Sensory Overload at the Beach
Living with autism sensory overload is a weekly if not daily occurrence, I was reminded of this when I visited the beach recently on holiday. While I like the beach there are aspects of sensory overload that make a visit difficult. First off is the sand and while I enjoy playing in the sand the aftermath of sand getting everywhere is hard to deal with like when it sticks to my feet this makes walking feel like a stinging burning sensation that lasts long after the sand has been removed.
Second is specific to the type of beach visited if it is a gravely beach this again makes walking hard I hate the feeling of rocks on my feet, soft sand I can deal with if it is not too hot but rocks and gravel are my nemesis on a beach I rather avoid these types of beaches. Third thing is the sea now the initial feeling of getting into the sea is nice and I don't mind swimming around the part that gets me is once I am out I start to feel all sticky and often need a shower once I have been swimming in the sea just to get rid of that sticky unpleasant feeling.
One more less visible sensory aspect is the heat I need shade to help keep me cool or I feel like my skin is burning this is not just a beach thing and I most definitely prefer being cold to being hot.
Sensory overload can always be managed things like taking a parasol or what we call a kiddie shelter for shade from the sun, maybe decide if you want to swim but be aware you will feel sticky afterwards. Try to avoid sitting on bare sand so you don't get coated like a donut.
Photo by Geio Tischler on Unsplash
