Sensory overload

[Flopisfatteningbingforchristmas]

I’m long suspected I have ASD. I’ve just had an awful experience of what I think is sensory overload, triggered by bright shops and kids (clarks in August!). How do you prevent sensory overload and deal with it when it happens?

How do you prevent sensory overload and deal with it when it happens?

I prevent it by being careful about the places I frequent/days of the week/times etc. For example, I do not shop in Asda, ever. Or Tesco. Too busy, too messy, cramped displays.

When it happens I remove myself from the situation as soon as possible to avoid feeling completely overwhelmed and risking meltdown.

Hi, it's awful isn't it. Dd seeks out her room whenever we have been out for the day or away from home. She needs quiet and calm for at least 24 hours afterwards.
I've bought a Clark's shoe measure online and measure their feet myself and shop online to avoid the hoards of people. Alternatively we travel by train for a day out to a country town and go to the Clark's shop there as it's much quieter.
I need to get 2 lots of school shoes and am dreading it.
I'm an avoider of all things overwhelming where possible. I have noise cancelling headphones. They help if I play music and then I can't hear noisy people so much.
Try to breathe slowly and calmly when you feel yourself starting to get overwhelmed but generally I avoid or leave the situation. I say no to social events now.

Headphones and sunglasses. I wouldn't be without them.

Seconding headphones and sunglasses.

If it’s safe to, I just walk away, as a way of calming. Of course, it’s not always an option.

I pick my settings carefully. To use your example, I couldn't even imagine coping in Clarks. I drive my boys 25 minutes out of town to a small independent shoe shop. It's quieter and I always call them before hand to make sure they seat us in the corner out of the way. I never ever go shopping when it's super busy.p