Exploring a Sensory Diet for Emotional Regulation - Sensory Processing Disorders

If you struggle with emotional regulation, you desperately need to know about sensory regulation- but 1. A lot of people have no idea what sensory needs are. 2. Most people don’t know how to manage their sensory diet to help with emotional regulation. This is super important with children, and with the neurodiverse community ADHD and Autism Spectrum folk but anyone that doesn’t understand their sensory regulation needs often struggles with emotional regulation.
You can learn to build a healthy sensory diet.
When someone comes in with anxiety, overwhelm, burnout, or they’re struggling to function- Sensory needs are one of the first things I assess for. And when kids have attention, learning or behavior problems, they desperately need someone who can understand their sensory needs, because your sensory diet directly impacts your brain’s ability to process stimuli and emotions in a healthy way.
So In this video, I’m going to teach you about sensory regulation and how that can relate to managing our emotions as well.
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In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.
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[@renendell]

I have bipolar disorder and one day I noticed that in my depressive cycles I isolate and lay about. So I started reading. And people give me space and quiet to read. I don't have to worry about forced interactions and I get a lot of time alone in bed or on the sofa. And I'm not saying I don't cycle. I take my meds, and every now and then I still have a breakthrough episode, but I am so much happier. I think sometimes or physiology has ways of forcing us to do the things we need.

[@PaulHoward-pp1st]

This needs to be added to vestibular migraine posts , vestibular migraine like mine has no head pain but lots of visual and auditory complications avoiding bright lights sounds and motion and the sensation of movement, falling ,etc when stationary are symptoms of vestibular migraine. Great video thanks Emma keep up the good work.

[@atanamorell2]

My son has vestibular (and also regular and abdominal migraines). I will share this info with him. It's destroying his life. Thanks for commenting.

[@jhj6636]

Thanks so much, Emma. Perfect timing. I'm autistic (diagnosed 2021) and have just come across this. As you said, '...everything suddenly makes sense now; I'm not broken, I just had all these needs that I didn't have words for.'

[@QarleyQuark]

Thank you so much! I've been attempting to figure out a way to say this and communicate my needs to loved ones. It'd been tough growing up with unmet needs, and I figured out some of this innately so now when people ask, "Why do you do that like that?" I can more easily explain I'm regulating my senses so I can stay emotionally regulated!

[@fayerichards6088]

This❤ I didn't realize this about myself until helping daughter through sensory processing. Realizing sounds like car ac was raising my anxiety Realizing how this related to anxiety and regulating both was life changing for both of us Things that helped: -Meditation: headspace and soulspace apps -soft clothes -loop earplugs -calm stickers - good earbuds or headphones - built in quiet time -weighted blankets

[@DickGrayson-rq8xs]

Hello 👋 friend how are you doing today 😃 hope am not bothering you?

[@moonbread2334]

The kuffiyeh! Thank you for your support 🍉🍉❤❤

[@KathleenRenninger]

Wow----this was a real eye-opener! I knew that certain things sent me into sensory overload, but didn't realize just how much having unmet sensory needs could influence a person's feelings and behavior. Thank you! Anxiously awaiting more !

[@DickGrayson-rq8xs]

Hello 👋 friend how are you doing today 😃 hope am not bothering you?

[@user-pz9ko6dt6y]

Thank you soo much emma for your commitment and imapact not only for me but also for thousands of life ❤❤you are God's gift

[@GrandmothersGarden]

Emma, so much good here. I love using the term "Sensory Diet." One thing though - headphones, silencers are NOT recommended for hyperacuity. Ears will adapt to the earplugs or headphones - and the more they use them, the more sensitive the ears become! An audiologist is KEY! They have special assessments to target if it's a frequency, or a physical development or anxiety or what! They have then create an individualized acoustic therapy program for the problem. They also help with the anxiety with behavioral therapy. Acoustic therapy isn't even that long! Woohoo! Just remember- headphones or earplugs can make the problem worse.

[@kathleen791]

I bet you would not talk in front of her like you do on social media. You can have an opinion. Just express it kindly. If not, keep it to yourself. The last sentence was uncalled for. Just sayin

[@rogueerised979]

Valuable information. While I agree solely using headphones or ear plugs, all the time isn't good for me personally. And yes, once I don't use them. I become more sensitive to noise. It can make a huge difference when you're in a crowded mall by yourself & need some silence to think. Also, I am glad those tools are available for autistic people or anyone who needs them to function at a higher level.

[@user-nf1ei1gt8n]

@@kathleen791the comment didn't seem rude to me. i think OP was just sharing their knowledge and opinion, they still said there was "so much good" in the video

[@RoseRedRoseWhite]

A good rule of thumb is to not offer medical advice or therapeutic opinions when your name isnt up for clinical keeps esp without referencing a study or article.Adding for clarity: I dont want to feel like crap for needing earbuds, and not everyone may have access to an audiologist. Day to day quality of life may need to be prioritized over long term or 'shoulds' which can be especially harmful to the ND community.

[@GrandmothersGarden]

@@RoseRedRoseWhite Thanks. I figured people might know, and if not they could Google it. It's pretty well known in the field. I'll post a few later. Here's a synopsis of one study: discoveryjournals.org/medicalscience/current_issue/v27/n135/e209ms3005.htm

[@rose8968]

I really like your style. The way you convey messages is so comfortable. Love your presentation and also contents! ❤

[@danielt1985]

recently discovered this for myself. I started thinking about the sensory sensations that help me and not take me away from my life. Nice sounds, loose clothes, minimalist environments. lfg

[@donnelson62]

I have been diagnosed with bilateral vestibular weakness, my issues are due to my pour balance and lack of sensory awareness. I am 65 years old male and this seems to drive my emotions and body balance. You seem to be very aware of this stuff, I think some one on one visits may help me improve ❤ thanks Don

[@debwefox]

This is the most helpful video I’ve ever watched and thought about. I have been uncomfortable in almost every work environment and lots of educational ones. Along with this topic I have CPTSD and while I am “good with people,” it drains me and sometimes triggers me for days. A year ago I started a dog boarding business and am profoundly more at ease and enjoying life and my clients and their families are as happy as I am. Lots of touch (wrestling, petting, physical games), clear emotions and communication (from dogs I mean) but I control most noise and sounds and am not constantly monitoring people and their moods and presentations. I can wear super comfy clothes and can sing or play meditation music all day or be silent (❤) and dogs are good with all of it The pay is low but I am rich from peaceful work and lifestyle- I am looking forward to exploring more of my seven senses in a way to build awareness and shape my habits, as your video suggests. I think it will help me be happier and successful in more areas of my life. Thank you!

[@katehagno1184]

Absolutely beautiful explanation of my sensory needs...Gosh, my son would be successful in life having that support, he passed away facing his adulthood. Those teachers leaving negative comments should realise how negative attitude influence neurodiversed students.

[@annak29]

I am so sorry about your son!!! 😭😭😭

[@Rivet8ear]

Hello from Vancouver, WA but originally from Utah. This video hit home so hard. I sincerely thank you for all that you do. I know it’s your job but we all feel your authentic energy.

[@spozbucket]

It's so interesting. I was treat for anxiety and depression at school and over the years have noticed various sensory issues I have. Noises in places that they shouldn't be, artificial light, synthetic smells. They stress me out in such a way that I feel like my blood pressure just goes up, even though I know they shouldn't be big deals. Since seeing my adult neice be diagnosed with autism and normalising a lot of her complaints through the years I'm wondering if I may be too.

[@chuckprindiville1246]

EMMA.. I really like your style… natural, seeing you think or look for a book… it gives a sense that you’re calm confident honest not controlling… i’ve watched your excellent video content since Jan 2022. You just keep getting better and better. and thank you for your commitment to help others for free. Your 31 vids on emo reg. has tons of helpful insights. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@invno1ynv-ubu36]

Thank you for posting this information. I am learning so much from you

[@cynthiakaptigau929]

Wow, thank you for sharing this! So helpful!

[@elisenieuwe4649]

This is a great topic. I'm trying to find out how it works for me. I get overstimulated and understimulated pretty easily. It causes trouble for so long. ( I'm 36 and sick at home, again) Hearing you talk about this, I want to talk about this to my doctor to see if I can get help figuring this out.

[@emiliebrocard8991]

Thank you so much to do so much good teaching and sharing to help people feel better. 😊 I didn't t find the question nary for the sensory inventories. Have a beautiful Sunday with your family. ❤

[@agatawierzbicka8187]

Love this video! I am a teacher with small kids and for me it is great asset to know this for myself, as I love my job, but I get disregulated so often as I am sensitive to sound and touch. Thank You. I don't see the course that You mentioned on Your page, I am looking forward to it.

[@SimplySarah129]

This is the video that I have been needing! I cannot wait to see more about this topic ❤

[@DickGrayson-rq8xs]

Hello 👋 friend how are you doing today 😃 hope am not bothering you??❤

[@Maya82]

Omg this makes so much sense! I just realized I am a visual and vestibular seeker: I like collecting things, I love maximalist room decor, patterns and crowded walls. Also, I love hunting for shells (although at least in my country you can't take them with you, it's illegal, so I just give them back to the sea before I get home) and I love "finding objects" games. As for the vestibular thing, I seek the dizzy sensation that I get when I get drunk. I struggle with alcohol use just for this reason. But I just realized that I was little I enjoyed being upsidedown, spinning as fast as I could and enjoy the dizziness, and now that I'm in my 40s whenever I'm alone at the park I play with swings and slides and laugh uncontrollably 😂 so this might be the key to find a way to keep me away from alcohol 😮

[@fwebster6226]

I was fortunate to experience teachers send kids outside to run around the fields if they were too noisy, it meant that everyone could concentrate more and they were a lot quieter…it took 5 minutes

[@DerangedMerger]

Imo very, VERY IMPORTANT INFO For me, this video is actually mind-blowing! Thank you

[@pppp67567]

Such as great video, thank you!

[@TheLove1Makes]

Good knowledge on this unknown topic. Thanks

[@lhoraney]

I am an occupational therapist of 28 years. I work with TBI adults.

[@krishnavenialphonse1462]

I like the term sensory diet...this video helps me to be aware of my needs...thank you Emma 👍❤❤

[@lindswatch]

Amazing information. THANK YOU!

[@airwaveshorizon]

I really like your channel and really loved how you explain in details about mental issues and sharing your own experiences with some of those issues, im sure your videos helped so many people and it helped me too, its just a little disappointing that you give credits to medication for a kid with adhd. I cant imagine how sad the world will be if people with mental issues are all become addicted and can function properly only because medicine. Many kids in the world are having adhd or maybe other minor mental difference, but they can grow up just fine with enough love, education and understanding about their condition and needs. Teaching a kid to take medicine because their behaviour is just slightly off or little bit more difficult is really sad and i cant imagine how their future is if from their early childhood they were educated that if they are different than the majority of the society, then there is something wrong them and they need to take medicstion. It might be slow and tougher process to teach them but thats just part of growing up normally, we are all slightly not normal and even in adulthood, everybody is slightly not normal and thats fine, thats just us human. What we need isnt medication but love, understanding, good friends and compassion to each others.

[@dee5356]

Thanks!

[@ellahopkinson]

Thank you so much for all of your videos! I have a lot of sensory issues so i appreciate this one especially ❤

[@DickGrayson-rq8xs]

Hello 👋 friend how are you doing today 😃 hope am not bothering you??❤

[@aparna44]

Syncronicity 😀Just what i was looking for. Thank you!

[@Cocktail.witch.newhaven]

Where can I find a quiz to determine my sensory needs? Can you please share? 🙏🏽

[@dubravKA1111]

Thank you so much.

[@christopherenge4934]

I hadn't heard of any of this but it's a real eye opener. I've always been a super picky eater, to the point it's crippling socially and has impacted my career choices. I did some searches related to the terms in the video and came across something called ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). That might be worth a video, as it's highly correlated with anxiety disorders. But for me, it's a real name it to tame it moment. I'm not just the weird kid who won't eat. Things really do taste different to me.

[@jenniferlanders5741]

Such wonderful tips and tool ideas to help balance out and regulate. Thank you.

[@DickGrayson-rq8xs]

Hello 👋 friend how are you doing today 😃 hope am not bothering you??❤

[@DickGrayson-rq8xs]

Hello 👋 friend how are you doing today 😃 hope am not bothering you??❤

[@JABcertified]

Thanks for the great content. Looking forward to more ADD videos. 😊

[@hjkhkjgjhk5710]

Thank you

[@galaxys3852]

The sound quality on this video is really good this time.

[@khatramasare9443]

Love the keffiyeh! Thank you for your support!!!!!

[@DanielAlvarez-sl6yh]

Thank you 🙏❤️❤️❤️

[@sunshinerainbows4627]

Wondering about quick video on how the visual senses are impacted by malls closing, crime escalating to cause everything to be locked up, high prices to do without basics, etc. Increasingly seeing things disappear or be destroyed makes the glass half full mindset harder and the more you see it the closer to bucketloads of anger you get due to having little to no control.🤔

[@trusound170]

I live in a sensory nightmare. I want to be free of this madness.

[@IM-gx7un]

What about smell avoidance? Nasty laundry and cleaning product smells are everywhere!

[@jeffro202]

This is so helpful. I wonder how this is linked with being a Highly Sensitive Person.

[@Francesca948]

THANKS❤❤❤

[@chrissyjoy08]

I've just been diagnosed last year, at 40yrs old, with autism and adhd. One of my biggest emotional regulation struggles is annoyance turning super quickly into high anger/ rage/ yelling. I have found that many times that happens I'm actually sensory overstimulated or anxious/ feeling rushed/ etc. But also feeling disrespected is a huge trigger for me for getting angry at people. And I get super rage-y when electronics don't work the way "they should." I do struggle with Anxiety, but it's definitely more than that. And I've been working with my counselor for forever but I just can't get this anger response under control. Do you have any videos that might help address this topic?

[@ProleCenter]

That's called a**hole disorder. I have it too.

[@DickGrayson-rq8xs]

Hello 👋 friend how are you doing today 😃 hope am not bothering you??❤

[@mariecarie1]

I hope she does soon-I’d love help with this! You could possibly seek out an occupational therapist (OT) who could work with you on sensory integration therapy. I know I certainly need this!!! Some kind of sensory therapy would be the best bet, rather than just CBT-sensory rage is a visceral, involuntary response, like gagging when you eat something rotten. It’s not something you can logically think through. It’s like asking someone to calm down while someone else continuously scratches nails on a chalkboard-kinda impossible! Sensory integration therapy helps you to deal with your sensory needs and (hopefully) increase/decrease tolerance. Otherwise, avoiding the sensory triggers in some way might be your best bet-or at least finding some coping mechanisms to help you deal with it. I’m not a specialist here, just a speech therapist with a lot of former research and experience rangling my own sensory issues with ADHD. Good luck dear-digital, contact-less hug for you!

[@alexgadd4156]

Sensory diet yum yum

[@odalesaylor]

Thank you so much. I think this would enhance everyone's lives. How can I find the sensory needs survey?

[@cathcolwell2197]

I’m pretty sure I have any number of these situations, and even though it might be helpful to know how to regulate better, might make my life a little less painful, it seems like a trap to have to have so many circumstances in place.

[@briannadiaz9305]

What do you recommend for taking steps to be diagnosed properly? I see a psychiatrist and am diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder but I just feel like there is still more to understand to heal.

[@deel2435]

Love this! What about people who don't like loud noise but like listening to loud music on their own? Do you have any sources for tests and guidance to determine an appropriate sensory diet?

[@cmanasia]

Thank you Emma! Can you please provide a link to the “other video” you mentioned, and you also said something about taking a quiz to determine an inventory of sensory needs. Chris Manasia

[@TherapyinaNutshell]

It's coming up- not published yet!

[@NancyBeaulieu]

Your incredible! Thank you for your videos! Can someone have sensory processing disorder or sensory sensitivity if they are not neurodivergent? I’m definitely HSP but I don’t have anxiety or depression and I’m not ADHD or autistic.

[@Sweetieee]

It’s funny you make this video, currently being driven mad with two cinema style speakers my brother has that he plays all night you can hear the bass through the whole house & I can’t sleep or think with it, the bass is giving me a headache & my room is directly below his, I don’t think I’m ever gonna sleep again 🥲 he plays it during the day & the night, idk when he finds time to sleep, the vibrations give me anxiety & the uncertainty of how loud he’s gonna put it or when he starts playing the next song or movie with intense sound effects

[@sammythehamster9093]

I can imagine would be in war zone. Occasionally, I get neighbours playing loud music at night or loud rev of a bike. Right now, I'm dealing with my sister making stupid laughter sounds over stuff she watches on tv and like 24/7. I spoke to her about her but too busy playing Baldur's gate 3 on ps5. Have Switch and lite version and can play on Steam game on my laptop. I have tried loopear and Vanderfields protector but can still hear even when door closed. She is loud and rude. There are times my sister's dog is left at my home, he started howling and barking when in past, he didn't do this before or destroy incoming post. Misophonia is pain, I started listening to lofi through headphones. I want to work/study with no music at all. I'm suffering from disrupted sleep due to the dog. My sister took advantage of my sound sensitivity by banging cutlery, playing with the tap and scraping the floor with the chairs. I want to move out and get away from it all otherwise I start self harming. Nobody cares.

[@NanaWilson-px9ij]

That sounds like a nightmare. I'm so sorry.

[@user-sc7sd2gm8l]

Hi Emma, I enjoyed this video of yours. It's relevant for me personally and the students I service. I have a question, though. Even with set up Sensory diet, the fact is that many times we cannot change our environment. Those that avoid noise, are going to be in noisy places where there is often nothing they can do to change their environment? I'd love to hear your feedback. Thank you

[@Augfordpdoggie]

As a former teacher, I can tell you, teachers are overwhelmed with each child and their specific needs. Not that we don't like the kids, but imagine trying to deal with a class of 35, with a new lesson plan or adaptation for 1 extra student, much less than the 10 we can sometimes get. Have compassion for the teachers

[@TherapyinaNutshell]

I totally hear this! I can't imagine how teachers handle just managing so many kids, not to mention their special need and accommodations. I do think that the burden for accommodation should mostly rest upon the individual and their family, we can't go running around expecting everyone else to accommodate us. Thank you for all the hard work you do!

[@christinanancarrow-wilson8829]

Special Ed teacher here! People outside the profession have no idea the difficulties and expectations teachers face.

[@MH-wh5xj]

I am always saying this! If you’re not a teacher, you will never understand…let alone as a manager who also has a full teaching timetable!

[@Augfordpdoggie]

@@TherapyinaNutshell you mean the job i used to do. Teaching is one of few professions that after 25 years, youre still not considered an expert. Parents know everything....boss knows everything....kids never lie and know everything. Teaching is the most toxic, gas lighting profession ever- im glad i quit.

[@emily8301]

I was just going to the comments to see if anyone has any ideas how to mange when the sensory inputs are out of their control. As a teacher with ADHD I have noticed that throughout the day all the noise (between students talking to people asking me questions) and visual movement is so overwhelming to me. By my 4th (and last) block I find it hard to emotionally regulate and react appropriately to increases to my sensory input. Often I find myself being short with the kid who broke the sensory input camels back.

[@DanielAlam-yg6fy]

Princess Emma thanks

[@julialumasu]

Great video! Sensory needs have been more of a mystery to me, although I’ve had extensive treatment that taught me a lot, especially for the past 4 years, and I feel like I got a good grasp from this video. If it’s not too much trouble I’d like to ask for some advice with something I’m really struggling with: I find myself overstimulating myself, especially with auditory and visual stimuli, while also having to do something with my hands. So I end up having some video etc. playing in the background while playing games on my phone for hours on end without being able to stop. I think it’s bc I’m stuck in a freeze response (watched your video how to get out of that too) but I was wondering if besides practicing movement and identifying triggers etc. there was some connection with my sensory regulation that I could do. Bc as of right now my brain thinks this is the only way to „relax“ (less stimuli = emotions that are overwhelming and usually end in a panic attack), but ofc it’s not unwinding at all. I feel fatigued from it as well, and yet I’ve had no success in getting out of that cycle. I’m trying movement and hope with practice things get easier, but it’s already so hard to even start moving and even harder to not just go back to overstimulation. So yeah idk if anyone can help with what I’m trying to describe, any advice is very much appreciated! Also thank you so much for your videos! You’re explaining difficult concepts very well :)

[@DickGrayson-rq8xs]

Hello 👋 friend how are you doing today 😃 hope am not bothering you??

[@Cruchyplum]

I feel like i have a strong Sensory need for love and affection but its never been properly met and what's makes it worse my mum recently died and I've leaky gut, histamine issues that wont get better

[@user-cv7uv7qe6v]

Am trying to quit smoking which is directly correlated to my cptsd. Alas, I also have hyperacusis. So I noticed when giving a quit day with the patch that my senses were basically on fire. Too much. Ton of sensory overload. Plain exhausting. So anything to try to settle that all down.

[@g.g.8060]

Do you have any thoughts on helping spouses understand sensory overload? For context, we used to live under a couple who was extremely loud. 24/7 stomping instead of walking, dragging furniture across the floor, a baby who cried most of the time etc etc. They often woke us up in the middle of the night or early in the morning. When we asked if they could please be more quiet, the wife started waiting for me to get home from work then vacuuming for literally two hours across hardwood floors. I think anyone would have not liked it, but because of my noise sensitivity it felt personal and even abusive. To this day I battle extreme feelings of hatred toward them. All that to say, my husband loves me but seems to find accommodating stuff like sensory preferences "extra" or an issue that could be fixed by resolving to be less sensitive. He gets annoyed sometimes if crowded stores make me feel anxious. Basically wondering if there are tips for marriages where one spouse is interested in psychology but the other isn't.

[@bunglejoy3645]

I have bpd ,proble autism GAD, but ive discovered thst i have to have my bedroom very minimal so that during day or bedtime a dark room calms me along eith my fluffy big blanket i also have a lamp that puts coloured patterned light on walls or ceiling in time to music, a lava lamp. I know when my exe utive function needs calming down i feel like ,screaming, cant touch velvet or cordory. Cant cope with shouting as i was in a incident at a job centre when another person went berserk and none of us could escape theres times when supermarket too noisy for me i love scented smells especially wax electric tart melts and im into colours i have to gave coloured bath bombs i drfinatlh beed my dmell sensory stuff and touch i love those slimey gel things, but cordery velvet no no i also find issues with eating fruit it all tastes same to me, but i like strawberries or pineapple spicy food i used to love but now csnt eat it it feels like my mouths on fire

[@SonamSingh-sp6ey]

💙

[@kristimeyers2221]

How can I get my ADHD child evaluated for appropriate sensory diet? What kind of specialist am I looking for? There aren’t that many ADHD specialists in my area

[@mariecarie1]

You might try looking for an occupational therapist (OT). Some of them can provide sensory integration therapy, which can help your child better regulate their sensory issues. You can try asking the school, but I would highly, highly, highly recommend looking for an additional OT outside the school, probably in a private clinic. School OTs are great, but are typically only helpful in helping the child succeed academically-which is great, but it might not be as holistic as an independent therapist. Optimally, you’d have both. Source: former early intervention and school speech therapist who helped kiddos find resources for stuff like this All. The. Time. And who has ADHD herself :) Good luck!

[@thealmightybipper3381]

I was wondering, what does it mean if you seem to be both sensory seeking and avoiding in a certain sense? For example, for me personally (25 F), I have a very hard time with loud sounds. I have developed a severe fear of public bathrooms due to the toilet flushing being too loud. At the same time, I also do much better focusing on things when I have music or some sort of background sound. I did my taxes with a playlist of all my favorite songs in the background. So, would that be sensory seeking or avoiding?

[@mariecarie1]

Sorry for the incoming novel, but I hope it’s helpful: Sensory seeking is when you actively seek out extra stimulation of some kind. Everyday examples include hugging yourself when you’re upset, or bouncing your leg when stressed-you seek out these behaviors either because you feel distressed, or because they feel nice to you in some way. I would think listening to nice music when stressed might be a form of sensory seeking. I myself am someone who chews my cheek a lot, because I have oral sensory fixations. Chewing gum is very helpful for this. Sensory avoidance is just like you said-in your example, you have learned to avoid public bathrooms because the sound is too loud. You avoid that sensory input. I avoid wearing tight shirts because they bother my tactile sensations way too much and basically freak me out. An example of sensory seeking *AND* avoidance in your case might look like this: craving some auditory input (some kind of music or podcast, or even white noise) playing in your ear, while simultaneously avoiding loud external sounds, or perhaps to cover up the loud sounds in the bathroom. I basically do this all the time-I often find myself getting irritated when hubby is watching something on TV that sounds annoying or is something that for whatever reason bothers my senses. I also crave auditory stimulation of some kind almost all the time. So, I listen to whatever is in my earbuds instead, helping me avoid the sounds he’s listening to so I can still be with him. Another example of sensory seeking and avoidance at work simultaneously might be this: I seek out wearing tight pants because I feel more grounded and stable and have a better sense of where my legs are, and simultaneously avoid tight shirts and wear loose ones instead. I have seeking and avoidant behavior with my clothes. Weird huh? I’m a bit rusty on my education with this kind of stuff, but I think this is kind of the gist. Hope it was helpful :-/

[@MrHandoverfist]

I heard that recently ADHD medication was very difficult and expensive to get for some kind of supply chain issue. I wonder if that’s still happening it’s probably been a month or two since I heard that.

[@mariecarie1]

It’s getting better, thankfully. It’s not nearly as expensive as it has been, especially if you use a discount card like GoodRx.

[@rogueerised979]

Which video has the sensory needs quiz? I tried looking for it.

[@rogueerised979]

Found it later in this video. Also, as an add-on 😲😲 This video is incredible!🎉 I have seriously looked up these things so freaking much over the years and have gotten lost in the weeds. This video with the chart & then the book is recommendation. Wow 🤯 I have started to fill that chart out with some help from the book. And learning so much! 2 areas had no clue. Rest I worked a lot on already.

[@bibimbap_art]

This is really interesting. I was always a fan of amusement park rides, but after not riding any for several years, I found out a few years ago that I can't ride them anymore. Interestingly, this happened soon after my mom was diagnosed with cancer, which I reacted to very badly (a therapist told me it seems like I have trauma from this). Now I'm wondering if the two things might be related 😮

[@DickGrayson-rq8xs]

Hello 👋 friend how are you doing today 😃 hope am not bothering you??❤

[@georgiasmyrniou6337]

I was wondering what is acceptance and commitment theory

[@scarlettrhettforever]

Concentration with a noise around always found it hard.

[@MR-kc2re]

What if you can’t avoid certain stimuli? I have ADHD and CPTSD and just bought a house close to a road and the truck and car noise is driving me crazy and putting me on edge all the time 😢

[@NiHaLxSeNnAr]

Similiar situation here, except I didn't buy the house but rent it. I completely underestimated the noise. The first night after we moved it rained so it became even louder and the next day I couldn't stop crying because the noise literalky hurt me. Luckily my landlord installed new windows so it got better but I still have to upgrade the house and make it more soundproof (but it's possible!). The second thing I learned is, that I usually get much more irritated by noise, when I'm stressed. So whenever the noise started to overwhelm me, it actually became a reminder for me, to destress. To listen to music, to take a bath or if it's all too much, to take a walk. We can adapt to noise, I myself am suprised of how well it worked, but again: there are sooo many ways to soundproof a house! Curtains, pictures, furniture, windows etc.

[@briannadiaz9305]

I’m so sorry you’re going through that! The only thing I can think of to do is place noise canceling foam over the windows until the work stops, play your favorite music or something soothing to mask the sound. But if you want complete silence go to someplace in the house closed off from the noise and focus on your breath to regulate.

[@joec68500]

Sound machines work for me; especially the white noise option when I sleep blocks out outside noise.

[@DickGrayson-rq8xs]

Hello 👋 friend how are you doing today 😃 hope am not bothering you??❤

[@NanaWilson-px9ij]

You are sending creepy vibes, @dickgrayson. Give it a rest

[@RJones-tn5vg]

How do I avoid noises when my spouse seeks it?

[@shawnrhaweh4582]

Holly molly..did I spell that right?? I didn't know this stuff !!

[@chrissyjoy08]

*Holy moly. 😊

[@jennglow4647]

😀

[@216lucio]

💌💌💌💌💌💌

[@kaywise2313]

My God I have so many years of trauma I need extensive help just can’t find it

[@IsraaSElsakka]

The kuffiyeh on your shelf. ❤❤❤

[@user-gv5wf5xf1e]

where can i find the quiz?

[@DickGrayson-rq8xs]

Hello 👋 friend how are you doing today 😃 hope am not bothering you??❤

[@NanaWilson-px9ij]

Stop creeping, @grayson

[@chrissyjoy08]

​@@NanaWilson-px9ijIt's likely a bot. Report it.

[@floraboraamor]

I didnt find the link to take the quiz

[@mairead354]

Hey, I think she meant that we have to check out her other video if we want to do the quiz. My understanding was that the link to that video would be in the description of this one, if it had already been uploaded to her channel. I think that that's what she meant by 'link', not a link to a traditional quiz, per se.

[@DickGrayson-rq8xs]

Hello 👋 friend how are you doing today 😃 hope am not bothering you??❤

[@KS0102]

You make some excellent points Dr. K. However, I'm concerned that if more and more people utilize these traits like narcissism and sociopathy, society will not go in a life enhancing direction, but will go more into a life degrading direction to the point of societal collapse.

[@zomerbloesem9371]

Just so you know the correct term would be neurodivergent, not neurodiverse. Neurodivergent refers to people diverging from what’s neurologically typical. Neurodiverse refers to the whole group of brains that includes both neurotypical and neurodivergent people.

[@It_Puts_The_Lotion_On_Its_Skin]

I just had a dream that I was back in the Marines, and I was at jump school, except all the Marines were British, and Bryan Cranston was there, and he brought me a vegetable subway 6 inch sub for lunch, and he brought himself double in and out burgers, with fries, everything animal style, the works, and Kel was sitting across from us coming to the realization that he wasn’t actually funny. What does that mean?

[@mariecarie1]

It probably means Bryan Cranston thinks you only deserve rabbit food while he should get all the actual food and shove it in his face in front of you, while you’re actually stuck in alternate version of America where we didn’t win the revolution, so all the Marines are British. And Kel is having some kind of vocational crisis, but he’ll be okay, I’m sure. Although, are we talking Bryan Cranston pre- or post-Malcolm In the Middle? If it was pre-Malcolm, it probably means you ate too late in the day and slept on your back, which caused the weird dream. Hope that helps.

[@NanaWilson-px9ij]

It helped me smile.

[@houndmother2398]

My sensory diet consists of computers, too much noise, too much news. I listen to music and go outside to counter it. I wonder what real silence sounds like.

[@duckandbear]

It seems I've married a visual seeker whilst I am a visual avoider- whoops 😂

[@ProleCenter]

I can buy into some of this, but it seems to me that excessive navel-gazing, self-pity, and indulging a victim mentality is not helpful either on a personal or societal level.

[@mariecarie1]

You’re right-too much navel-gazing and wallowing in “why me?” isn’t helpful in the long run for just about anything. However, sensory sensitivities isn’t really so much victim mentality, but more of an involuntary reaction to certain stimuli, or an involuntary craving for more stimuli. It’s like how you would gag if you eat something rotten, or start tearing up and chugging water when you eat a hot pepper-or, conversely, how nice it feels to get a deep hug, or how good it feels to chug cold water on a hot day. Those are all involuntary reactions to stimuli. The way I’ve explained it to clients in the past is like this: imagine having to carry on a normal conversation while someone is scratching nails on a chalkboard *constantly*. Or squeaking their silverware on a plate *repeatedly*. It would drive you crazy, and you’d look for some way to get out of the room or get that person to stop. For some people, more mundane sounds like zooming cars, sudden car horns or something banging on the ground, or even people talking on TV can cause the exact same reaction that you’d get to nails on a chalkboard. Now, imagine you’re really stressed. What to most stressed people do? They bounce their leg, or pace back and forth, or eat something. They crave movement or intake. Sensory seeking. For some people, they need more sensory input than that-they need to pace a lot MORE, or rock back and forth, or spin in circles, or huddle under a weighted blanket. Then, they finally get the same kind of relief as someone who only needs to bounce their leg to feel better. It’s not so much about being a victim, or having an entitled, “princess and the pea” mentality. Some people have sensory processing turned up too high in some areas, and turned down too low in others. It’s a physical difference in how their brain is made. It’s not a choice, or something they can just choose to ignore very well. Again, could most people just ignore hearing nails on a chalkboard and be totally fine with it? It’s weird to think people experience life this way when you don’t, so it’s hard to wrap your head around. It was weird to me when I first heard about it, and before I became aware how sensory sensitive I actually am. But as someone who deals with sensory issues, I can safely say if I could choose to ignore how tight my clothes feel, or just how much feeling too hot messes bothers me, or how itchy my eyes are-all of which are sensory things that bother me WAY more than most people-I’d love to ignore it. But these things are nails on a chalkboard to me. My sensory processing is turned up too high in these areas, and there’s no real way to turn it back down because that’s how my brain is wired. Weird huh? (I’m not saying I’m an expert, or that I’ve even explained sensory differences all that well here. This is more me trying to introduce a new concept to someone who may have never considered them before, so please forgive/correct any inaccuracies I may have made)

[@gesundheitfuerempathen]

I have a question: why are you promoting meds here as if it should be super natural to everyone? To give such advice in general seems to be disturbing for me.

[@elenora67]

She wasn’t promoting meds atall. In fact, I love that she doesn’t ever promote meds. She was discussing an individual case, where in that case it was appropriate for that person to use meds. She was sharing that persons experience. That does not mean she is promoting meds

[@TJ-kk5zf]

When are we finally going to stop saying "your brain" when we just mean you?

[@cknelson2085]

I had a hard to time listening to you because of the “Hamas” scarf at the bottom of your bookcase. I was disturbed that someone as helpful as you could put a prop on your video encouraging anti-semitism.

[@ProleCenter]

"Neurodiverse." 😒

[@mairead354]

What's the problem? It's an actual term that's used.

[@andyroro556]

Thank you

[@austinbrown709]

Thanks!

[@austinbrown709]

Thanks!