I must be related to dogs. I have unusually sensitive hearing, and I always have. I mean, it isn't just loud sounds that I react to. I can hear the buzzing of lights (electricity) that others don't notice. I can tell the change in pitch when lightbulb is about to go out. When students drop their binders on the floor rather than placing them, the slam makes me jump. Every...single...time. So imagine me as a little thing, maybe five or six, going to the annual fireworks show with my family.
I was petrified. I cried the entire time. I'm sure my parents were at their wit's end, not knowing what to do with me. But they were determined to stay and enjoy the show - a big one that attracted so many people that my father would leave during the grand finale to avoid the gridlock of automobile-exodus.
A lot of children are screaming at fireworks displays. I bet that an informal survey would show the crying kids would nearly all be sensory-sensitive. The causes of the discomfort are many:
As I have aged, I have become better able to manage these kinds of situations. But the anxiety from childhood me remains. Until I had my own children, I avoided this event, watching on television in the quiet comfort of my own home. I don't remember whether my kids asked to go see a fireworks display or I took them of my own accord. They weren't rattled by the crowds or the noise. We didn't go every year. I can't handle that, but we went. They enjoyed it.
Some years I seem to be more sensitive than others. This year, it seemed, my sense-o-meter was on high. (Set to 11, for you Spinal Tap fans) Someone turned up the volume on the explosions. I can't explain it, but they were louder this year than before. They were quite beautiful, though. I kept identifying the chemicals based on the colors. Great explanation here, and a little more about photon emissions here.
I know, I know. It is me. I couldn't stay to the end. Fortunately, the daughter had to get up early for work today (the day after) and was more than agreeable with leaving before the finale, so as to avoid an extended time sitting in our car trying to get home. I have thought about wearing ear plugs, but it isn't just the noise. It is 'the everything'. Just too much sensory input.
Today I am suffering from hives. They could be caused by the bug repellent I wore (and showered off the minute I got back home), but I don't think so, since I didn't spray under my clothing and the hives are on my trunk, not my arms and legs. I just think my body is rebelling. It happens to me all the time, as part of dealing with an auto-immune disease.
It is frustrating, but at least as an adult, I understand and can minimize my exposure. That means I won't ever see an outdoor concert, Shakespeare in the Park, or a parade. Parents, if you have a child who cries at events like these, maybe they have over-reactive senses. Anyone who does not experience these issues cannot relate to how someone in this situation feels "under attack". I haven't found a way to exist without society, so I have learned to tolerate these experiences when I have to.
Even at school, our "Field Day" is a test of my endurance. It takes every ounce of energy I have to make it through the day for the students. When one has a melt-down, I want to join him! Teachers and administrators, please be aware that pep-rallies, basketball games (OMG those buzzers!!!), carnivals, and other events that are overly stimulating to the senses are nightmare situations for some students. Make sure you have a dark, quiet room where these students can go and recover during the festivities. At one of our events, I volunteered to run a quiet game room as an alternative for these students, as well as for me! No computers or phones were allowed. It was a huge success. Some of the folks who took advantage of learning new card games and board games were introverts, others were sensitive to the DJ and dance going on, and some were both. All were relieved to have the choice.
I have a year to recover from this year's fireworks display before I have to decide whether to brave the next one. Maybe I will get lucky and rain will make my decision for me. Go ahead and call me super-sensitive. I am.
I was petrified. I cried the entire time. I'm sure my parents were at their wit's end, not knowing what to do with me. But they were determined to stay and enjoy the show - a big one that attracted so many people that my father would leave during the grand finale to avoid the gridlock of automobile-exodus.
A lot of children are screaming at fireworks displays. I bet that an informal survey would show the crying kids would nearly all be sensory-sensitive. The causes of the discomfort are many:
- exhaustion
- heat
- too many people
- too many smells (sunscreen, smoke from cookouts, sparklers, bug spray, cigarette smokers, beer and so on...)
- bugs
- and... the noise, especially if there is a soundtrack or band accompanying the display.
As I have aged, I have become better able to manage these kinds of situations. But the anxiety from childhood me remains. Until I had my own children, I avoided this event, watching on television in the quiet comfort of my own home. I don't remember whether my kids asked to go see a fireworks display or I took them of my own accord. They weren't rattled by the crowds or the noise. We didn't go every year. I can't handle that, but we went. They enjoyed it.
Some years I seem to be more sensitive than others. This year, it seemed, my sense-o-meter was on high. (Set to 11, for you Spinal Tap fans) Someone turned up the volume on the explosions. I can't explain it, but they were louder this year than before. They were quite beautiful, though. I kept identifying the chemicals based on the colors. Great explanation here, and a little more about photon emissions here.
I know, I know. It is me. I couldn't stay to the end. Fortunately, the daughter had to get up early for work today (the day after) and was more than agreeable with leaving before the finale, so as to avoid an extended time sitting in our car trying to get home. I have thought about wearing ear plugs, but it isn't just the noise. It is 'the everything'. Just too much sensory input.
Today I am suffering from hives. They could be caused by the bug repellent I wore (and showered off the minute I got back home), but I don't think so, since I didn't spray under my clothing and the hives are on my trunk, not my arms and legs. I just think my body is rebelling. It happens to me all the time, as part of dealing with an auto-immune disease.
It is frustrating, but at least as an adult, I understand and can minimize my exposure. That means I won't ever see an outdoor concert, Shakespeare in the Park, or a parade. Parents, if you have a child who cries at events like these, maybe they have over-reactive senses. Anyone who does not experience these issues cannot relate to how someone in this situation feels "under attack". I haven't found a way to exist without society, so I have learned to tolerate these experiences when I have to.
Even at school, our "Field Day" is a test of my endurance. It takes every ounce of energy I have to make it through the day for the students. When one has a melt-down, I want to join him! Teachers and administrators, please be aware that pep-rallies, basketball games (OMG those buzzers!!!), carnivals, and other events that are overly stimulating to the senses are nightmare situations for some students. Make sure you have a dark, quiet room where these students can go and recover during the festivities. At one of our events, I volunteered to run a quiet game room as an alternative for these students, as well as for me! No computers or phones were allowed. It was a huge success. Some of the folks who took advantage of learning new card games and board games were introverts, others were sensitive to the DJ and dance going on, and some were both. All were relieved to have the choice.
I have a year to recover from this year's fireworks display before I have to decide whether to brave the next one. Maybe I will get lucky and rain will make my decision for me. Go ahead and call me super-sensitive. I am.