I really don't like being in noisy groups.

[mrjoey98]

Title says it all.
For as long as I can remember, I've never liked being in church. I've read elsewhere that church can present a lot of challenges to people on the spectrum, and I'm no exception. My biggest problem is that it's too loud! Over the years I've tried covering my ears and I even remember trying to hide in the bathroom or in the very back of the sanctuary-- anything to keep me away while service was going on. In recent years I've even tried using noise-cancelling headphones, but those don't really work for me either-- it'd still be too loud for me and too much for me to handle. Most recently I've been sitting in the basement while service went on, but that hasn't been working very well either, because I could still hear everything going on upstairs and it almost feels like I'm there in service even though I don't want to be.

Being at church always felt like I was being shot in the chest while service was going on, but after it ends it'd leave me feeling beaten up. So yeah, I'm really not a fan (nor have I ever been) of the noise level in a typical service, the amount of emotion a lot of people show, every now and then when there are a lot of people around (I don't like crowds either) and more often than not, when church services seem to go on forever. It's weird because I'm generally a patient person, just not when it comes to church or anything having to do with it.

Anyone else know how I feel? If at all possible, how can I talk to my parents or my therapist about this?

 

[tree]

You could try saying what you have said here.

Did you attend high school?
If so, how did you deal with gym class or assemblies?

 

[mrjoey98]

Thank you guys for your insight.
@tree I've had problems with being clear when it comes to issues like this, but I'll definitely try giving your suggestion a shot.

 

[Joel I]

I hate crowds and usually avoid them if I can. However I have found that if I'm with someone I trust and try to ignore everything else I'm able to get around noisy crowded shopping centers and shows. It takes a while but I got used to it, still not something I enjoy but achievable.

 

[tducey]

I agree. I get anxious when there's to much discussion going on around me.

 

[BraidedPony]

There is something about Church that makes me feel trapped. It would be weird to just get up and step outside for a while, so it makes me feel worse knowing I have to sit there.
It’s more than just the noise level.
Plus you have to wear uncomfortable clothes.
Then I feel like a complete heathen because I don’t love church!

 

[Bronzelincolns]

...join a reformed church?

 

[Major Tom]

I don't like noisy, crowded places either.

 

[Pats]

My sister was asking if I was interested in going to see Peter Frampton, Queen and LedZepplin. I was like, "Really? Do you know how loud that would be?" I don't like noisy. Last weekend I had to go to my granddaughter's birthday party at some play place full of kids. I found myself sitting in a corner holding camera, purse, drink in my arms and trying to shrink out of anyone's way. The church I go to is small and not noisy at all.

 

[Fino]

I've been to many churches, because churches often utilize pianists, and none of them were loud. They often had the atmosphere of a library.

I'm guessing you can't just switch churches.

 

[Progster]

I'm not religious and don't attend a church or any other religious institution, but very occasionally go to one for a wedding or something like that. I find churches claustrophobic (crowded enclosed space) and generally hang around the outside until the service has finished. The whole thing is a bit pointless really, but that's a different issue.

 

[Gracey]

I can cope with the solemnity of a funeral in a church.

Baptisms at a push.

Quite enjoy singing the hymns with everyone else in the reserved R.C or C of E style.
- very little expression, stood almost to attention, no joyous celebration or movement.

I like the way the solid wooden pews can absorb, almost muffle sound.

I like the musty smell of the well used hymn books with their smooth, thin pages and tiny typeface.

And appreciate the time and effort gone into some of the embroidered kneeling cushions.

(By distracting myself, I can stay in my seat and feel ‘whelmed’ - not under or over)

... I know where the door is if it gets too much

 

[Sarah S]

Lets just say me + ANY crowded place be it the grocery store or personal party etc . = NOT good NOT going simple as that