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

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

Book Review: It's All Too Much
Summary: 5 Stars

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!

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