COVID and the Shared Experienced of Sensory Overload

From Everyday Errands to Sensory Overwhelm: How the Pandemic Changed Our World

Remember the pre-pandemic grocery run? A quick dash in and out of the store, grabbing essentials without a second thought. Something that we have all returned to, today! Now, cast your mind back to your first foray into the grocery store during the pandemic:

• The once-familiar aisles were transformed into a new maze of arrows to follow.
• Plexiglass barriers lined the cash registers, creating a physical and visual barrier.
• Deciphering often conflicting directional signs on the floor, on stands and hanging from the ceiling became a new mental hurdle.
• The constant whoosh of automatic hand sanitizer dispensers added another layer of background noise.
• And on top of it all, maintaining a safe distance from fellow shoppers felt like an obstacle course.
• Finally. communication became an exercise in frustration. Masks muffled voices, turning conversations into muffled mumbles. Plexiglass barriers created a physical barrier that also distorted sound waves, making it even harder to catch what someone was saying. Lipreading, a crucial tool for some with hearing difficulties, became a lost art as smiles were hidden and mouths obscured.

It was a sensory disconnect, leaving you feeling isolated even in a crowd. It’s important to acknowledge that public health measures like masks and plexiglass barriers were, and often still are, essential in protecting ourselves and others from illness. However, the focus here is on understanding the unintended consequences of these measures, particularly for those with sensory sensitivities, and exploring ways to create more inclusive spaces that work for everyone.

Beyond a Pandemic Phenomenon: Sensory Overload and the Lived Experience of Many

The pandemic undeniably ushered in a period of heightened sensory overload for everyone. From the constant hum of sanitizers to the visual clutter of directional signs, our daily environments became a sensory minefield. However, for many people, this heightened awareness wasn’t a temporary inconvenience, but a glimpse into a reality they’ve always known. Individuals with autism, sensory processing disorder, and other underlying disabilities often navigate a world brimming with overwhelming stimuli. The pandemic, and our collective return to a busy, noisy, bright world, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges they face every day, highlighting the need for a more inclusive and sensory-friendly approach to public spaces and everyday interactions.

This blog post delves into the challenges of sensory overload in a post-pandemic world, explores its connection to long COVID, and offers practical solutions to create more inclusive spaces for everyone.

Sensory Overload 101: A Universal Experience

Sensory overload occurs when our senses become overwhelmed by excessive stimuli. It can manifest in various ways, from feeling overwhelmed by loud noises or bright lights to experiencing discomfort with certain textures or strong smells. While often associated with neurodiversity and diagnoses like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or sensory processing disorder (SPD), sensory sensitivities can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. Additionally, conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), post-concussion syndrome, and even hearing loss can heighten sensory sensitivities.

A Double Whammy for Sensitive Souls: Survey Insights Reveal How COVID-19 Heightened Sensory Overload

In an effort to understand the impact of COVID-19 on sensory experiences, Sensory Friendly Solutions conducted a survey during the pandemic. We heard directly from a diverse range of individuals, seeking to shed light on how the pandemic altered their daily interactions with the world. The question we posed was simple yet powerful: “How has COVID-19 changed your sensory experience?”

“I am having difficulty having conversations because I
feel overwhelmed. Household noises are sending me into
panic attacks. I cannot have the TV on when trying to
speak to someone.”

-Survey respondent

Another common issue associated with masks is the inability to see facial expressions or read lips. You may not even realize it but we all watch people’s mouths when they speak. Did you know that 5% of the population has disabling hearing loss? Masks and glass barriers make hearing more difficult. It is a huge issue for people with limited hearing. Hearing aids do not solve the problem! And the personal experience of our Founder and CEO Christel Seeberger can attest to that. Clear masks or masks with a clear section are a fantastic solution!

“Being required to wear masks in all public places causes feelings of claustrophobia. It gets humid and uncomfortable. I can no longer read other people’s lips to help me hear or understand what they’re saying. And a large percentage of communication is lost without facial expressions.”

-Survey respondent.

Another impact of the pandemic on sensory overload was hand sanitizer. The strong scent of sanitizer can cause a sensory overload response.

“Also exposed to off gasing (sic) from chemical
sanitizers, often up to a dozen uses per day. My throat
swells, my voice becomes hoarse and gruff which affects
my ability to communicate effectively.”

-Survey respondent.

For those with pre-existing sensitivities, the pandemic intensified these challenges in a dramatic way. Everyday tasks that were once manageable became overwhelming obstacle courses. The constant barrage of sights, sounds, and smells that many of us experienced during the pandemic was a daily reality for them.

Long COVID and Sensory Overload: A Lingering Effect

However, the impact wasn’t limited to those with pre-existing conditions. The pandemic served as a crash course in sensory overload for a whole new segment of the population. Moreover, with the emergence of long COVID, a growing number of people are now experiencing heightened sensory sensitivities for the first time. These can include noise sensitivity, light sensitivity, and even an aversion to certain smells.

For millions grappling with long COVID, the sensory issues don’t vanish with the virus. The World Health Organization shares one families experience of living with long COVID. These lingering effects highlight the need for ongoing awareness and the creation of more sensory-friendly environments.

From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Creating Sensory-Friendly Spaces

The good news is that simple adjustments can make a big difference. Here are some actionable steps to create more inclusive spaces:

• Visual Comfort: Dimmable lighting options, designated quiet areas, and a reduction in visual clutter (think fewer signs and busy patterns) can significantly improve the experience for those with visual sensitivities.
• Auditory Considerations: Offer designated quiet zones or areas with lower noise levels. Consider providing noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs for loan.
• Tactile Awareness: Incorporate a variety of textures in your environment, such as soft seating options, and offer fidget toys upon request. Ensure clear signage with raised lettering or Braille for guests with visual impairments.
• Scent Sensitivity: Be mindful of strong fragrances. Limit the use of artificial air fresheners and scented candles.
• Communication Strategies: Train staff on how to communicate effectively with guests who may have sensory sensitivities. Offer clear and concise information, both verbally and visually. Consider providing social narratives for upcoming activities, especially for autistic travelers or those with social anxiety.

Equipping staff with sensory-friendliness training fosters a more welcoming environment, improves communication, and empowers them to better serve all guests, including those with sensory sensitivities. Take our Sensory Friendly 101 Course, it is also part of our low cost Training Membership, that gives you all the courses you need to offer a sensory-friendly experiences. Watch a short video invitation below:

Sensory-Friendly Solutions: Beyond the Blog

This blog post is just the beginning of the conversation. Sensory Friendly Solutions offers a wealth of resources, including comprehensive training programs, certification and product recognition to empower businesses and organizations to create inclusive environments.

Here are some additional blogs you might find helpful:

• Who Has Sensory Sensitivity?
• What Does It Mean to be Sensory Sensitive?
• Sensory Overload: Is it a Problem in Your Life?
• How to Manage Sensory Overload in Adults

Remember, fostering sensory-friendly practices is not just about compliance; it’s about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your space caters to a wider audience, fosters positive customer experiences, and positions yourself as a leader in accessibility and inclusivity.