Sensory overload isn’t being “picky”, “defiant”, or “difficult” — it’s a nervous system under pressure.

In this episode of Different Is Normal, we unpack what sensory overload actually feels like for neurodivergent kids and adults, and why everyday things like food, clothing, noise, routines, and school environments can become overwhelming.

As parents and education support workers, we share real-life experiences of sensory processing differences — from food sensitivities and clothing tags to showers, transitions, and classroom expectations — and how these are often misunderstood as behaviour problems.

This is Sensory 101: neuro-affirming, practical, and grounded in lived experience.

You’ll hear:

• What sensory overload actually feels like inside the body
• Why food preferences and routines are often sensory, not behavioural
• How sensory needs show up differently at home and at school
• Why behaviour is communication — not defiance
• Small, realistic adjustments that make a big difference

We also reference the Sensory Processing Wheel by Lindsay Braman, a simple, neuro-affirming visual that explains the full range of sensory systems — including proprioceptive and interoceptive senses — and why regulation looks different for every person.

👉 Learn more about the Sensory Processing Wheel here:

https://lindsaybraman.com/sensory-processing-wheel/

If you’re a parent, education support worker, teacher, or neurodivergent adult, this episode will help you better understand sensory load — and why support starts with curiosity, not control.

Different was never the problem. Pressure was.

00:00 What Sensory Overload Really Is

02:52 Food Sensitivities and Sensory Processing

05:14 Why Daily Routines Can Be Overwhelming

07:56 Clothing, Tags, and Comfort

10:41 Sensory Needs and “Behaviour”

15:54 Masking and Communication

23:14 Sensory Load Across Environments

26:14 Building Rapport and Safety at School

31:34 Parent–School Collaboration

34:09 Small Adjustments, Big Impact

37:39 Choice, Autonomy, and Regulation

49:12 Celebrating Small Wins

sensory overload, sensory processing, neurodiversity, autism, sensory needs, interoception, proprioception, education support, inclusive classrooms, parenting neurodivergent children