Happy 2025 everyone. I thought I start the year with more blog content on my website. Today, I'm focusing on sensory sensitivities which can have an impact on our eating and if you are neurodivergent, can give a sense of understanding to identity. It can be good to get a sensory profile for yourself so you can work out how to make your space and your environment your own. You can google these but I have put a link to a sensory profile quiz at the end of this post.
Sensory sensitivities refer to an increased or heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli in the environment. These sensitivities can manifest in various ways, affecting how individuals perceive and respond to sights, sounds, smells, textures, and other sensory experiences and these are more prevalent in neurodivergent individuals. They can significantly impact day-to-day functioning and may contribute to challenges in various areas of life, including eating behaviors, social interactions, and emotional regulation.
Here are some examples of sensory sensitivities:
Auditory (Sound): A person may struggle with loud noises, such as vacuum cleaners, sirens, or crowded, noisy environments, or common sounds like clocks ticking or people chewing.
Visual (Sight): Flickering lights or rapid movements (e.g., fans or people moving quickly) can make it difficult for an individual to focus or may cause discomfort.
Tactile (Touch): A person might find clothing seams, tags, or tight fabrics unbearable and may prefer loose, tag-free clothing. Certain textures of foods, such as mushy or slimy foods, may feel repulsive or lead to gagging or avoidance.
Olfactory (Smell): A person might find clothing seams, tags, or tight fabrics unbearable and may prefer loose, tag-free clothing.
Gustatory (Taste): Some individuals may have a strong aversion to bitter, sour, or spicy foods, even when the taste intensity is mild for others.
Proprioceptive (Bodily Awareness): Difficulty with activities like climbing stairs, catching a ball, or locating one’s body in space can be problematic.
Vestibular (Balance and Movement): Motion sickness or dizziness when riding in cars or on rides at an amusement park. Difficulty with activities that involve balance, like biking or dancing, especially when there is a lot of head movement or fast changes in position.
Here is a link to a sensory profile quiz should you wish to make your own profile to work out what is best for you, I'd like to know about these if you have therapy with me.
I'd also love to know in the comments what you love and hate about your own senses.
Hi, I’m Becky Grace Irwing, I’m a BABCP Accredited CBT & EMDR qualified Therapist and qualified Mental Health Nurse. I spent 8 years as a Mental Health Nurse and 3 years as a CBT Therapist. I have worked across many mental health services for 14 years including acute, forensic and CAMHS services as well as University Mental Health and Disability Services and a London talking therapies service. I have a background history as a Fitness and Yoga Instructor of 10 years, and worked in the fitness industry from the age of 17 to 35.
I specialise in Eating Disorders, Neurodiversity and complex trauma issues and the link between those. I have a lived experience of binge eating for nearly 30 years, recovered for 7 years. I have ADHD and self diagnosed with Autism.
I’m also a dog Mum of two sausage dogs, human first, like to knit and I’m sustainability conscious.
My career highlights are being nominated for student nurse of the year for the Nursing Times and working in University Mental Health Services for 4 years; I loved working with students who were neurodivergent with a complex background of mental health and disability difficulties the most.
I'd love to hear from you for a free 20 minute introduction call to see how I can help you.
Comments