Holiday Sensory Overload

With summer just around the corner and Memorial Day festivities at hand, it is important to remember the sensory issues for those affected by ASD disorders.  Holiday parades can be loud and over stimulating for someone on the autism spectrum to cope with sensory overload.  While it is important to include ASD individuals in holiday fun, it might be a good idea to take the ASD individual somewhere where it is quiet or where they can be alone so they can better manage the multitude of sensations that accompany BBQs or holiday parades.  Beaches and parks can be over stimulating for ASD individuals as well.  Sensory overload could be caused by the most unlikely stimuli.  For example, I stock shelves and fold clothes at a local supermarket.  I have noticed that I feel a little queasy by just looking at a certain bright, black and white striped shirt.  It just hurts my eyes to look at it.  It produces a feeling that I can't quite put into words but I can describe in feelings, such as a queasy feeling in my stomach and my vision kind of swims before my eyes.  One thing is certain; I would never buy that shirt!