Taboords

Psychology

What does Sensory overload mean?

When light, sound, smell or touch pass the limit and the system jams or blows.

  • Circulation: medium
  • Source language: en
  • Translatable: yes

Definition

Sensory overload names the cup running over. A mall, a party, an open office. It is not fuss about volume. Autistic people and many with ADHD report shutdown (switching off) or meltdown (spilling over) afterwards. The word asks for an environment change, not a resilience speech. Headphones, shade, an exit: crutches, not caprice.

Origin

English from autistic and occupational communities.

History

From the clinical report to the TikTok card with the list of what blows.

How it emerged

Too loud did not describe the collapse of processing.

Usage examples

  • The office fluorescent is overload on notice.

  • Leaving is not drama; it is regulation.

Translations

  • pt sobrecarga sensorial
  • en sensory overload
  • es sobrecarga sensorial

Synonyms

  • sensory overflow
  • the blow
  • too much input

Related terms

Psychology Autistic burnout A lasting exhaustion after masking and overload: skills drop, the body asks for seclusion. Psychology Masking Hiding autistic or ADHD traits to pass as neurotypical: social script, smile, imitation. Psychology Stimming A repeated movement or sound that regulates the system: rocking, clicking, repeating a phrase.

Questions

What is sensory overload?

When sensory input passes what the system can process and there is a jam or a blow.

Is it anxiety?

They can mix. The core here is sensory, not only worry.

What helps?

Cutting input. This site does not treat.

By Kevin Henrique · Updated August 19, 2026