My name is Suzanna, and I have recently stepped into a new role as The A List Socialite. It is an exciting hybrid position that brings together blogging, consulting, and attending events on behalf of The A List.
On Sunday, I attended The A List’s first birthday celebration. It was a big day, full of energy, people, and activity. And despite a few challenges along the way, I genuinely had a lot of fun.
Sometimes, at events like this, I experience sensory overwhelm. This is something many Autistic people can relate to. For me, it often shows up as a fuzzy headache and a short period where I find it hard to concentrate.
What I appreciate about being very self-aware is that I can recognise what is happening in my body and mind, and I can use strategies in the moment to reduce the impact of auditory and sensory overload.
My Go-To Strategies for Sensory Overwhelm
When I start to feel overwhelmed, these are some of the things that help ground me and bring my nervous system back into balance.
I focus on taking slow, deep breaths.
I close my eyes for a few seconds at a time to reduce visual input.
I take frequent bathroom breaks and give myself time in a quiet space.
I involve myself in painting and creative activities. At the event, I painted a butterfly, a bow, and a unicorn.
I assist and talk with the children and families at my art table, which helps me feel connected and purposeful.
I listen to music or calming sounds through noise-cancelling headphones.
These small actions make a big difference. They help me stay present and prevent the overwhelm from building to a point where it feels unmanageable.
Finding Joy Through Happy Triggers
In addition to practical strategies, I also rely on what I call my “happy triggers.”
Happy triggers are things that bring me genuine joy, comfort, or a sense of calm. They help me stay in the moment.
Being present is important to me. When I stay focused on the past, I can start to feel low. When I focus too much on the future, I can feel anxious. Happy triggers give me something positive to anchor myself to in the here and now.
When I can maintain a lighter, happier mood, I find that I connect better with the people around me. I enjoy the experience more fully, and I am more likely to walk away with warm, meaningful memories of the day.
My Favourite Happy Triggers From the Party
A few things at the birthday event brought me particular joy.
One was food. My favourite treat of the day was a Kinder chocolate bar.
Another was music. My favourite song from the silent disco was My Chance by The Rhinos.
And finally, colour. The party cake featured rainbow icing, rainbow smarties, and colourful layered cake. Even my skirt joined in, as it was an iridescent rainbow. Being surrounded by colour made me feel uplifted and energised.
A Personal Takeaway
If there is one message I took away from my time at the One&All Hub, it is this: I am stronger than I think.
There were moments of sensory and emotional difficulty throughout the day. Those moments can be physically, emotionally, socially, and even spiritually challenging.
But I reminded myself that moments pass. They do not last forever.
What carries me through is trust in myself and in the strategies I have learned over time. I would not have the level of personal insight I have today without the learning and self-understanding I gained through Reframing Autism’s Certificate of Autism Wellbeing for Autistics.
That knowledge helped me move through the day with compassion for myself and confidence in my ability to cope, connect, and enjoy the experience.
By Suzanna
The A List Socialite
