Sensory overload with autism feels like young Clark Kent in Man of Steel—every sound, light, and texture hitting all at once, overwhelming and inescapable. But unlike Clark, we don’t have X-ray vision—just the urge to escape, cover our ears, or shut down.
Even small things, like a sudden noise or a strong smell, can feel like an ambush. Some of us stim, some shut down, and most just wish the world came with a volume knob. A little understanding (and maybe noise-canceling headphones) goes a long way.