Customer Reviews

Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight: What to Do If You Are Sensory Defensive in an Overstimulating World

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This book is well written, comprehensive, and way overdue. If you are a person who gets gets irritated (or loses it) over stimuli that other people seem to tolerate without difficulty, or if you know such a person, then this is the book for you. While other books address the issue of sensory integration in children, this is the only book that I know of that addresses sensory defensiveness as a problem in adults. Among the many strongpoints of the book are its discussions about how sensory defensiveness can be misdiagnosed as other disorders, what it is like to live with sensory defensiveness, and how to improve the ability to cope. The only bad thing about the book is that the five-color dust jacket is a little on the busy side (although not nearly as horrible as the blinking colon signs you see on some digital clocks). Of course, you always have the option of removing the dust jacket. Thank you Dr. Heller.

This book was recommended to me by a friend who knows I'm an HSP ("Highly Sensitive Person," as per Dr. Elaine Aron's research), and who thought I might find some new information to help me deal with my sensitivity.

It was an informative and enjoyable read, even though it turned out that Sensory Defensiveness doesn't particularly apply to me. However, if you are someone who is constantly feeling overwhelmed and irritated by environmental stimuli, to the point where others sometimes think you're slightly crazy, I have little doubt that you will find this book to be filled with "aha moments;" leading to a great sense of relief that there is actually a "name" for the confusing and painful feelings you may have experienced all your life.

After a thorough descriptive introduction, the author covers the ins and outs of Sensory Defensiveness in four sections. Part One talks about the basics of Sensory Defensiveness, giving many examples of the different ways people experience the condition. Heller also talks about the brain, and the neuroscience involved, and explains how Sensory Defensiveness falls along a continuum from fairly mild to debilitating.

In Part Two, entitled "Secondary Effects," the author describes the many ways in which Sensory Defensiveness contributes to other issues and illnesses in life. This includes issues from difficulty with maintaining a healthy social life, to actual mental disorders ranging from Anxiety to Social Phobias to OCD and much more.

Part Three introduces readers to the ways we may be engaged in activities that are overstimulating, and offers a range of suggestions for how to "turn down the volume" on stimulation. Heller's notion of a "Sensory Diet" is about creating an environment that reduces the number of "triggers" that contribute to making the world feel overwhelming and out of control. Part Four is pretty much an extension of Part Three, except it applies to actions we can take for OURSELVES, rather than for our surrounding environment. This includes such things as diet, body awareness, posture, exercise, forms of physical therapies and more. These two sections include many pointers for better living that would be suitable even for those who are *not* Sensory Defensive.

A cautionary note, especially if you are an HSP reading this. Whereas Sensory Defensiveness shares many traits with being an HSP, the two are far from identical. Having studied *both* fairly thoroughly over the past 8 years, my observation is that a number of HSPs are likely Sensory Defensive, but so are many people who are NOT HSPs. Most noteworthy, Sensory Defensiveness is a "condition," while being Highly Sensitive is a "neutral trait;" thus it is fairly important to remain objective in diagnosis.

Final thoughts: Highly Recommended (9 out of a possible 10 bookmarks)-- this is one of the first comprehensive works on Sensory Defensiveness, and it is very well done. Do keep in mind that this book does NOT suggest a pharmaceutical treatment; there is no "magic pill" to make Sensory Defensiveness disappear.

Thanks for reading!

I have spent my entire life dodging bright light and loud music/noise. My inability to handle The simple sound of crunching or a change in the temp. during the day made me feel crazy and lonely. After years of this, my system has shut down so badly that I am physically ill to the point that I have had to take semesters off from school and shut out my entire life just to get by. This is the first time in my entire life that it not only makes sense but it changes it. I can't believe the diffrence it makes just to know what is wrong with me and that it is 't in my head. This book should be read, not just by people suffering this horably debilitating disorder but everyone. When u think your friend is being picky or emotional, it may not be. S/he could be suffering more than u know. Possibly one of the most important books I have ever read.

If you cringe at noises other people don't notice, if you squint even on cloudy days, if you hate the feel of certain things - BUY this book! I have been mocked by friends & family for years for being "oversensitive" & reading this has totally changed my world.
She explains the biology & science of sensory defensiveness as well as techniques & suggestions for reprogramming your brain.

I highly recommend.

George Harrison's 1968 stellar gem, "It's All Too Much" could be a description of sensory overload. "It's all too much for me to see...it's all too much for me to take..." describes the autism/Asperger's (a/A) experience.

If you are on the spectrum or know somebody who is, make this book your best friend. It does an exemplary job of explaining strong reactions to sensory stimuli. For example, I knew a very young child with Asperger's who, from infancy on always checked toys to see if they were soft. Hard toys were discarded and the child also complained about certain tastes and foods that caused "funny-bad" feelings and "felt nasty in your mouth" such as "lumpy potatoes" and "nasty ketchup." She also detested the smells of talcum powder and vinegar, saying they "were stinky" and made her "feel like throwing up."

That same child insisted on keeping her hair back in a ponytail because she didn't like the way her hair felt touching her skin. Her idea of punishment and hell was being forced to forgo the ponytail and suffer having her "hair getting in the way and making my skin itch," as she said. She also refused to wear certain things due to the level of discomfort they caused; preferred loose, comfortable clothing and, like everyone on the spectrum detested loud noises and cowered under tables upon hearing sirens. The child explained at 3 that "sirens make me hurt everywhere" and "jello is nasty - it shakes in your mouth; doesn't taste much so why eat it?" To this day, she finds jello repulsive.

This book is the voice of hope and reason. The child mentioned above at the time of this review has two degrees and is an expert in certain areas, one of which is Asperger's Syndrome. Imagine how liberating it must be to learn that these strong feelings don't separate you from your fellow man, but rather creates a bond with countless others who share them!

For anybody on the spectrum and for those who know people who are, be sure to read this book!

When in grade and high school, I would receive high grades but only fair marks in conduct due to "doesn't pay attention - in her own world" (all my classrooms had that glaring, flashy flourescent lighting). I got scolded for staring at the kitchen table (where we had a very bright light directly overhead). When I got older, going into Big Box stores with that overhead lighting drove me nuts, but I felt like a jerk because I had to leave the store for reasons other people could not comprehend.
Today, additionally, if someone "grabs" me by the back of my neck or arm when hugging me, my skin crawls. I have an innate "ability" to smell and hear things that others don't perceive until the odor/sound strengthens. Vibrations from HVAC units and 18-wheelers sitting outside my office (located in an industrial area) make my ears ring and I want to come out of my skin. Wearing synthetic materials (or Cashmere, for some reason) is also a big peeve, but not so bad as the others (lighting, vibrational sound and touch). To note, I was not abused as a child or adult; but then nor was I ever a "huggy" person, which upset my immediate family.

As an aside, I am "Type-A" and a born multi-tasker. I am an adjunct professor for a large university, on the Board of Trustees for another and President/CEO of a mid-sized 7-figure company based in the Midwest. I feel that I am a highly functioning person as do those I know personally or am in business with. I also feel I should state that I am a caring person who works with children (I get to hug them on my own terms and they don't "squish" me!), sponsor low-income families in my hometown, assist adults to learn to read/write, and have quite a few very good friends and acquaintances who love me despite these "weird sensitivities" (as they have been termed by my husband). I also love my private, quiet time. I am at least pleased I do not have a picky palate regarding food textures! I do enjoy trying different foods.

Long story as short as possible, I knew something was wrong, but after several visits to doctors, the conclusion was drawn that I was epileptic (petit-mal, though no real evidence could be found) and/or "highly-strung". Now I have another explanation which I knew in my heart long ago existed regarding my heightened sensitivities. But yet, I was medicated with an anti-epileptic and an anti-anxiety at age 17. No surprise...nothing changed regarding my sensitivities.

My parents or teachers could not comprehend my disdain for flourescent or bright overhead lighting (my husband still has a hard time with this one) or for lengthy, squeezing hugs or kisses on the cheek (which I "wipe" off). My employees do not understand my need for earplugs when the freight trucks pull up to the dock (with their rumbling diesel engines) nor why I have ambient lighting situatied around my office and don't turn on the overhead lights. My husband has a hard time comprehending why I insist the room be quite cold - even in the dead of winter - when I sleep, yet I have to be covered with a pile of blankets. And I have long felt reluctant to need to explain myself, which is why I have gone into such detail here, in hopes that it will enlighten others with the same sensitivities.

This book was an amazing discovery for my husband and myself after stumbling across it in Omaha at a bookstore. I am a fairly holistic person (yoga, limited "chemical" medications, weekly massage, healthy eating habits, spiritual/nature-oriented person, love to walk/play tennis/golf, etc.) and my "maladies" were driving me nuts.

At least I feel now I have validation for my sensitivities, many of which are discussed in this book at length. I will continue with massage (which I enjoy), classical (particularly stringed) music, yoga and the other recommendations the author makes in this excellent book. I am curious about the skin-rubbing technique, but will check into this also.

Thank you, Dr. Heller, for a book well-written on sensory-heightened people in a way that is easy to understand. Relief.

I found this book by accident while skimming the shelves at the library, looking for books about meditation for those (many) times when I get so revved up and cannot seem to slow down...the title caught my eye, that sounds like me!

I am not quite finished yet, but have found this book to be a lifesaver. I have fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and endometriosis so, needless to say, my body often feels under attack. I was not surprised to see the author mention fibro and CFS just a few pages into her book. Every few pages brought an 'aha, that's me' reaction. I am so excited to know that there is some hope and that I can take some proactive approaches to change some of the toughest challenges that my body presents to me - whether it is aching from wearing clothes or jewellery, constantly almost falling down the stairs, never being able to relax, going crazy from crowds, smells or noise or snapping at my husband because I am overwhelmed by what is going on around me. I intend to look into finding an Occupational Therapist ASAP who can help me explore this avenue further.

Interesting, when I searched this book I found excerpts from Time Magazine and Psychology Today that seemed very critical. Yet the authors seemed to focus on one or two symptoms as the entire 'syndrome'. Easy to mock when you don't live like this.

Well worth a read. I feels good to feel a little less 'abnormal' and to know that there is some hope that I can change. I noticed that one reviewer criticized some of the authors 'facts.' I don't give a care, this is something that can help me to know about. I have learned while educating myself about endometriosis, fibromyalgia and CFS that conditions are constantly mocked when they are first introduced but just knowing about them is a salvation for the people in whose lives they are a part, albeit uninvited and unwelcomed.

Good job!

I truly feel as if Sharon Heller came to my house and interviewed me for her book. I could really identify with so much of what was written and I thought it explained so wonderfully to those who don't have a sensory defensive disorder what it feels like for those who do. For so many years I have known that I was somehow odd, or laughed with my friends because I knew I had a lot of rules about how I lived. Now I know there is a name for what I experience. I am very excited to try some of the ideas Ms. Heller gives on how to cope better like massage, craniosacral, and controlling my breathing.

I highly recommend this book for adults who may feel as if they are more sensitive than others to sights, sounds, textures. As a busy mom of 3 kids I read this 300+ page book in a day and a half!!

Dr. Heller marvelously investigates the problem of sensory defensiveness. The question is whether some people have an excessively working nervous system? Dr. Heller answers affirmatively and provides strong solutions to this mysterious yet common problem.

A person with a nervous system that works excessively experiences a regular disturbance since his "senses are in overdrive" (page 2). The stuff involves with sensory defensiveness is one of the nine systems in the human body - the nervous system. Heller writes, "Under extremely stressful conditions and excess of the neurotransmitter glutamate kills cells, making the brain less able to inhibit sensory input" (9). That which prepares a person to have sensory defensiveness may be a head injury, physical or psychological abuse, or post-traumatic stress. Heller writes, "In most cases the brain is miswired" (11). Experts who have understood the problem of sensory defensiveness include Jean Ayers, Patricia Wilbarger and Julia Wilbarger.

The history of sensory defensiveness involves a fairy tale of Hans Christian Andersen entitled "The Princess and the Pea" (1835) which tells the story of a woman who slept on many mattresses in order to not be hurt by a small green pea under the bottom mattress. A person with sensory defensiveness is analogous to a hungry person. Just as a person who avoids food will become hungry, the person who "avoids sensation" (7) will become touch hungry. Thus, Heller asks, "Have you been hugged today? Have you worked up a sweat? (11)." A sensory defensive person will have many signs: a nervous system that "springs at the slightest provocation" (11), "learned helplessness" (121), and a slumped posture "like a wet dishrag" (202). Heller's solutions to the problem of an excessive nervous system are logical and based on common sense. Heller writes, "Some part of you will feel abnormal and flawed and a deep loss for a healthy self" (159). She recommends that attention and 'grease' be applied to one's digestive system (Ch. 13), and muscular system (Ch. 8) and respiratory system (Ch. 11).

For people who genuinely suffer from sensory defensiveness, Heller offers hope and encouragement that is worth much more than the price of the book.

I am neither a student of psychology nor a professional in the field. I am a mom whose son was diagnosed by a certified OT with DSI. I found this book while doing a search on books about DSI, and the title caught me. These must be the feelings, among so many others, that go through my son on a daily basis. However, upon reading it, I found that the book was more relevant to me and my husband than our boy.

In "The Out-of-Sync Child", Carol Kranowitz gives six causes of DSI, one of them being a genetic or hereditary predisposition. Reading Sharon Heller's book shed even more light to this idea, and my husband and I found ourselves recalling our childhood and adolescence, and going through our reactions to recent events, to examine the possibility of genes as the cause of our son's DSI. Indeed, my husband described himself as "clumsy" as a child, and as an adult, is prone to panic attacks, while I have always struggled with extreme anger over supposedly innocuous things like a barking dog or the usual weekend crowd at the mall. We also found many helpful suggestions and treatments to our various "dis-eases" that we can also extend to our son.

This is a book that will be well-thumbed through the years as we, as a family, deal with our overstimulated senses.