Richard LittlerJun 25, 2023
I went to a busy flea market this morning. This is how my neurodivergent brain (#AuDHD) works.
It seems to me that neurotypical brains can filter out/edit/moderate incoming stimuli or data more easily than #neurodivergent ones. For me, it's particularly noticeable with sound. So, I created a comparison to show you what I mean.
Image #1: Neurotypical brain
Image #2: Neurodivergent brain
@actuallyautistic #ASD #Autism #adhd
Show threadRichard Littler
Perhaps this is why autistic people are much more adept at spotting details and patterns in data, but it also illustrates how they can become more quickly overwhelmed.
#autism #asd
@actuallyautistic
Jun 25, 2023 at 12:06pmWeb
Show threadRichard LittlerJun 25, 2023

...and by 'overwhelmed' I mean:

Me: 'Grr. That infernal noise outside is driving me insane!'

Wife: 'What noise? All I can hear is birds.'

Me: 'Exactly!'

@actuallyautistic
#austism #asd

Show threadacbJun 25, 2023
@Richard_Littler There was a cartoon in an old (80s?) issue of Punch showing the offices of the Noise Abatement Society. In it, a man sitting at a desk was clutching his ears and grimacing in pain; outside the window, a leaf fell from a tree.
Show threadLeather Cub Andrew AûJun 25, 2023

@Richard_Littler I've actually had different reactions depending on which noises bother me. Conversations that are loud enough for me to hear when I'm not that close... thumping especially from overhead, lawn equipment, some power tools, as far as birds go it depends if they are chirping or squawking (I get overwhelmed by the squawking), fireworks @actuallyautistic

edit: I forgot to mention screaming kids... a huge trigger for me

Show threadPaul ChernoffJun 25, 2023
@Richard_Littler @actuallyautistic as part of the FTD caregiver community we notice a lot with our Loved Ones. They can’t filter out background noise and often a busy situation will overwhelm them.
Show threadNeverfadingwood 🇺🇦Jun 25, 2023
@Richard_Littler @actuallyautistic Yes, that's exactly how I feel. I don't have ADHD but I am autistic, and selecting the things I should be paying attention to is a nightmare. I'm used to feeling overwhelmed, though. It's the story of my life.
Show threadLeather Cub Andrew AûJun 25, 2023
@Richard_Littler that actually makes sense to me.
@actuallyautistic
Show threadMikeJun 25, 2023
@Richard_Littler @actuallyautistic Auditory Processing Disorder. All me, dude. ASD, all the way.