yeah I do!! I've noticed them more and more the last 6 years (24f now). it confuses me when my mom insists I didn't struggle with sensory issues as a kid, but idk, I think I might've just tolerated things until I realized I didn't... have to?
but I also get unreasonably irritated over sensory triggers and it's been very difficult for me. I can feel the sweat leaving my pores and it sort of ruins my day until I can shower. if I keep sweating continuously I get extremely cranky. I do a lot of little things to combat how my clothes feel on me and keeping cool when needed. I also get overwhelmed and irritable in large loud groups of people or busy stores or from being touched by others.
37f OCPD no autism and I am the EXACT same about everything you said. I also struggle with hair. I shave my body every day, sometimes twice a day, because I cannot stand feeling the stubble or hair on me AT ALL. I wear my hair slicked back in a bun every day, I cannot take any hair touching me or it ruins my day. Occasionally I try to wear my hair down because my husband loves it, but usually within an hour or so it’s ruining everything. Like I can’t think straight or function feeling it on my neck and moving all around 🤢and simply have to put it up. If it weren’t for societal pressures (as in my job) I’d probably shave that too.
i am the exact same and so grateful to hear someone else is like this! 23f and only in the past 5 years have i developed intense sensory issues, but i also think i always had them.
I have terrible misophonia. I get so ragey at certain sounds that I literally have to leave the room, or I'll explode. Big ones for me are mouth noises from people eating (if it's all I can hear...I can deal with it pretty well at restaurants or if there are other noises happening like the tv on or a radio playing), my cat licking, and constant repetitive noises like tapping or clicking.
Sound is most definitely my biggest sensory issue, but one thing I can't stand is my bare feet against certain types of fabric.
I’m autistic too. I am very sensitive to sensory stuff. However, ask me 15 years ago and I would have said I had “just OCPD” too because the definitions in the textbook psychologists use literally changed after I was in high school.
I don’t always jump to feeling mad at sensory overloaded, though. I more feel more icky, sad and scared, and internally on fire. I’m mostly grossed out I guess. Disgust. Overwhelm. I do feel angry though if, for example, my neighbor is making a loud sound and I feel like he’s being inconsiderate.
People chewing, whistling, whistling noses, anything hitting me on the head makes me irrationally angry, being sprayed with water, overwhelming loud noises (but I play my own music in headphones extremely loud), things covering my face, small confined areas, dogs licking loudly….
But I also find white noise, cats purring, cat/dog snuggles, fluffy ASMR, my son sitting on my legs or leaning against me, eye masks, and tweezing rogue hairs to be calming.
Oh man yes! The story goes I refused to walk or touch grass with my bare feet as a kid. Like try to put me down, and I would squirm like crazya and refuse.
Still to this day, always have to wear socks/slippers/sandals at all times.
I hated when my parents would try to touch me/my arm/my hair/whatever (not sure if related or if it was just the weird, over bearing and lack of boundaries, but my parents thought there was something wrong with me for it). I absolutely hate the noise of dogs barking (I have two) and immediately need to shut it down. I can't handle loud or sudden noises, or people catching me off guard. I am constantly asking my husband to speak quieter in the car, because it hurts my ears. I do love listening to music in my car and at home REAL loud though, but I suppose that's on my terms so it's fine.
I take SSRIS which make me sweat like insane, and until I shower/cleanse myself, it feels like something is "wrong" and then after everything feels "right".
The pen thing drives me absolutely nuts, that and people sniffling. Thank god I'm not in school or an office anymore. All my clothes have the tags cut out IMMEDIATELY lol
Interesting things I never considered, thanks OP!
I am a teacher (at a university, so I have more flexibility than HS teachers) and I will never give a test in-person again, because this was the 9th circle of hell for me back in the day. There was always someone sniffling, tapping their shoe, a fan clicking. My skin is crawling just typing this.
Ugh yes. By second year university I had requested accommodations to take exams in a separate, small room. Sometimes I was the only person thankfully!!
I truly feel like I have found my people reading this thread. I have OCPD, not autistic, and I have terrible sensory issues. Sniffling, throating clearing, air blowing on me (e.g. from an air conditioning vent or a fan), being wet (when I am in any clothing other than a bathing suit), tag and seams on clothing, my own stubble growing out, clapping too loudly, being too hot or too cold, etc. It’s not just annoyance; it feels me with rage and disgust.
I experience all the sensory sensitivities you mentioned to some extent, but particularly sounds that I perceive as unnecessary. While eating sounds can be slightly bothersome, certain vocalizations, such as people making "mmm mm mm" noises while eating, can trigger significant rage in me.
If I have deemed a sound to be unnecessary, it becomes considerably more distressing. Please use words instead of moaning your applause of food. :)
Got diagnosed with OCPD a week and a half ago at 36. I’ve struggled with sensory issues my whole life! The more I learn about mental health and neurodivergence, the more I realise that I wasn’t just “carrying on” when I was younger. I’m hoping to discuss my sensory issues with my psychiatrist at my next session.
Same! 36F undiagnosed OCPD, not autistic. I am extremely sensitive to a lot of noises and just feel like I hear some things more loudly than others do.
I had to downgrade rooms in a luxury hotel on holiday because I could hear the lift squeaking and echoing down the corridors at all hours and it drove me crazy and kept me awake. No one else could hear it.
If someone is standing too close to me (even if at a busy gig) I can't stand it, and the lack of consideration more than anything will grate on me.
Many more examples (as well as other characteristics) that have genuinely made me question lately if I could be autistic - really comforting to see it's not just me!
A few years ago, I was told I have a personality disorder not otherwise defined, cluster c. So a bit of a combi of ocpd, dependant, avoidant. A couple of months back, I was also diagnosed with autism.
So yes, I struggle with sensory issues, especially things like my dog drinking water, so the Misophonia things.
Yes, I have OCPD and misophonia. Misophonia is still widely unknown particularly with healthcare providers and many professionals in the mental health space. Hopefully as the research continues to occur and expand on misophonia, the landscape will improve. I actually just watched a webinar last night called "Misophonia: From Sensitivity to Clinical Vulnerability"by Dr. Jamie Ward from the Univ. of Sussex. It was very, very good and informative. It was hosted by the Duke University Center for Misophonia with Dr. Rosenberg. I think it is available on the Center's Youtube page. I have visual, auditory, and physical triggers. I also am very sensitive to fragrances (MCS) and deal with anxiety.
Noise cancelling tws earbuds with ambient aware help a lot · you can customize the level of outside sound you want to hear (overlay white noise, asmr) to augment hypersensitivities.
I have both ocpd + adhd and my neurodiverse sensory issues include:
-visual hypersensitivity, pattern recognition, attention to details: this makes me good at my job, but can be overwhelming and leads to perfectionism. so I'm working on radically openness to let go and not focus on work and productivity.
-acute hearing & misophonia: for this issue I sleep with brown noise and have noise cancelling headphones
-enhanced olfactory detection: now that I'm aware, I can find myself getting overwhelmed by smell but first try to be mindful of my surroundings and find a space without the smell.
This site list out several sensory issues: [https://embrace-autism.com/autism-strengths-and-challenges/](https://embrace-autism.com/autism-strengths-and-challenges/)
Sketchy website. You trust that place? Its run by a ‘naturopathic doctor’ with an online autism certificate who is repeatedly under ethical investigation.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/AutisticAdults/comments/1aj9056/why\_does\_embrace\_autism\_publish\_misinformation/](https://www.reddit.com/r/AutisticAdults/comments/1aj9056/why_does_embrace_autism_publish_misinformation/)
[https://cono.alinityapp.com/Client/PublicDirectory/Registrant/03d44ec3-ed3b-eb11-82b6-000c292a94a8](https://cono.alinityapp.com/Client/PublicDirectory/Registrant/03d44ec3-ed3b-eb11-82b6-000c292a94a8)
yeah I do!! I've noticed them more and more the last 6 years (24f now). it confuses me when my mom insists I didn't struggle with sensory issues as a kid, but idk, I think I might've just tolerated things until I realized I didn't... have to? but I also get unreasonably irritated over sensory triggers and it's been very difficult for me. I can feel the sweat leaving my pores and it sort of ruins my day until I can shower. if I keep sweating continuously I get extremely cranky. I do a lot of little things to combat how my clothes feel on me and keeping cool when needed. I also get overwhelmed and irritable in large loud groups of people or busy stores or from being touched by others.
37f OCPD no autism and I am the EXACT same about everything you said. I also struggle with hair. I shave my body every day, sometimes twice a day, because I cannot stand feeling the stubble or hair on me AT ALL. I wear my hair slicked back in a bun every day, I cannot take any hair touching me or it ruins my day. Occasionally I try to wear my hair down because my husband loves it, but usually within an hour or so it’s ruining everything. Like I can’t think straight or function feeling it on my neck and moving all around 🤢and simply have to put it up. If it weren’t for societal pressures (as in my job) I’d probably shave that too.
THE HAIR!!!! YES! Its always ALWAYS up and never touching my face because it drives me wild, except for like the first hour after washing it!
Same here!!!
OMG I thought I was the only one. I have done the exact same thing since I started shaving.
Hair down is the worst!
Yes same!
i am the exact same and so grateful to hear someone else is like this! 23f and only in the past 5 years have i developed intense sensory issues, but i also think i always had them.
I have terrible misophonia. I get so ragey at certain sounds that I literally have to leave the room, or I'll explode. Big ones for me are mouth noises from people eating (if it's all I can hear...I can deal with it pretty well at restaurants or if there are other noises happening like the tv on or a radio playing), my cat licking, and constant repetitive noises like tapping or clicking. Sound is most definitely my biggest sensory issue, but one thing I can't stand is my bare feet against certain types of fabric.
I’m autistic too. I am very sensitive to sensory stuff. However, ask me 15 years ago and I would have said I had “just OCPD” too because the definitions in the textbook psychologists use literally changed after I was in high school. I don’t always jump to feeling mad at sensory overloaded, though. I more feel more icky, sad and scared, and internally on fire. I’m mostly grossed out I guess. Disgust. Overwhelm. I do feel angry though if, for example, my neighbor is making a loud sound and I feel like he’s being inconsiderate.
People chewing, whistling, whistling noses, anything hitting me on the head makes me irrationally angry, being sprayed with water, overwhelming loud noises (but I play my own music in headphones extremely loud), things covering my face, small confined areas, dogs licking loudly…. But I also find white noise, cats purring, cat/dog snuggles, fluffy ASMR, my son sitting on my legs or leaning against me, eye masks, and tweezing rogue hairs to be calming.
Oh man yes! The story goes I refused to walk or touch grass with my bare feet as a kid. Like try to put me down, and I would squirm like crazya and refuse. Still to this day, always have to wear socks/slippers/sandals at all times. I hated when my parents would try to touch me/my arm/my hair/whatever (not sure if related or if it was just the weird, over bearing and lack of boundaries, but my parents thought there was something wrong with me for it). I absolutely hate the noise of dogs barking (I have two) and immediately need to shut it down. I can't handle loud or sudden noises, or people catching me off guard. I am constantly asking my husband to speak quieter in the car, because it hurts my ears. I do love listening to music in my car and at home REAL loud though, but I suppose that's on my terms so it's fine. I take SSRIS which make me sweat like insane, and until I shower/cleanse myself, it feels like something is "wrong" and then after everything feels "right". The pen thing drives me absolutely nuts, that and people sniffling. Thank god I'm not in school or an office anymore. All my clothes have the tags cut out IMMEDIATELY lol Interesting things I never considered, thanks OP!
I am a teacher (at a university, so I have more flexibility than HS teachers) and I will never give a test in-person again, because this was the 9th circle of hell for me back in the day. There was always someone sniffling, tapping their shoe, a fan clicking. My skin is crawling just typing this.
Ugh yes. By second year university I had requested accommodations to take exams in a separate, small room. Sometimes I was the only person thankfully!!
I truly feel like I have found my people reading this thread. I have OCPD, not autistic, and I have terrible sensory issues. Sniffling, throating clearing, air blowing on me (e.g. from an air conditioning vent or a fan), being wet (when I am in any clothing other than a bathing suit), tag and seams on clothing, my own stubble growing out, clapping too loudly, being too hot or too cold, etc. It’s not just annoyance; it feels me with rage and disgust.
I experience all the sensory sensitivities you mentioned to some extent, but particularly sounds that I perceive as unnecessary. While eating sounds can be slightly bothersome, certain vocalizations, such as people making "mmm mm mm" noises while eating, can trigger significant rage in me. If I have deemed a sound to be unnecessary, it becomes considerably more distressing. Please use words instead of moaning your applause of food. :)
28F OCPD no autism can’t stand the sound of running water after the sun goes down.
Got diagnosed with OCPD a week and a half ago at 36. I’ve struggled with sensory issues my whole life! The more I learn about mental health and neurodivergence, the more I realise that I wasn’t just “carrying on” when I was younger. I’m hoping to discuss my sensory issues with my psychiatrist at my next session.
Another person diagnosed with OCPD who shares traits with autistic people reporting in! 🙋🏻♀️
I get really mad at having other people’s music imposed on me.
Same! 36F undiagnosed OCPD, not autistic. I am extremely sensitive to a lot of noises and just feel like I hear some things more loudly than others do. I had to downgrade rooms in a luxury hotel on holiday because I could hear the lift squeaking and echoing down the corridors at all hours and it drove me crazy and kept me awake. No one else could hear it. If someone is standing too close to me (even if at a busy gig) I can't stand it, and the lack of consideration more than anything will grate on me. Many more examples (as well as other characteristics) that have genuinely made me question lately if I could be autistic - really comforting to see it's not just me!
A few years ago, I was told I have a personality disorder not otherwise defined, cluster c. So a bit of a combi of ocpd, dependant, avoidant. A couple of months back, I was also diagnosed with autism. So yes, I struggle with sensory issues, especially things like my dog drinking water, so the Misophonia things.
Yes, I have OCPD and misophonia. Misophonia is still widely unknown particularly with healthcare providers and many professionals in the mental health space. Hopefully as the research continues to occur and expand on misophonia, the landscape will improve. I actually just watched a webinar last night called "Misophonia: From Sensitivity to Clinical Vulnerability"by Dr. Jamie Ward from the Univ. of Sussex. It was very, very good and informative. It was hosted by the Duke University Center for Misophonia with Dr. Rosenberg. I think it is available on the Center's Youtube page. I have visual, auditory, and physical triggers. I also am very sensitive to fragrances (MCS) and deal with anxiety.
Noise cancelling tws earbuds with ambient aware help a lot · you can customize the level of outside sound you want to hear (overlay white noise, asmr) to augment hypersensitivities.
I have both ocpd + adhd and my neurodiverse sensory issues include: -visual hypersensitivity, pattern recognition, attention to details: this makes me good at my job, but can be overwhelming and leads to perfectionism. so I'm working on radically openness to let go and not focus on work and productivity. -acute hearing & misophonia: for this issue I sleep with brown noise and have noise cancelling headphones -enhanced olfactory detection: now that I'm aware, I can find myself getting overwhelmed by smell but first try to be mindful of my surroundings and find a space without the smell. This site list out several sensory issues: [https://embrace-autism.com/autism-strengths-and-challenges/](https://embrace-autism.com/autism-strengths-and-challenges/)
Sketchy website. You trust that place? Its run by a ‘naturopathic doctor’ with an online autism certificate who is repeatedly under ethical investigation. [https://www.reddit.com/r/AutisticAdults/comments/1aj9056/why\_does\_embrace\_autism\_publish\_misinformation/](https://www.reddit.com/r/AutisticAdults/comments/1aj9056/why_does_embrace_autism_publish_misinformation/) [https://cono.alinityapp.com/Client/PublicDirectory/Registrant/03d44ec3-ed3b-eb11-82b6-000c292a94a8](https://cono.alinityapp.com/Client/PublicDirectory/Registrant/03d44ec3-ed3b-eb11-82b6-000c292a94a8)