Sensory sensitivity challenges everyday life – sensory overload can have significant effects on mental health and social functioning
For individuals with sensory sensitivity, the threshold for perceiving stimuli may be lower than usual, or their ability to adapt to repeated stimuli may be impaired. They may start avoiding overwhelming situations or become easily anxious. In children, excessive sensory overload can manifest as irritability or tantrums.
Days at daycare, school, or work can be particularly demanding when a child or adult is hypersensitive to stimuli from one or multiple sensory channels.
"A person with sensory sensitivity has to make a significant effort to focus because distracting stimuli constantly draw their attention, as they do not adapt to them in the same way most people do. The sensation does not fade; for example, a piece of clothing that feels rough against the skin will continue to feel that way all day," explains Katja Jussila, University Lecturer at the University of Oulu and leader of the SenSo sensory research project.
Eating, dressing, and hygiene routines can be challenging for individuals with sensory sensitivity. Different food textures can be so unpleasant that they trigger a gag reflex. Clattering dishes, people moving around, and background chatter can overload the auditory system, while bright lighting can strain the visual system.
Unexpected touches and brushes in group dressing situations can be overwhelming, and wearing socks or underwear may feel uncomfortable. Some individuals may never fully adapt to layering clothing throughout an entire winter. In the shower, water droplets can feel like sharp pricks on the skin, and wet skin and hair may be unbearable. Brushing teeth, washing hands and face, or cutting nails can be distressing for those with tactile hypersensitivity.
The SenSo research project aims to investigate how sensory regulation difficulties relate to developmental challenges and psychiatric symptoms.
The study examines how the perceived stressfulness of learning and working environments affects symptoms and sensory regulation difficulties. Open-plan workplaces and learning spaces particularly strain auditory and visual processing. Thus, modifying the physical environment is crucial for managing sensory overload.
Recognizing sensory sensitivities is essential. "Raising awareness about sensory regulation difficulties is critically important so that children and adults receive the support they need," says Katja Jussila.
"The most effective way to prevent overload is through proactive measures. Daycares, schools, and workplaces should consider sensory accessibility by adjusting lighting, scents, acoustics, and spatial design to accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities," she adds.
Fast-paced stimuli from screens also contribute to sensory overload. "We aim to investigate how screen time and physical activity levels are related to sensory regulation difficulties. It is possible that these difficulties are not more prevalent than before, but modern environments and lifestyles may highlight them more," says Doctoral Researcher Anna Korkiakoski.
The study's findings will help identify individuals at increased risk for developmental challenges and psychiatric vulnerabilities. This enables early support and rehabilitation as well as the consideration of accessibility in everyday environments and practices. The study is conducted as a survey.
The research is conducted by the Neurodiversity Research Group at the Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Oulu. It is funded by the University of Oulu Graduate School and Hogrefe Psykologien Kustannus Oy.