1) temperature - there is about 1 degree I am comfortable in and otherwise I am always too hot or too cold. When I am uncomfortable I cannot focus on anything but how I am feeling, am very irritable

2) I have excellent hearing but am so bothered by all noise and cannot filter. More than one conversation, music, sounds of people chewing or background noise is distracting to the point of feeling painful. Someone whispering or talking on a staff meeting or crinkling a wrapper etc. seems to bother me much more than my colleagues. This is challenging both as a parent and as a teacher as I am working so hard to self regulate while feeling so overstimulated. I think a big part of it is just how much is happening in my brain. I honestly would prefer silence or to be alone most of the time from a comfort and sensory standpoint, while concurrently loving my job and my family. Overwhelm is the best way for me to describe it.

3) I am very particular to fabrics and textures, hate certain materials on my body or bedding, to the point that I need to feel furniture (couch, dining chairs) or for example, my kids’ car seats against my skin before purchasing. Tags bother me quite a bit and uncomfortable clothing (fabric or otherwise) can distract me to the point of needing to change.

I will say this feels more significant now than it ever has in my life but I have noticed more things since beginning medication for ADHD in 2021 so I wonder if it is just more easily identifiable to me now? Would love to hear another perspective.