Symptoms of Sensory Defensiveness

Sensory defensiveness, which is hypersensitivity to sensation that the average person can generally tune out creates varying levels of stress and trauma that mimic, exaggerate, or result in many psychiatric conditions. These include:

Feeling annoyed when certain textures touch your skin
Recoiling to light, ticklish touch or when someone, particularly a stranger, unexpectedly touches you
Shunning crowds
Startling to loud, sudden, or piercing sounds; being unable to shut out constant noise
Wincing at bright lights; becoming disorganized by excessive visual stimulation
Grimacing at odors others don’t notice
Feeling light-headed and sick from chemicals in the environment
Avoiding foods of a certain taste or texture
Feeling anxious when:
- Experiencing sudden or fast movement
- Leaning forward or backward
- Confronted with heights, unstable surfaces, swings, or roller coasters