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Sensitivity repeat exposure

Ken

Ken

Well-Known Member
V.I.P Member
Does anyone’s sensitivity’s ever get less with repeat exposure?

I have always heard that, but it’s not true for me. For me, repeat sensitivity exposures always makes it worse. It keeps exaggerating the sensitivity until it becomes traumatic.

Just wondering, am I the weird one or do any of you experience sensitivities like that?
 
I found I can increase my tolerance to a certain degree, but that doesn't come without cost. It will still burn me out but if I want something badly enough then burn out it is.
 
I got seriously hurt by exposure to computers.
I tried to tough it out but repeated exposure to my work environment just about killed me.
I got really messed up thinking about "logic radiation" coming from the equipment I was working on. I was repairing switch mode PSU's and ancient logic and communications boards.
The weird thinking was bad enough - I knew it was weird - but then a new "buzzing" sensation started in my guts, running at mains frequency. The buzzing seemed to get louder and louder, until I was very anxious. It was so bad I had to leave my whole career as a technician, and I've never fully recovered.
If I personally were to try @Outdated's solution I'd die fast.
Just as well for me that I was born in a welfare state.
 
Ken said:
Does anyone’s sensitivity’s ever get less with repeat exposure?

I have always heard that, but it’s not true for me. For me, repeat sensitivity exposures always makes it worse. It keeps exaggerating the sensitivity until it becomes traumatic.

Just wondering, am I the weird one or do any of you experience sensitivities like that?
Click to expand...

No, I'm like you - desensitization doesn't happen.

And I even had sensory integration therapy with an OT.

She tried to do auditory integration therapy but quickly stopped because it was just so, so bad....

Mostly she focused on helping me improve self awareness and figure out what sensory input was calming and put together a sensory diet.
 
the_tortoise said:
She tried to do auditory integration therapy but quickly stopped because it was just so, so bad....
Click to expand...
That one's my worst problem. Loud noises don't bother me, although some very high frequencies cause me severe pain. Won't happen in my lifetime but I'd dearly love to see electric leaf blowers get banned. Loud industrial noises are fine, loud rock music is fine. Crowds of people talking - can't do it, my tolerance is less than a minute.
 
Depends. Some sensitivities, yes. I managed to tolerate wearing clothes most of the time for my first 20 years, even though clothing has always irritated me. Once I was living on my own, I dialed that back to only when out in public. But still, I did develope a tolerance.

Same way with showering. It's never pleasant, but I have learned to tolerate it. Noise, not as much - I have to get away from it.

As an infant, I was allergic to eggs as well as orange juice. Our family doctor instructed my mother to make sure I got a small quantity of eggs and orange juice with every meal until my rashes disappeared. She did so, and my body built up a tolerance to both. So with allergies, desensitization seemed to work well (and permanently) with me.
 
I don't accommodate to sensory issues either. I can think myself into tolertating it, but all the cost is still there and will catch up on me later.

I don't understand why psychologists think "calming" things help overstimulation. Overstimulation isn't anxiety, therefore calming/soothibg doesn't address it. They just don't understand autism spectrum.
 
vergil96 said:
I don't understand why psychologists think "calming" things help overstimulation. Overstimulation isn't anxiety, therefore calming/soothibg doesn't address it. They just don't understand autism spectrum.
Click to expand...
Some psychologists understand better than most do. If autistic people are their focus and they have listened to autistic people and worked with OTs who work with autistic people.

I had one psychologist who tried very hard to explain exactly what you say to others in my life; I think it was exhausting for her trying to be an advocate for all her autistic clients -- because so many people truly cannot understand these basic things like overstimulation vs anxiety (or meltdown vs tantrum) ... and sadly, some refuse to try.
 
the_tortoise said:
Some psychologists understand better than most do. If autistic people are their focus and they have listened to autistic people and worked with OTs who work with autistic people.
Click to expand...
It has been my experience with psychologists who claim to specialise in autism as well. But I'm a relatively late diagnosed adult - maybe here is the difference? I was 26 when diagnosed, you were diagnosed in childhood as far as I underatand from your posts. Am I right? Maybe it's a completely different pool of psychologists.
 
I found that when I stopped trying to be a mind reader it helped a lot, rumination is a contentment killer. I'd say an acceptance of flaws and the development of kindness towards oneself will make sensitivity more manageable.
 
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