxiety, spd, and a host of other Aspergers related issues. Thanks again for another great video Dan! All the best from Toronto!
i've been collecting ''weird stuff'' i do for a long time and 'adding it to a mental list about my behaviours and the oh so groing list used to make me too self conscious about the way i interact in the 'outside world' ..... and now i just feel that feeling of 'oooh..... okay so now that makes sense, i'm not a weird person with hundreds of weird issues like photophobia, misophonia, migraines, digestive issues, food restrictive, anxious and fidgety, don't like hugs and kisses being the 'weird one' that greets people with a head nod instead of touching them, also can't remember things related to people like their names nor faces, forgetful about stuff, and the kid who couldn't learn things the usual way in school and other ''weird things'' family liked to point out since i was a toddler'' till i finally found out last year 'oh.... i guess i'm just autistic, and that okay!" and way better than thinking 'i have so many issues' like i used to do and compare myself to others i now kinda just shrug it off like 'it's fine to not behave the same as Most people, i'm not even the only one to feel like that... i'm just usually surrounded by people who don't behave like me and i'm okay with it now''
I went in and got tinted lenses at my local eye glass place. Bought some ray bands and asked for a dark tint but not too dark as I don't want them to look like sunglasses. So, I did a gray tint. They work perfectly. They block UV light and help out a lot with florescents. Tell them you have photosensitivity or light sensitivity. The kind of tints they have can calm you down. They calm me down. Before, I wore sunglasses inside. I got strange looks from people. Now, I fit in a little bit better lol at home, I keep lights down low. Big fan of low wattage bulbs. Also, love candles and there are some excellent battery operated candles and I use those sometimes to help me sleep. Very calming.
Although I have no diagnosis of anything, I know I am sensitive to lights and smells. I hate bright lights if I need to focus or read, which my bf finds annoying as he likes rooms well lit. Somethings I feel a nagging pain in the back of my head that is begging to have the lights off
It has a huge impact on my life. I work on a commercial kitchen and it sux tbh. The room is extremely lit,...Tiles, walls, and ceiling is white. 99% of the ppls doesn't care on my condition though.
My family never believes me about not being able to go out in the sun without my sunglasses. Not only am I autistic, but I also have blue eyes. It’s so painful! I also get lash extensions every three weeks, and even though my eyes are shut, when she pulls that light down it kills me. I have had panic attacks and my eyes start twitching and watering like crazy and she had to stop for a few minutes. It’s so embarrassing🤦🏼♀️
Julian James absolutely! Thanks for sharing that! They also seem to get brighter with every new model of car - and driving at night with sunglasses just isn’t an option unless I’m a passenger. Yet another reason I never drive - that and the whole multitasking issue... I’d be very curious to know if you’ve discovered any good solutions to nighttime driving Julian?
My mother would always shout at me for not opening the curtains especially spring through summer, but opening them up would give me a headache almost immediately after.
It's so comforting hearing this sort of thing from someone else. Light is a huge deal, and unfortunately I also suffer from migraines so the flickering isn't just distracting, it's painful. As for clothing, most people think I'm crazy for not wearing denim/jeans but the texture is quite harsh. I have recently found your channel and I thank you for the light you bring to this subject. I have recently taken the ASD battery of tests and am awaiting results. Keep up the good work sir.
I use a really lightweight baseball cap at work to shield me from overhead lights & orange / yellow glasses or clip ons, night driving with bright headlights, sunglasses for other bright lighting conditions
I really appreciate when you talk about your personal experiences. My 3 year old son was diagnosed with autism and I am always wondering what it is like to experience the world through his eyes. When he goes outside he stims by squinting his eyes, tilting his head back and looking towards the bright light of the sun. Now I understand that the sun may seem so bright to him and he is self regulating. He also does this at home in our kitchen with those tube lights you talked about. Thanks so much for the information! 😁
Thank you so much!! Hey I have a free autism coping secrets master class you can watch it here: www.copingsecrets.com/masterclass Thank you so much for the comment!
Im on the spectrum and I have hypersensitivity to light, especially blue light and OH MY GOSH.. I got a pair of FL-41 glasses I ordered the other day and since I've been wearing them I've had a WORLD of difference and relief. I NEVER want to take them off.. like ever. Here's what I found on them information wise- (incoming info dump) The FL-41filter is a ‘boysenberry-ish’ colored tint that can help ease: migraine headaches, blepharospasm, light-triggered seizures, CVS (Computer Vision Syndrome), and other light-sensitive/triggered conditions. (Autism comorbidity with sensory processing) FL-41 was first described in a research project that took place in Birmingham, England in the early 90s. In this study, children with migraine headaches wore FL-41 filtered spectacles. The researchers found that wearing the FL-41 filter improved the light sensitivity in these children, as well as lessened the frequency and severity of their migraine headaches. Since that time, FL-41 filtered lenses have been used to treat these and other conditions. FL 41 Lens Aided by funding from the Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research Foundation, we have found that blepharospasm and migraine patients suffer more from light sensitivity, vs. people who do not struggle with these conditions. We have also found that when these patients have had their light sensitivity treated, their blepharospasm and migraine symptoms have improved.
I wear welders safety glasses to drive my sensitivity is so high. My room is very dark. I have alot of trouble outside or "bright" places because it is physically painful. Your lighting is better now maybe I'll watch more of your vids they were to bright before.
Because of a good friend I scored from 50 questions 39. Asperger I never ever knew I was this. I feel freed. I know since recently. My friend took me to your channel and I'm very pleased to here. You helped me very much in some days already. I'm thankful.😎
this is a really good way to learn from someone experiencing light sensitivity with a diagnosis and not just some muppet reading from texts who think they know it all huhu, i completely relate to this as i also have an autism diagnosis, it is explained very quickly though... sorry but i can get a bit lost in translation with my processing difficulties i have - but each to their own, we are all unique innit....keep up the good work !
Absolutely relate. I'm going to save for the Irlens lenses, in the hope it reduces my sensory issues, It seems to be getting worse as I get older, I'm 47, it was really bad in school and ebbed off a little in early 20s, but now it has me housebound, can't deal with it at all. Worse when the light is diffused in our overcast skies, there is no escape.
Hi, I'm going through the adult diagnosis process, and found your channel really helpful to help me understand ways to cope and maybe why I do some things. I found this light sensitivity video really interesting and find I get similar but with certain smells (when you mentioned smells it was like you were reading my mind - everyone's thought I was making it up when I was younger!). Would you be able to do a video like this but with the smell focus? I find I can't be in the same room as an orange smell - this makes the fruit section of supermarkets even more stressful!
I'm very sensitive to lights, touch and sound! I've avoided getting jobs at places with bad lights and made employers fix lights. I'm also super sensitive to carbon monoxide and can detect it. I wear Transitions lenses that change my prescription lenses darker outside. I also wear a hat so much, people often ask my hubby if I have cancer 🙄 I'm a competitive shooter have a collection of super weird hats for a laugh. People can't wait to see my funky hat and socks...I try to have fun with it :) I immediately rip the tags off my clothes and anything the least bit uncomfortable. Most of the clothes that ladies wear is so itchy 😜
Since my cataract surgery I've noticed the "annoying flicker" from fluorescent tube lights. Walmarts soap/detergent aisle chokes me; I swear I can taste it.. Too many senses being stimulated? I've been cutting out the clothing tags that make direct contact with my skin since I was a child. Though I haven't been diagnosed for autism, I have been for childhood ADHD; now adult ADD. Thanks to informative videos like yours, I now know the two are within the same spectrum. Thank you ✌💚
I understand what you are saying about sensory processing problems. Lights bother me. My mom use to always say to me don't squint don't put your hand up to block the light. It's hard to be around others when they don't understand. Certain smells will be so overwhelmeing that it's possible to make me dizzy. (I was trying to type in the car/had to edit)
Hey Dan, you really have great insight and suggestions. I recently applied to doctoral programs to finish my psychology degree and I didn't get in. While I am super disappointed and angry, I have been looking for different ways to make my life meaningful. I toyed with the idea of opening a bakery before and have been revisiting the idea. I have been deterred by the fact that my city has so many and it seems like it's difficult for a bakery to succeed with out some type of gimmick. While this isn't a gimmick per se, I thought that an autism friendly bakery would be a good thing. Not only for customers, but for me. One thing issue I was thinking about is lighting. It's hard to find good lighting that isn't super harsh on your senses. It's really just an idea right now, but I'll definitely be going through your videos for help.
I think my Bf has Aspergers. I’ve always noticed that he can’t stand lighting, he always has to have everywhere dark. He only ever uses lamps at home, no ceiling lights.
The worst place I ever went to visit was Vegas. The contant loud noise, flashing lights, honking cars, cigarette smoke, the constant shift from outdoor heat to AC... I've never felt more overstimulated/overwhelmed in my life. My skin sensitivity is so bad at night, no 2 parts of my body can be touching when i'm trying to fall asleep. My arms/hands can't touch, my feet/legs can't touch.
when the overhead lights in my apartment are on, i feel like i can feel the burning energy of the lightbulbs, it’s like i can hear the sound of the watts burning…I get a weird taste in my mouth, sometimes i get migrines…i dont mind my lamps beng lit around my home, soft subtle lighting is nice, but something about the overhead lighitng seems blaring and hurts my eyes more. the sun is different, maybe because its from nature, but besides the sun, I could def live in the dark and be happy
The position of lights is as important as colour and brightness. For example I can't deal with any light directly above my head. But most table and floor lamps are OK. Prefer natural light though. 😎
I was diagnosed with ASD this year at the age of 27 and my dad too (I got it from him I guess) and before my diagnosis my family used to make fun of us because we always wore sunglasses iside the house and they never understood how we could see anything with sunglasses in dark places. Now I know we have that in common because of de ASD
Thanks for sharing this video. I also struggle when the other person doesn't want the light on when watching a film, great solution. Dim lights can also upset me and make me feel sick in addition to getting a low level headache. Totally get it.
@Wesley Hinson lolllll like a pill can change your brain wiring. Your poor son having a parent who disregards his neurodiversity and even wants to cure it. Awful.
I never thought about light sensitivity as I have never suffered. Then brain kicked in, I’ve been wearing hats all my life. Doh! Though flashing lights at party’s are horrible, but also a good excuse to go home if you feel overwhelmed. My first ever post on the internet and as I write it I’m already getting very on edge. This feels as hard as going for a job interview. I know I’m going to hate myself but hey ho. No pain no gain.
Thank you so much for this video! I've been trying to figure out my light sensitivity and whatever I've been reading had me under the impression that sensory processing issues equate to some sort of pain response, but for me with bright lights... I will have varying levels of irritation (very rarely borderline pain) what have me squinting and excessively blinking and if I have to put up with it for too long, I wind up with a headache. Not sure what I can do about it in a work setting other than bear it (sunglasses would be inappropriate and likely lead to stress for a variety of reasons), but knowing that what I experience can be understood as related to my ASD/ASC diagnosis helps me stress a bit less about it overall. :)
I can't handle bright or harsh light. I never knew that was an issue for people. I really want to talk to my therapist, but I'm scared to. I need dim lighting, quiet places, and soft closed. I didn't think any of this was a thing. Sound in particular makes me freak out hardcore when there is a loud tv, people talking, my kid playing, dogs parking, phones going, all in the same room I flip within minutes and have to hide away. Even just the radio in the car sometimes bothers me.
I’ve never been diagnosed, but I become physically nauseous when I’m riding down the road and light is filtering through the trees as I pass buy. Sunglasses are a huge help for that. I also avoid driving at night, if possible, because every car seems to have their brights on.
I have really bad SPD and synethesia and need sensory intergration therapy which I get every week. I wear sunglasses all the time but if I go into sensory overload (with light as part of that) I end up wearing two sunglasses and an eye mask and closing my eyes because light goes through your eyelids, and berring my head under or into something to try and get rid of the light, its the worse when that is paired with really bad touch sensory overload because then I can stand anything like headphones or sunglasses and it sucks. SPD is a independent diagnosis its just the DSM takes a while to catch up (its out of date by the time its published), it can come on its own or with another diagnosis like downs syndrome or cerebral palsy.
Thank you for sharing the lights. I'm also a TH-camr and my lights are so intense to me. They cause me to loose my thoughts because they are making me feel nuts! I get totally drained from 3 hours of filming. Thank you.
Hu Dan, thanks for the video. Sorry for my typing I am not wearing my reading glasses. Lol. My daughters sensory processing issues are life limiting. It can take up to four or 5 hours to get ready to leave the house every time or to get ready for bed. We live in North Yorkshire and have an appointment in Chester near Wales with an OT in January and pray that we can work together in order to help her move forward. My kids are my life and the extreme level of impact that her combined conditions have upon her is massively upsetting for all involved. She has been described as unique (likely to be one of only a handful in the world with this specific combination of conditions). This leaves professionals “stumped”. Thank you so much for your videos, and to the community that you are a part of, I find it reassuring to know it’s not all in my head but very real. QUESTION… As a kid growing up , I’m now 50, I preferred my own company. So things like walking in the rain with my Parker hood zipped all the way up, imagine Kenny, so I could just stand and listen to the putter patter, as i gazed slightly out of focus into puddles was a typical thing I liked to do.having one very small circle of friends I could be on the periphery of (3 to be exact) rather than lots, individual past times such as swimming, jogging, Taekwondo, although I played rugby for a while I found the changing room banter, and social scene incredibly hard to cope with, even when I played as an adult I shine away from this as what I described as my agonisingly painful shyness was just just not worth the stress (I would tense up, go quiet, find excuses to leave social occasions early etc). Even now at 50 years away I have zero friends, my marriage broke down, I have to be reminded by my ex that a comment I take offence to was actually said as a joke etc As a baby I’m told my favourite thing when I am tired is to be tickled, or to tickle myself to sleep a boot lace chewed to a soggy paintbrush like tip was my favourite to use (don’t judge this was the late sixties when man had just walked on the moon). Amazingly I have done that my whole life (minus the boot lace). My nickname at university was “dynamite Daz” because I had a short fuse and would get annoyed quite quickly in what I deemed to be a stressful situation... I’m getting to the point now, sorry I can ramble, I have been told by the psychologist that diagnosed my daughter that there is a high probability i ttoo could have ASD - which may explain my behaviours. I do of trust the NHS (currently looking at a court case against them regarding the lack of diagnosis after ten years of asking for assessments for my daughter), however I can not afford the assessment. All that being said, do you think that the behaviours I have described here fit within the parameters of ASD? Kindest regards FifteenQ
I had a pair of glasses made up with a permanent tint, but lighter than sunglasses. It reduces the irritation and headaches from the lighting indoors, but still allows people to see my eyes which I have found helps them to feel more comfortable when I talk to them
I have this situation when I keep my eyes opening and closing multiple times to keep the light low while seeing something at the same time. As of now, I have sunglasses with me, and I'll be getting tinted glasses or transition/progressive glasses to get my vision and my brain better accommodate so that I can get better quality of life than with no glasses. :)
Yes yes yes!! Thank you so much for the comment! I have a free autism coping secrets master class you can watch it here: www.copingsecrets.com/masterclass Make sure you are subscribed and have the notifications turned on :).
Totally get you on the light sensitivity, poor lighting drives me mad. Have real issues with sounds,texture and how fabrics feel on my skin. Used to work in a call center that had fluorescent lighting, an entire south wall that was glass. It was so bright and loud and the clothes we had to wear drove me mad. It was hell.
Oh man!! Yes indeed poor lighting is the worst! The office fluorescent lights are just obnoxious. Thank you so much for the comment! Oooh I have a free autism coping secrets master class you can watch it here: www.copingsecrets.com/masterclass Please subscribe to my channel to see more videos from me :).
I just realize iM autist, and I lived with this my whole life, especially the winter light can knock me out. Thank you for this video ❤️ I'm seeing a psychiatrist to find out how my unique autism spectrum is like
Didn't know this is related to autism, i actually got diagnosed with ADHD (inattentive) and autism and I've always been sensitive to light. Always squinting in the summer and the worst thing is a sharp sun shining on fresh snow makes it feel like my eyes are bleeding.
I know that feeling. I have ADD and since my late 20's I can't go outside on a sunny day without my sunglasses or I squint all the time and get headaches.
Yes it’s always situation isn’t it :). Thank you so much for the comment! Hey I have a free autism coping secrets master class you can watch it here: www.copingsecrets.com/masterclass Make sure you are subscribed and have the notifications turned on :).
I had an autistic boy in my classroom who would be reasonably calm when he arrived at school, but as the day wore on, he got more and more excitable and stimulated, exhibiting seriously bad behavior. When possible, I turned off the fluorescent lights since we had a lot of windows. On those days, he was amazingly more calm. I believe flickering lights are not conducive for children to be in all day.
I was born with ADD and since my late 20's I've struggled more and more with bright light, I can't even go outside on a sunny day without sunglasses anymore without getting headaches. Another thing that affects me are LED car headlights. I also use blue light filters on my phone and laptop and have my TV backlight which default setting is 50% down to 25%.
I can't work in many places due to the lights. LED lights do have different frequencies and try to find out which frequencies work best for you. I usually move my hand back and forth really fast in front of a light source to see if there is a strobing effect.
I’ve read about bye light glasses. I’m going to try those. I’ve heard several people with ASD have been so much more comfortable that they’ve started wearing them all day everyday.
Oh no!! That sounds challenging. Hey I have a free autism coping secrets master class you can watch it here: www.copingsecrets.com/masterclass Thank you so much for the comment! Please subscribe to my channel to see more videos from me :).
got to 1:38 but couldn't wait anymore to write to tell you that am finding it difficult to cope with hour change and consequent extra brightness in the morning. not very considerate, eh? can't settle.
Oh that’s super cool!! Hey Did you get my free ebook on turning autism traits into super powers? Https://www.theaspieworld.com/ebook Thank you so much for the comment! Make sure you are subscribed and have the notifications turned on :).
My son is on the spectrum, mainly sensory issues and light is a huge struggle for him. Thank you for sharing so that I can better understand how he feels. Although I can personally relate to much of the sensory issues your talking about, especially flickering lights but I also struggle with to much noises but only certain sounds like if a bunch of people are talking over one another, concerts, ect. Yet certain noises help me like listening to music when I’m overwhelmed. My reaction is feeling physically sick and anxious with certain noises. Alex (my son) gets overwhelmed/anxious by stimuli.
Hey thank you so much for the comment. You sound like an amazing parent :). Ohhhh I have a free autism coping secrets master class you can watch it here: www.copingsecrets.com/masterclass may be of interest to you :). Thank you so much for the comment! Please subscribe to my channel to see more videos from me :).
Thank you for your videos just now realizing that a lot of my weirdness is probably autism and I’m finally ready to go see a doctor about it. One of the things that is hard for me is lights while driving. In the day time driving under tree cover the gaps between trees and their shadows cause flashing light that makes it hard to see. Then at night I avoid driving altogether because of all the lights. Bright sunlight causes distortions to my surrounding that freak me out and the lights in my office building flash and buzz. I just bought some blue blocking transition glasses I really hope it will help the transition of walking outside. But I’m curious if anyone has issues transitioning from indoors to outdoors and dark to light it literally causes my vision to be warped and distorted and makes me freak out almost every time.
Dan! Totally understand what you mean. I have like five pairs of sunglasses and have them with me even on cloudy days. I hate eating in dim restaurants cause I can’t see my food properly. Overhead lighting in shops is horrible!
Lights are so awful! I like a low, yellowish light. My favorite room light is clear/white Christmas lights strung up around the ceiling. If I'm doing something requiring detail I used lamps with swivel necks. In elementary school the tube lights used to give me headaches and nausea. They are a bit better in schools now.
Florescent lighting triggers my IBS off among other things and all, as a result I cannot go shopping for very long. People always used to make fun of me for scrunching my eyes up out in the sunlight, and I couldn't understand how other people could have their eyes wide open. It doesn't "hurt" per se, as I've heard other people describe light sensitivity. It isn't a proper pain, but it is *unbearable.* Since I don't need to drive, I actually quite like the dark of winter. It is a double edged sword though, 'cause then we need to use more artificial light. I have a question. Does anyone else feel like their sensitivities can ease and worsen? I'd say I have a sensitivity to smells, but it's not always as bad as other times. Sometimes smells I don't mind usually hit a certain way and make me feel like I could be sick all of a sudden. To be fair though, I get migraines a lot so it could be related to that. It's hard to know which conditions effect which things sometimes.
I don't have huge light sensitivities but when light levels suddenly shift (think going on holiday or a change in seasons) that's when I'm at risk for one of my paraplegic migraines - they look exactlyyyy like strokes & are monstrously painful, I dread them other than that I spend most of my life squinting in direct light for hours, complaining that we need to sit in dappled shade & being unable to sunbathe or look at the sky. hah.
I understand this, I have to deal with those tube lights at school all the time it is irritating a lot and sometimes I make jokes with my friends about punching the lights 🤣, maybe sometimes I can pack sunglasses and see if I can wear them at times
I have so many different sunglasses. ^_~ It's nice to know that there are others that experience the same feelings I do. It's weird to be learning so much about myself this late in life. :O
Another way to see if the lights are flickering is to put your camera phone in video slow motion mode, and you might see lots of moving stripes/banding. I try and use good ol'fashioned halogen bulbs at home, the seem not to have an problem with my perception.
I'm extremely hypersensitive to Fluorescent & LED lighting due to having fibromyalgia. What does the light do to you? Me it makes my throat & thyroid swell & makes my blood pressure soar. It's unbelievable painful too. I can't look at New phones laptops and new tv's. But I'm completely fine with incandescent light and sunlight I wear wrap around sunglasses if have to go in a store. I'd love to know if I'm on the spectrum of autism or something like that, because I know I am different to others.
I have co-morbid autism but i also have photophobia and i use company called Migralense they filter red orange yellow and blue but act like 1 way glass unless its cloudy. Added bonus my pair are wrap around frames no one can see my eyes so i can feel more comfortable .
Undiagnosed but Light is a big issue i have. Going to shops..... ugh sometimes i just want to wear sunglasses AND noise canceling headphones... but not practical and embarrassing.😂 Hey will try the slow John Cena move though. ❤️ Glad your giving yourself a break and trying to enjoy the best you can😊
I hate tube lights that are around 4400k those zebra stripe for me, like I can see the entergy running along them.. Sometimes I can hear the sound.. I have an audio element to add to my issues. And for some reason Normals find it funny when I tell them a ballast is going bad and they ask how I know, and I tell them because I can hear it, and see it. Granted they can't so I am the crazy one.. Always funny when it goes out later. (who's crazy now lol) Sunglasses that also work, UV sport/safety types and Okley's are really good to try and cheaper than ray-bans. I know your in Wales but in summer do you have issues with sun gleaming off cars or chrome? I have yet to find a walk around for that. An some mirrors I can't even look due to light warping.
OK so I think I'm aspie. .. or my mum does so I can only really concentrate on 1 thing at a time. .. short memory loss it's very bad ... I struggle looking people in eye... my skin irritates real fast .. anixety. . I can't keep up in conversation. . I struggle getting my point across or even forget what I'm going say... I've always been a loner .. so what can they do if I have it?
I'm super sensitive to light! The other day I was in a department store and it was so bright I became very overstimulated and felt dizzy like I was going to pass out ..I had to go outside immediately and get fresh air and calm myself using breathing exercises thankfully my gf and mom understand these things about me and don't give me a hard time
Ah yeah it can be so difficult uh!? Did you get my free ebook on turning autism traits into super powers? Https://www.theaspieworld.com/ebook Thank you so much for the comment! Please subscribe to my channel to see more videos from me :).
Lighting is a huge issue for me. There are certain places I can't shop because of the extremely harsh, bright lights. My bf is pretty good about understanding if I have to ask to move to another table at a restaurant, but if I can't or don't say anything, it will distract me the entire meal. If I'm tired, it's impossible and dangerous for me to walk around in the sunlight without sunglasses and a hat, and I've never been able to open my eyes for pictures outside even if it's overcast. Driving in the winter can be nearly impossible at certain times! Most people don't understand my sensory issues though. Especially when it comes to multiple or high pitched sounds, and getting made fun of for always having to adjust the lighting in rooms. If a car drives past with squeaky breaks, it takes me awhile to recover from. I like the soft string/Christmas lights while I'm watching t.v or reading.
What you describe fits me perfectly too. For years I thought I was just wierd or the only one who has these issues. My mother even teases me, calling me a mole in my cave or some such. Ugh!
Question I know with sensory things {i have it} i cant smell but you mentioned the fact smells can be a problem for you is it the same for lighting. There is a light in the auditorium at my school where it flickers so bloody much that you can wave your hand over the table and it freaking delays the way you look so it looks blurry and it's not just with Autistic people.its with everyone and I want to get rid of my eyes when the light is like that.Sunglasses arent an option,any advice?
I remember in highschool we had study period in the cafeteria and one day they were cleaning. I would get dizzy spells and I would spend my time in the bathroom and hall. One day I passed out from it. I was brought to the nurse's office and after that never had to go back in the cafeteria for study period time.
Hi There My Name Is Georgia & I’m Autistic & I’ve Only Just Noticed That Lightning Effects Me Basically I Was Out With My Sister & My 2 Nan’s & The Lighting In There Started To Make Me Feel So Tired & Drowsy, Next Minute We Were In A Cafe In The Place Where We Were & I Had Both Hands On My Head & I Couldn’t Look Up So I Had To Wear My Sisters Sunglasses But I Still Threw Up.
i can 100% understand that, i cant stand lights flickering, at home here we has light bulbs that can dim, but i hate them being dimmed unless they're all the way down because they make a really loud annoying sound unless they're all the way down, plus they're too bright at max light, i wish i could wear sunglasses but i has my eye glasses i have to wear, although light makes them darken which helps
Anyone here have problems with bright sunlight? Can't stand it at all, especially in late Spring, Summer and early Autumn, and it makes my close up and if it's sufficiently bright, my eyes water like crazy. Luckily, I've got some dark sunglasses, and they help quite a bit And also when someone else in my house turns on the light in the room I'm in, I have to blink for a couple of seconds. Is this something anyone else here experiences?
Alex Jenkins I hate summer sunlight too ! It makes me eyes hurt and gives me headaches. I used to hate it so much when I’d take the bus and I’d squint my eyes to protect my eyes. I hate how it reflects on pure white snow too, it’s the same as summer sunlight. I don’t know if it’s just a car thing or it’s because when I walk, I look down or at my phone but not while I’m a car. Or maybe it’s the windows ?
Not austic but florescent lights really bother me. When I go in walmart I start to get a headache or my head feels fuzzy. Then I walk outside and the lights so bright it doesn't help. I've recently started wearing sunglasses. Haven't tried it inside Wal-Mart thought.
Is there any chance to desensitize it when you're already adult? Like meditate in front of a strong light, with powerful noise aswell in case of noise sensitivity. I mean, if is there any chance to improve that, i would love to do it. Every week i to go to a meet up here in São Paulo to challenge my self, to practive exposure, but i can never stay more than 2 hours because i start to get extremely nervous with the sensory overload. I could go with sunglasses, but i would be the only one with wearing it because the event happens at night, so i guess i would attract more attention. Could you guys give me some tips?
I use to get motion sick from N64 (no other system oddly), i also so hydroponics systems for a living and the store had fluorescent lights and it bothered me tons... I would walk over to the hospital and my bulbs and hang with the plants to relax...... I hate fluorescents as in t12 or t8 but t5 don’t seem to bug me.
I'm in recovery of an arthritic disorder, but my light sensitivity was sooo much worse when I was in pain. It even got so bad that I was covering digital clocks and any other devices that gave off unnecessary light. My thing is I either like it absolutely dark, or really nicely lit. I can see well in the dark, but there's something so unsettling about straining even just a little that bugs the hell out of me.
I've been closing one eye when in bright light since I was a little kid, turns out it's a way to lower the amount of sensory input. Younger me had no clue about autism, just that the world was painful and annoying beyond tolerance.
Still is
Hi.. TL light is the worst lol
When it's a bright day and I'm with a group of people I've noticed that I am constantly the only one with their hands over their eyes to give them shade from the light. I've literally been in town surrounded by hundreds of people and I'm the only one that I've noticed doing it.
wear a hat & sunglasses
SAME HERE!!! Photosensitivity is really a thing. I have had eye doctors call it Photophobia, which is bizarre to me because it's not a fear or phobia, it's just that bright lights are painful.
I completely relate to this. I have to wear sunglasses almost always whenever I'm out of my house. I wear them indoors, outdoors, day and night. I wear these sunglasses that fit over my eyeglasses. Light sensitivity is my greatest sensory challenge. It makes me feel tired and irritable. And I get this throbbing sensation in my eyes and head. It's one of the reasons why I didn't want to go get my master's degree. I didn't want to be in pain for another three years.
don't schools have evening classes and online
@NeverHADaNesin retrospect, yeah I can name a few who have the traits
I have major difficulties with bright lights. Florescent and LED lights really mess with me. In America, a lot of cars have LED headlights that totally blind you when you drive at night. It freaks me out because it looks like oncoming traffic is heading straight towards you and you can’t really tell where the oncoming car is in relation to you. I always tell people I am a vampire at work(just kidding) to explain why I go around turning off most of the lights as soon as I get to work.I also have problems with bright sunny days. I always end up with a headache when I have to go out in the sun.
I here you!! In with you on this! Haha vampire 😂👌🏼. Hey I have a free autism coping secrets master class you can watch it here: www.copingsecrets.com/masterclass Thank you so much for the comment! Please subscribe to my channel to see more videos from me :).
I am just like you. I was diagnosed with autism yesterday and am checking out videos. Your comment registered. with me. I actually have to use a particular pair of sunglasses when driving at night because LED lights anywhere blind me! The ones I use turn the lights yellowish. I still struggle some with the lights coming at me, but it does make a big difference for me!
I just recently discovered that I'm autistic, but it made so much sense with my sensory issues. I have hypersensitive hearing, my eyes are really sensitive to light, my skin is hypersensitive and easily irritated, my sense of smell is hypersensitive and I have problems with tastes and textures. I use noise canceling headphones, vibes earplugs, sunglasses and a face mask for filtering smells and I usually take them with me everywhere I go. I also recently started using a ball cap after it was suggested to me as an alternative to sunglasses.
I've not been diagnosed, past a recent online test that score me at 21 out of 30, but reading comments like this is like reading something I could write. I'm extrememly sensitive to sound, it can make me feel incredibly stressed. I can't take bright light. I don't eat cheese or drink beer, never been able to get past the smell to taste. Super fussy eater anyway. I live with some form of audio I'm in control of to drown out other noise, also have a huge box of earplugs by my bed (stupid bird). Soft, soft, soft, I love soft things, clothes tags drive me nuts and I can't stand the feel of metal jewelry.
Having recently found this channel, I feel like I'm not only learning about myself but finally hearing other people speak about how I feel. It's maybe making me feel like I'm not wrong and broken, just different. Thank-you for sharing something that was so relatable to me.
You said hearing sensitivity. I can hear the most annoying things, yet have a hard time hearing a conversation. My hearing has been tested and it's reasonably fine. Have you had any similar issues?
@@breathofrane I have some frequencies that I don't hear very well, but mostly I have hypersensitive hearing.
@@breathofrane If a sound is something I either really like, or really dislike, then my brain over focuses on it. I usually watch people's lips when they're talking, I can't lip read but it fills in the blanks enough if something like traffic goes by. The bird outside my window drove me literally to the edge, I couldn't take it anymore, thankfully good earplugs saved me from that. Things that are ticking, clicking or beeping can be so hard to unfocus from and really stress me. I do also have both tactile and auditory seeking behaviour, so it's not all bad, I wish my ears had an off switch though lol
@@LittleBallOfPurr yes, for movies and such I have a hard time hearing at home due to my location, the angle of the TV, and the fish tank, I also try to read lips. With people irl I have a harder time because I as long have ADHD-Inatentive type. I get lost with just a random thought
I'm really sensitive to light and sound, I always have headphones on me but it somehow never occurred to me that sunglasses would help the visual aspect! Strangely, I can use smells I like to ground myself so I often have spray bottles to help me out too.
Rvlakia ....I have super dark sunglasses from Amazon. I keep several pairs in several places. It really helps
Oh my goodness! My son is on the spectrum and one of the spontaneous sentences he utters that we never understood was "Light burns your eyes!" Now I am thinking he has been dealing with light sensitivity this whole time....thank you so much for this video.
How did you not understand that sounds direct
My autistic symptoms have shifted as I've gotten older- things I used not to be able to tolerate now don't bother me anyone, and things that never were an issue now have become troublesome. This new light sensitivity is one of the new ones I appreciate less than others, for sure, particularly in the later half of the day.
If it was never an issue before it might be a good idea to see a doctor
Oh my goodness I totally get it! I call it my "Princess and the Pea sense" because the tiniest bit of sand in my shoe feels like a giant rock stabbing my foot and I can hardly drive after dark because the headlights of oncoming traffic are far too distracting and bright.
With almost every video of yours that I watch a new trait of mine becomes apparent! I'm currently going through diagnosis.
I've always hated driving in sunshine after the rain and it's because of how the light bounces off the road so bright! I'd rather drive in snow than that!!
Also, does anyone else get it where headlights play tricks on you in the dark? I often feel like they're coming towards me on the wrong side of the road, it can make me quite anxious sometimes! Not sure if it's an ASD thing.
I'm not diagnosed yet, gonna bring that up at next month's Dr appt but I'm pretty sure I'm on the spectrum. I see the flickers in lights, I'm always thinking aproaching headlights are on high beam even when they aren't and I have to wear sunglasses all the time even on grey overcast days. I'm hypersensitive to sound and smell. Very particular about the feeling of clothes. I don't feel hunger, not even when I'm lightheaded from not eating or on the flip side, I'm famished when I shouldn't be. I have a muted sense of sharp pain and an intense, overwhelming sense of dull pain. I guess it's nice to know it's not just me.
Same here with sunglasses -but I always get mirrored ones as people can’t tell where I‘m looking so the pressure to look them in the eyes is greatly reduced. I’ve likewise been told that I apparently stare at people too much, so the mirrored glasses help mitigate that as well. Coupling those with a baseball cap that I can use totally shield my eyes, or even my whole face while looking down, and I’ve been able to help deal with my anxiety, spd, and a host of other Aspergers related issues. Thanks again for another great video Dan! All the best from Toronto!
i've been collecting ''weird stuff'' i do for a long time and 'adding it to a mental list about my behaviours and the oh so groing list used to make me too self conscious about the way i interact in the 'outside world' ..... and now i just feel that feeling of 'oooh..... okay so now that makes sense, i'm not a weird person with hundreds of weird issues like photophobia, misophonia, migraines, digestive issues, food restrictive, anxious and fidgety, don't like hugs and kisses being the 'weird one' that greets people with a head nod instead of touching them, also can't remember things related to people like their names nor faces, forgetful about stuff, and the kid who couldn't learn things the usual way in school and other ''weird things'' family liked to point out since i was a toddler'' till i finally found out last year 'oh.... i guess i'm just autistic, and that okay!" and way better than thinking 'i have so many issues' like i used to do and compare myself to others i now kinda just shrug it off like 'it's fine to not behave the same as Most people, i'm not even the only one to feel like that... i'm just usually surrounded by people who don't behave like me and i'm okay with it now''
I went in and got tinted lenses at my local eye glass place. Bought some ray bands and asked for a dark tint but not too dark as I don't want them to look like sunglasses. So, I did a gray tint. They work perfectly. They block UV light and help out a lot with florescents. Tell them you have photosensitivity or light sensitivity. The kind of tints they have can calm you down. They calm me down. Before, I wore sunglasses inside. I got strange looks from people. Now, I fit in a little bit better lol at home, I keep lights down low. Big fan of low wattage bulbs. Also, love candles and there are some excellent battery operated candles and I use those sometimes to help me sleep. Very calming.
Although I have no diagnosis of anything, I know I am sensitive to lights and smells. I hate bright lights if I need to focus or read, which my bf finds annoying as he likes rooms well lit. Somethings I feel a nagging pain in the back of my head that is begging to have the lights off
It has a huge impact on my life. I work on a commercial kitchen and it sux tbh. The room is extremely lit,...Tiles, walls, and ceiling is white.
99% of the ppls doesn't care on my condition though.
My family never believes me about not being able to go out in the sun without my sunglasses. Not only am I autistic, but I also have blue eyes. It’s so painful! I also get lash extensions every three weeks, and even though my eyes are shut, when she pulls that light down it kills me. I have had panic attacks and my eyes start twitching and watering like crazy and she had to stop for a few minutes. It’s so embarrassing🤦🏼♀️
Maybe don't get lash extensions every 3 weeks if it causes you so much pain? Why put yourself through that for something minor?
Thanks for the video! Car headlights are a particular problem, especially at this time of year.
Julian James absolutely! Thanks for sharing that! They also seem to get brighter with every new model of car - and driving at night with sunglasses just isn’t an option unless I’m a passenger. Yet another reason I never drive - that and the whole multitasking issue... I’d be very curious to know if you’ve discovered any good solutions to nighttime driving Julian?
Yellow glasses works quite nicely for me. But they also make me a bit more sleepy. So only for short trip.
My mother would always shout at me for not opening the curtains especially spring through summer, but opening them up would give me a headache almost immediately after.
It's so comforting hearing this sort of thing from someone else. Light is a huge deal, and unfortunately I also suffer from migraines so the flickering isn't just distracting, it's painful. As for clothing, most people think I'm crazy for not wearing denim/jeans but the texture is quite harsh. I have recently found your channel and I thank you for the light you bring to this subject. I have recently taken the ASD battery of tests and am awaiting results.
Keep up the good work sir.
I use a really lightweight baseball cap at work to shield me from overhead lights & orange / yellow glasses or clip ons, night driving with bright headlights, sunglasses for other bright lighting conditions
I really appreciate when you talk about your personal experiences. My 3 year old son was diagnosed with autism and I am always wondering what it is like to experience the world through his eyes. When he goes outside he stims by squinting his eyes, tilting his head back and looking towards the bright light of the sun. Now I understand that the sun may seem so bright to him and he is self regulating. He also does this at home in our kitchen with those tube lights you talked about. Thanks so much for the information! 😁
Great video Dan. Love the sunglasses. They look nice on you.
Thank you so much!! Hey I have a free autism coping secrets master class you can watch it here: www.copingsecrets.com/masterclass Thank you so much for the comment!
Im on the spectrum and I have hypersensitivity to light, especially blue light and OH MY GOSH.. I got a pair of FL-41 glasses I ordered the other day and since I've been wearing them I've had a WORLD of difference and relief. I NEVER want to take them off.. like ever. Here's what I found on them information wise- (incoming info dump)
The FL-41filter is a ‘boysenberry-ish’ colored tint that can help ease:
migraine headaches,
blepharospasm,
light-triggered seizures,
CVS (Computer Vision Syndrome), and
other light-sensitive/triggered conditions. (Autism comorbidity with sensory processing)
FL-41 was first described in a research project that took place in Birmingham, England in the early 90s. In this study, children with migraine headaches wore FL-41 filtered spectacles.
The researchers found that wearing the FL-41 filter improved the light sensitivity in these children, as well as lessened the frequency and severity of their migraine headaches. Since that time, FL-41 filtered lenses have been used to treat these and other conditions.
FL 41 Lens
Aided by funding from the Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research Foundation, we have found that blepharospasm and migraine patients suffer more from light sensitivity, vs. people who do not struggle with these conditions. We have also found that when these patients have had their light sensitivity treated, their blepharospasm and migraine symptoms have improved.
I recently bought blue light glasses and it helps so much from blocking my phones blue light, being outside and for school too. Definitely recommend!
I wear welders safety glasses to drive my sensitivity is so high. My room is very dark. I have alot of trouble outside or "bright" places because it is physically painful. Your lighting is better now maybe I'll watch more of your vids they were to bright before.
Because of a good friend I scored from 50 questions 39. Asperger I never ever knew I was this. I feel freed. I know since recently. My friend took me to your channel and I'm very pleased to here. You helped me very much in some days already. I'm thankful.😎
I sneeze everytime I go outside to a bright sunlight.
Thats pretty common. 1/4 do this.
this is a really good way to learn from someone experiencing light sensitivity with a diagnosis and not just some muppet reading from texts who think they know it all huhu, i completely relate to this as i also have an autism diagnosis, it is explained very quickly though... sorry but i can get a bit lost in translation with my processing difficulties i have - but each to their own, we are all unique innit....keep up the good work !
Absolutely relate. I'm going to save for the Irlens lenses, in the hope it reduces my sensory issues, It seems to be getting worse as I get older, I'm 47, it was really bad in school and ebbed off a little in early 20s, but now it has me housebound, can't deal with it at all. Worse when the light is diffused in our overcast skies, there is no escape.
Hey!! Thank you so much for the comment! Please subscribe to my channel to see more videos from me :).
Hi, I'm going through the adult diagnosis process, and found your channel really helpful to help me understand ways to cope and maybe why I do some things. I found this light sensitivity video really interesting and find I get similar but with certain smells (when you mentioned smells it was like you were reading my mind - everyone's thought I was making it up when I was younger!). Would you be able to do a video like this but with the smell focus? I find I can't be in the same room as an orange smell - this makes the fruit section of supermarkets even more stressful!
I'm very sensitive to lights, touch and sound! I've avoided getting jobs at places with bad lights and made employers fix lights. I'm also super sensitive to carbon monoxide and can detect it.
I wear Transitions lenses that change my prescription lenses darker outside. I also wear a hat so much, people often ask my hubby if I have cancer 🙄
I'm a competitive shooter have a collection of super weird hats for a laugh. People can't wait to see my funky hat and socks...I try to have fun with it :)
I immediately rip the tags off my clothes and anything the least bit uncomfortable. Most of the clothes that ladies wear is so itchy 😜
Since my cataract surgery I've noticed the "annoying flicker" from fluorescent tube lights. Walmarts soap/detergent aisle chokes me; I swear I can taste it.. Too many senses being stimulated? I've been cutting out the clothing tags that make direct contact with my skin since I was a child. Though I haven't been diagnosed for autism, I have been for childhood ADHD; now adult ADD. Thanks to informative videos like yours, I now know the two are within the same spectrum. Thank you ✌💚
I understand what you are saying about sensory processing problems. Lights bother me. My mom use to always say to me don't squint don't put your hand up to block the light. It's hard to be around others when they don't understand. Certain smells will be so overwhelmeing that it's possible to make me dizzy. (I was trying to type in the car/had to edit)
This premiered on dec.28th 2019 my 35th bday.i had a good day.keep up the awesome vids
You rock dan.
Heyyy that is awesome!! Happy birthday for then!
Hey Dan, you really have great insight and suggestions. I recently applied to doctoral programs to finish my psychology degree and I didn't get in. While I am super disappointed and angry, I have been looking for different ways to make my life meaningful. I toyed with the idea of opening a bakery before and have been revisiting the idea. I have been deterred by the fact that my city has so many and it seems like it's difficult for a bakery to succeed with out some type of gimmick. While this isn't a gimmick per se, I thought that an autism friendly bakery would be a good thing. Not only for customers, but for me. One thing issue I was thinking about is lighting. It's hard to find good lighting that isn't super harsh on your senses. It's really just an idea right now, but I'll definitely be going through your videos for help.
I think my Bf has Aspergers. I’ve always noticed that he can’t stand lighting, he always has to have everywhere dark. He only ever uses lamps at home, no ceiling lights.
The worst place I ever went to visit was Vegas. The contant loud noise, flashing lights, honking cars, cigarette smoke, the constant shift from outdoor heat to AC... I've never felt more overstimulated/overwhelmed in my life.
My skin sensitivity is so bad at night, no 2 parts of my body can be touching when i'm trying to fall asleep. My arms/hands can't touch, my feet/legs can't touch.
when the overhead lights in my apartment are on, i feel like i can feel the burning energy of the lightbulbs, it’s like i can hear the sound of the watts burning…I get a weird taste in my mouth, sometimes i get migrines…i dont mind my lamps beng lit around my home, soft subtle lighting is nice, but something about the overhead lighitng seems blaring and hurts my eyes more. the sun is different, maybe because its from nature, but besides the sun, I could def live in the dark and be happy
OMG yes Dan, I tear all the tags out of the back of T'shirts! I hate the feeling of tags on the back of my neck.
The position of lights is as important as colour and brightness. For example I can't deal with any light directly above my head. But most table and floor lamps are OK. Prefer natural light though. 😎
I was diagnosed with ASD this year at the age of 27 and my dad too (I got it from him I guess) and before my diagnosis my family used to make fun of us because we always wore sunglasses iside the house and they never understood how we could see anything with sunglasses in dark places. Now I know we have that in common because of de ASD
Thanks for sharing this video. I also struggle when the other person doesn't want the light on when watching a film, great solution. Dim lights can also upset me and make me feel sick in addition to getting a low level headache. Totally get it.
@Wesley Hinson lolllll like a pill can change your brain wiring. Your poor son having a parent who disregards his neurodiversity and even wants to cure it. Awful.
I never thought about light sensitivity as I have never suffered. Then brain kicked in, I’ve been wearing hats all my life. Doh! Though flashing lights at party’s are horrible, but also a good excuse to go home if you feel overwhelmed. My first ever post on the internet and as I write it I’m already getting very on edge. This feels as hard as going for a job interview. I know I’m going to hate myself but hey ho. No pain no gain.
Yup!! Light can be so triggering! Thank you so much for the comment! Make sure you are subscribed and have the notifications turned on :).
Thank you so much for this video! I've been trying to figure out my light sensitivity and whatever I've been reading had me under the impression that sensory processing issues equate to some sort of pain response, but for me with bright lights... I will have varying levels of irritation (very rarely borderline pain) what have me squinting and excessively blinking and if I have to put up with it for too long, I wind up with a headache. Not sure what I can do about it in a work setting other than bear it (sunglasses would be inappropriate and likely lead to stress for a variety of reasons), but knowing that what I experience can be understood as related to my ASD/ASC diagnosis helps me stress a bit less about it overall. :)
Hey you are welcome!! Thank you so much for the comment! Please subscribe to my channel to see more videos from me :).
Any tips for driving at night? Headlights are painful for me
Heyy good question. I’m working on that myself!! Thank you so much for the comment! Please subscribe to my channel to see more videos from me :).
Get some orange / yellow glasses or clip ons, that solves it
Yellow sunglasses works wonder for me. But it can also make you a bit more sleepy. So use them with caution.
I have the same issue quite a lot of the time, when it's dark and wet it's 10 times worse.
I can't handle bright or harsh light. I never knew that was an issue for people. I really want to talk to my therapist, but I'm scared to. I need dim lighting, quiet places, and soft closed. I didn't think any of this was a thing. Sound in particular makes me freak out hardcore when there is a loud tv, people talking, my kid playing, dogs parking, phones going, all in the same room I flip within minutes and have to hide away. Even just the radio in the car sometimes bothers me.
I have light sensitivity and I live in Greece, one of the sunniest places on the planet. It's a nightmare.
I’ve never been diagnosed, but I become physically nauseous when I’m riding down the road and light is filtering through the trees as I pass buy. Sunglasses are a huge help for that. I also avoid driving at night, if possible, because every car seems to have their brights on.
Light sensitivity was the first symptom that made me realize that I had Aspergers, the tube lights in Goodwill stores really set me off
I have really bad SPD and synethesia and need sensory intergration therapy which I get every week. I wear sunglasses all the time but if I go into sensory overload (with light as part of that) I end up wearing two sunglasses and an eye mask and closing my eyes because light goes through your eyelids, and berring my head under or into something to try and get rid of the light, its the worse when that is paired with really bad touch sensory overload because then I can stand anything like headphones or sunglasses and it sucks. SPD is a independent diagnosis its just the DSM takes a while to catch up (its out of date by the time its published), it can come on its own or with another diagnosis like downs syndrome or cerebral palsy.
Thank you for sharing the lights. I'm also a TH-camr and my lights are so intense to me. They cause me to loose my thoughts because they are making me feel nuts! I get totally drained from 3 hours of filming. Thank you.
Yay!! They are amazing lights! Thank you so much for the comment! Please subscribe to my channel to see more videos from me :).
Hu Dan, thanks for the video. Sorry for my typing I am not wearing my reading glasses. Lol. My daughters sensory processing issues are life limiting. It can take up to four or 5 hours to get ready to leave the house every time or to get ready for bed. We live in North Yorkshire and have an appointment in Chester near Wales with an OT in January and pray that we can work together in order to help her move forward. My kids are my life and the extreme level of impact that her combined conditions have upon her is massively upsetting for all involved. She has been described as unique (likely to be one of only a handful in the world with this specific combination of conditions). This leaves professionals “stumped”. Thank you so much for your videos, and to the community that you are a part of, I find it reassuring to know it’s not all in my head but very real.
QUESTION…
As a kid growing up , I’m now 50, I preferred my own company. So things like walking in the rain with my Parker hood zipped all the way up, imagine Kenny, so I could just stand and listen to the putter patter, as i gazed slightly out of focus into puddles was a typical thing I liked to do.having one very small circle of friends I could be on the periphery of (3 to be exact) rather than lots, individual past times such as swimming, jogging, Taekwondo, although I played rugby for a while I found the changing room banter, and social scene incredibly hard to cope with, even when I played as an adult I shine away from this as what I described as my agonisingly painful shyness was just just not worth the stress (I would tense up, go quiet, find excuses to leave social occasions early etc). Even now at 50 years away I have zero friends, my marriage broke down, I have to be reminded by my ex that a comment I take offence to was actually said as a joke etc As a baby I’m told my favourite thing when I am tired is to be tickled, or to tickle myself to sleep a boot lace chewed to a soggy paintbrush like tip was my favourite to use (don’t judge this was the late sixties when man had just walked on the moon). Amazingly I have done that my whole life (minus the boot lace). My nickname at university was “dynamite Daz” because I had a short fuse and would get annoyed quite quickly in what I deemed to be a stressful situation...
I’m getting to the point now, sorry I can ramble, I have been told by the psychologist that diagnosed my daughter that there is a high probability i ttoo could have ASD - which may explain my behaviours. I do of trust the NHS (currently looking at a court case against them regarding the lack of diagnosis after ten years of asking for assessments for my daughter), however I can not afford the assessment. All that being said, do you think that the behaviours I have described here fit within the parameters of ASD?
Kindest regards
FifteenQ
I had a pair of glasses made up with a permanent tint, but lighter than sunglasses. It reduces the irritation and headaches from the lighting indoors, but still allows people to see my eyes which I have found helps them to feel more comfortable when I talk to them
I have this situation when I keep my eyes opening and closing multiple times to keep the light low while seeing something at the same time. As of now, I have sunglasses with me, and I'll be getting tinted glasses or transition/progressive glasses to get my vision and my brain better accommodate so that I can get better quality of life than with no glasses. :)
Cloudy days have always been more difficult for me. I find clouds way too bright.
And driving at night kills me. Headlights are awful!!!
Yes yes yes!! Thank you so much for the comment! I have a free autism coping secrets master class you can watch it here: www.copingsecrets.com/masterclass Make sure you are subscribed and have the notifications turned on :).
Life changing honestly.
Totally get you on the light sensitivity, poor lighting drives me mad. Have real issues with sounds,texture and how fabrics feel on my skin. Used to work in a call center that had fluorescent lighting, an entire south wall that was glass. It was so bright and loud and the clothes we had to wear drove me mad. It was hell.
Oh man!! Yes indeed poor lighting is the worst! The office fluorescent lights are just obnoxious. Thank you so much for the comment! Oooh I have a free autism coping secrets master class you can watch it here: www.copingsecrets.com/masterclass Please subscribe to my channel to see more videos from me :).
I just realize iM autist, and I lived with this my whole life, especially the winter light can knock me out. Thank you for this video ❤️ I'm seeing a psychiatrist to find out how my unique autism spectrum is like
Didn't know this is related to autism, i actually got diagnosed with ADHD (inattentive) and autism and I've always been sensitive to light. Always squinting in the summer and the worst thing is a sharp sun shining on fresh snow makes it feel like my eyes are bleeding.
I know that feeling. I have ADD and since my late 20's I can't go outside on a sunny day without my sunglasses or I squint all the time and get headaches.
@@Tob1Kadach1 yeah exactly, i had it all my life though
Yes, light can bug me. Sometimes immediately but more often it just adds to the overall sensory buildup over time.
Yes it’s always situation isn’t it :). Thank you so much for the comment! Hey I have a free autism coping secrets master class you can watch it here: www.copingsecrets.com/masterclass Make sure you are subscribed and have the notifications turned on :).
I had an autistic boy in my classroom who would be reasonably calm when he arrived at school, but as the day wore on, he got more and more excitable and stimulated, exhibiting seriously bad behavior. When possible, I turned off the fluorescent lights since we had a lot of windows. On those days, he was amazingly more calm. I believe flickering lights are not conducive for children to be in all day.
I was born with ADD and since my late 20's I've struggled more and more with bright light, I can't even go outside on a sunny day without sunglasses anymore without getting headaches. Another thing that affects me are LED car headlights. I also use blue light filters on my phone and laptop and have my TV backlight which default setting is 50% down to 25%.
I can't work in many places due to the lights. LED lights do have different frequencies and try to find out which frequencies work best for you. I usually move my hand back and forth really fast in front of a light source to see if there is a strobing effect.
I’ve read about bye light glasses. I’m going to try those. I’ve heard several people with ASD have been so much more comfortable that they’ve started wearing them all day everyday.
48 years old and just diagnosed with ASD lvl1. always been light sensitive.
I live in Australia where it can be very bright, and holy crap, it hurts my eyes so much.
Oh no!! That sounds challenging. Hey I have a free autism coping secrets master class you can watch it here: www.copingsecrets.com/masterclass Thank you so much for the comment! Please subscribe to my channel to see more videos from me :).
@@TheAspieWorld Thank you, and I am already subscribed.
got to 1:38 but couldn't wait anymore to write to tell you that am finding it difficult to cope with hour change and consequent extra brightness in the morning. not very considerate, eh? can't settle.
I bought myself a pair of sunglasses which dim theirself when it's sunny, even when i'm under glass, it really made my life a bit easier.
Oh that’s super cool!! Hey Did you get my free ebook on turning autism traits into super powers? Https://www.theaspieworld.com/ebook Thank you so much for the comment! Make sure you are subscribed and have the notifications turned on :).
My son is on the spectrum, mainly sensory issues and light is a huge struggle for him. Thank you for sharing so that I can better understand how he feels. Although I can personally relate to much of the sensory issues your talking about, especially flickering lights but I also struggle with to much noises but only certain sounds like if a bunch of people are talking over one another, concerts, ect. Yet certain noises help me like listening to music when I’m overwhelmed. My reaction is feeling physically sick and anxious with certain noises. Alex (my son) gets overwhelmed/anxious by stimuli.
Hey thank you so much for the comment. You sound like an amazing parent :). Ohhhh I have a free autism coping secrets master class you can watch it here: www.copingsecrets.com/masterclass may be of interest to you :). Thank you so much for the comment! Please subscribe to my channel to see more videos from me :).
Dan, thank you so much for not using the side camera in this video!
Heyy no problem!! Thank you so much for the comment!
Thank you for your videos just now realizing that a lot of my weirdness is probably autism and I’m finally ready to go see a doctor about it. One of the things that is hard for me is lights while driving. In the day time driving under tree cover the gaps between trees and their shadows cause flashing light that makes it hard to see. Then at night I avoid driving altogether because of all the lights. Bright sunlight causes distortions to my surrounding that freak me out and the lights in my office building flash and buzz. I just bought some blue blocking transition glasses I really hope it will help the transition of walking outside. But I’m curious if anyone has issues transitioning from indoors to outdoors and dark to light it literally causes my vision to be warped and distorted and makes me freak out almost every time.
Dan! Totally understand what you mean. I have like five pairs of sunglasses and have them with me even on cloudy days. I hate eating in dim restaurants cause I can’t see my food properly. Overhead lighting in shops is horrible!
Yeah I get you bro!!
Lights are so awful! I like a low, yellowish light. My favorite room light is clear/white Christmas lights strung up around the ceiling. If I'm doing something requiring detail I used lamps with swivel necks. In elementary school the tube lights used to give me headaches and nausea. They are a bit better in schools now.
Yeah!! Thank you so much for the comment! Please subscribe to my channel to see more videos from me :).
Florescent lighting triggers my IBS off among other things and all, as a result I cannot go shopping for very long. People always used to make fun of me for scrunching my eyes up out in the sunlight, and I couldn't understand how other people could have their eyes wide open. It doesn't "hurt" per se, as I've heard other people describe light sensitivity. It isn't a proper pain, but it is *unbearable.* Since I don't need to drive, I actually quite like the dark of winter. It is a double edged sword though, 'cause then we need to use more artificial light.
I have a question. Does anyone else feel like their sensitivities can ease and worsen? I'd say I have a sensitivity to smells, but it's not always as bad as other times. Sometimes smells I don't mind usually hit a certain way and make me feel like I could be sick all of a sudden. To be fair though, I get migraines a lot so it could be related to that. It's hard to know which conditions effect which things sometimes.
hehe I used to do that stim with the old tube type telly.
I don't have huge light sensitivities but when light levels suddenly shift (think going on holiday or a change in seasons) that's when I'm at risk for one of my paraplegic migraines - they look exactlyyyy like strokes & are monstrously painful, I dread them
other than that I spend most of my life squinting in direct light for hours, complaining that we need to sit in dappled shade & being unable to sunbathe or look at the sky. hah.
I understand this, I have to deal with those tube lights at school all the time it is irritating a lot and sometimes I make jokes with my friends about punching the lights 🤣, maybe sometimes I can pack sunglasses and see if I can wear them at times
I have so many different sunglasses. ^_~ It's nice to know that there are others that experience the same feelings I do. It's weird to be learning so much about myself this late in life. :O
Another way to see if the lights are flickering is to put your camera phone in video slow motion mode, and you might see lots of moving stripes/banding. I try and use good ol'fashioned halogen bulbs at home, the seem not to have an problem with my perception.
I'm extremely hypersensitive to Fluorescent & LED lighting due to having fibromyalgia. What does the light do to you? Me it makes my throat & thyroid swell & makes my blood pressure soar. It's unbelievable painful too. I can't look at New phones laptops and new tv's. But I'm completely fine with incandescent light and sunlight
I wear wrap around sunglasses if have to go in a store.
I'd love to know if I'm on the spectrum of autism or something like that, because I know I am different to others.
I have co-morbid autism but i also have photophobia and i use company called Migralense they filter red orange yellow and blue but act like 1 way glass unless its cloudy.
Added bonus my pair are wrap around frames no one can see my eyes so i can feel more comfortable .
Undiagnosed but Light is a big issue i have. Going to shops..... ugh sometimes i just want to wear sunglasses AND noise canceling headphones... but not practical and embarrassing.😂 Hey will try the slow John Cena move though. ❤️ Glad your giving yourself a break and trying to enjoy the best you can😊
I hate tube lights that are around 4400k those zebra stripe for me, like I can see the entergy running along them.. Sometimes I can hear the sound.. I have an audio element to add to my issues. And for some reason Normals find it funny when I tell them a ballast is going bad and they ask how I know, and I tell them because I can hear it, and see it. Granted they can't so I am the crazy one.. Always funny when it goes out later. (who's crazy now lol) Sunglasses that also work, UV sport/safety types and Okley's are really good to try and cheaper than ray-bans. I know your in Wales but in summer do you have issues with sun gleaming off cars or chrome? I have yet to find a walk around for that. An some mirrors I can't even look due to light warping.
OK so I think I'm aspie. .. or my mum does so I can only really concentrate on 1 thing at a time. .. short memory loss it's very bad ... I struggle looking people in eye... my skin irritates real fast .. anixety. . I can't keep up in conversation. . I struggle getting my point across or even forget what I'm going say... I've always been a loner .. so what can they do if I have it?
SPD can 100 percent be diagnosed independently of ASD
I'm super sensitive to light! The other day I was in a department store and it was so bright I became very overstimulated and felt dizzy like I was going to pass out ..I had to go outside immediately and get fresh air and calm myself using breathing exercises thankfully my gf and mom understand these things about me and don't give me a hard time
Ah yeah it can be so difficult uh!? Did you get my free ebook on turning autism traits into super powers? Https://www.theaspieworld.com/ebook Thank you so much for the comment! Please subscribe to my channel to see more videos from me :).
Lighting is a huge issue for me. There are certain places I can't shop because of the extremely harsh, bright lights. My bf is pretty good about understanding if I have to ask to move to another table at a restaurant, but if I can't or don't say anything, it will distract me the entire meal. If I'm tired, it's impossible and dangerous for me to walk around in the sunlight without sunglasses and a hat, and I've never been able to open my eyes for pictures outside even if it's overcast. Driving in the winter can be nearly impossible at certain times! Most people don't understand my sensory issues though. Especially when it comes to multiple or high pitched sounds, and getting made fun of for always having to adjust the lighting in rooms. If a car drives past with squeaky breaks, it takes me awhile to recover from.
I like the soft string/Christmas lights while I'm watching t.v or reading.
What you describe fits me perfectly too. For years I thought I was just wierd or the only one who has these issues. My mother even teases me, calling me a mole in my cave or some such. Ugh!
Its great this vid has 0 dislikes
Yay!!
Has anyone tried tinted glasses, I think people with migraines use them and autistic people with light sensitivity. Are those any good?
I have had my glasses tinted to help me with light sensitivity… I wear them most of the time around artificial light .
Question I know with sensory things {i have it} i cant smell but you mentioned the fact smells can be a problem for you is it the same for lighting.
There is a light in the auditorium at my school where it flickers so bloody much that you can wave your hand over the table and it freaking delays the way you look so it looks blurry and it's not just with Autistic people.its with everyone and I want to get rid of my eyes when the light is like that.Sunglasses arent an option,any advice?
Get your parents to complain to the school to repair the lights.
@@womanzuzu9688 that would imply my parents caring.and everyone else loves the light....
Sad.. I hope your search proves fruitful because I have no idea sorry
@@womanzuzu9688 thank you though
I remember in highschool we had study period in the cafeteria and one day they were cleaning. I would get dizzy spells and I would spend my time in the bathroom and hall. One day I passed out from it. I was brought to the nurse's office and after that never had to go back in the cafeteria for study period time.
Hi There My Name Is Georgia & I’m Autistic & I’ve Only Just Noticed That Lightning Effects Me Basically I Was Out With My Sister & My 2 Nan’s & The Lighting In There Started To Make Me Feel So Tired & Drowsy, Next Minute We Were In A Cafe In The Place Where We Were & I Had Both Hands On My Head & I Couldn’t Look Up So I Had To Wear My Sisters Sunglasses But I Still Threw Up.
Any chance of a video on sound sensitivity?
i can 100% understand that, i cant stand lights flickering, at home here we has light bulbs that can dim, but i hate them being dimmed unless they're all the way down because they make a really loud annoying sound unless they're all the way down, plus they're too bright at max light, i wish i could wear sunglasses but i has my eye glasses i have to wear, although light makes them darken which helps
Anyone here have problems with bright sunlight? Can't stand it at all, especially in late Spring, Summer and early Autumn, and it makes my close up and if it's sufficiently bright, my eyes water like crazy. Luckily, I've got some dark sunglasses, and they help quite a bit
And also when someone else in my house turns on the light in the room I'm in, I have to blink for a couple of seconds. Is this something anyone else here experiences?
Alex Jenkins I hate summer sunlight too ! It makes me eyes hurt and gives me headaches. I used to hate it so much when I’d take the bus and I’d squint my eyes to protect my eyes.
I hate how it reflects on pure white snow too, it’s the same as summer sunlight.
I don’t know if it’s just a car thing or it’s because when I walk, I look down or at my phone but not while I’m a car. Or maybe it’s the windows ?
Not austic but florescent lights really bother me. When I go in walmart I start to get a headache or my head feels fuzzy. Then I walk outside and the lights so bright it doesn't help. I've recently started wearing sunglasses. Haven't tried it inside Wal-Mart thought.
Is there any chance to desensitize it when you're already adult? Like meditate in front of a strong light, with powerful noise aswell in case of noise sensitivity. I mean, if is there any chance to improve that, i would love to do it. Every week i to go to a meet up here in São Paulo to challenge my self, to practive exposure, but i can never stay more than 2 hours because i start to get extremely nervous with the sensory overload. I could go with sunglasses, but i would be the only one with wearing it because the event happens at night, so i guess i would attract more attention. Could you guys give me some tips?
I use to get motion sick from N64 (no other system oddly), i also so hydroponics systems for a living and the store had fluorescent lights and it bothered me tons... I would walk over to the hospital and my bulbs and hang with the plants to relax...... I hate fluorescents as in t12 or t8 but t5 don’t seem to bug me.
Hydroponics display not hospital lol.
Fascinating about the N64 motion sickness. Does it still happen? Has your sensitivity increased or decreased since this post?
I'm in recovery of an arthritic disorder, but my light sensitivity was sooo much worse when I was in pain. It even got so bad that I was covering digital clocks and any other devices that gave off unnecessary light. My thing is I either like it absolutely dark, or really nicely lit. I can see well in the dark, but there's something so unsettling about straining even just a little that bugs the hell out of me.