Video Helps Us Experience Sensory-Overload Along With Boy With Autism

April is dedicated to the understanding of a disorder so varied that no two people affected are alike. Autism, affecting 1 in 68 children, is a condition wherein "the primary symptoms include problems with communication and social interaction as well as repetitive interests and activities." . Along with these deficits many living with autism will experience sensory-seeking or sensory-defensive behaviours, or sometimes a combination of both.

As the parent of a little girl on the spectrum it has been difficult to truly understand how she, being wired so differently, experiences the world. Because autism is primarily a communication disorder it is has been impossible, so far, for her to articulate how she is feeling during, or even after, an episode of sensory-overload. She's almost six and for the most part when we ask her, she answers like this: " I fink my brain is not listening to me."

There have been many times where we would both leave the grocery store in tears because of the overwhelming nature of the store. Her kicking and screaming and me leaving a cart full of groceries behind and avoiding the disapproving stares of other patrons as we make our way back to car. We've left birthday parties and movie theatres and it's been confusing and heart-breaking to say the least.

Now, we are not new to the world of autism and I've read every peer-reviewed piece of literature I could get my hands on but it wasn't until I saw the video below that I felt I could truly understand a small piece of my little girl's disobedient brain.

Take a minute and a half and watch this video by the UK's National Autistic Society. And then share this post to continue to spread awareness and encourage acceptance for those living with autism.