For many people, stress comes from obvious things like school, homework, or social pressure. But for many children with autism, stress often comes from something that seems much smaller at first: sensory input that feels way too intense. For example, bright lights, loud classrooms, squeaky floors, scratchy clothing, or crowded hallways can make a normal environment feel overwhelming, even when nothing “bad” is happening. According to the Autism Research Institute, sensory sensitivities are very common in autism and can affect how children experience daily life and manage stress. That’s why some places can feel like more than just annoying — they can actually make a kid feel overloaded, tense, or anxious without any obvious reason to an outsider… Continue reading Stress and Sensory Sensitivities: How Sensory Sensitivities Contribute to Stress and Anxiety, and Techniques for Reducing Sensory Overload in Everyday Environments