How do we perceive the world? Is my red your magenta? Is that why people wear Hawaiian shirts and others are blinded by them?
Autism Spectrum Conditions have a sensory element of either being under or over-sensitive to stimuli. This sensory processing difference is often seen as just part of the symptoms. I, however, think that either the sensitivity or under sensitivity is a key part of autism rather than a simple symptom. Socialising and communicating are going to be more difficult if you have to process all the assaults on your senses.
My senses are hypersensitive. I have only recently discovered this or at least become consciously aware. I should have realised. I once threw my husband out of the car for eating an apple. It was just too crunchy.
Showers are a massive problem. When I was a teenager I hardly showered and that wasn't just because I was a teenager. The water comes at you like little knives. You have to cower in the corner of the cubicle beside the loofer. If you had a loofer, which you don't.
I get in my car and the stereo is too loud. It is particularly odd because I am the only one who touches the stereo. I have made my own stereo too loud. That is an important thing to remember. That my sensory reaction changes over time. Sometimes I can go to a party other times daylight is painful. It feels like a hangover. Sunglasses on even when it is raining. Most people think that my reaction lenses are slow to react. Why else would I be where sunglasses indoors or in November?
Sometimes I listen to loud music and at other times someone clearing their throat frightens me to death.
The biggest clue to my autism was supermarkets. Whoever invented vast warehouses full of flashing lights, smells, music and hundreds of people were clearly not autistic. That is why we have online shopping. Unfortunately, you still have to open the door to the delivery man. Everything has its downsides. We need to iron that out.
If you see me in shades, with headphones on, with head down. I am blocking out the world in order to exist in it.
Turn the light off would you?
The Hawaiian shirt is between you and your conscious.