Autism and Sensory Seeking

Written on 24th Nov 2020 by Alex Lowery

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Many autistic people have sensory issues and I am no exception to this. I do get hypersensitive to many things. However, there are actually certain ways in which I am a sensory seeker. One example of this is how I don’t like bland food and I will seek out much stronger flavours.

There are also certain feelings I love that most people hate. For example, that feeling like you’re in a dream even when you’re not. My mum said she doesn’t like it but I love that feeling! I actually love feeling like I’m in a dream! At that moment the world doesn’t feel real and that actually fills me with excitement.

I also love the dark! Many people say they don’t like it dark but I love it! Now don’t get me wrong: obviously if I want to see what’s going on I prefer the lights turned on. However if there isn’t that same need then something about the dark is really relaxing in my opinion.

At the end of the evening church service on Sunday, many people walk into the small room before leaving and turn the lights on but I never do this. I just walk out with the light off. I genuinely prefer it dark.

I also remember as a child there was one evening service when the light was broken and wouldn’t turn on. A lot of people were nervous and didn’t like it. I loved it though! I was actually full of excitement and joy because of the dark! Of course we did all go home because of the dark though.

Thank you all for reading. Please let me know how you feel about the dark, and are you a sensory seeker in any ways at all?

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