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VenturingFool

Updated 11mo ago

Dealing with Overwhelming Sensory Sensitivity

Hey there! So, I'm not really sure what disability/issue this is a part of for me, but I have an incredibly strong sense of smell. So much so that it's harmful to myself and others because I'll physically recoil at things nobody else around me can smell and I can't interact closely with others without being bothered by it. I was wondering if I'm alone in this and if I'm not, has anyone found solutions to manage this issue? Are there explanations for why it's a thing? My theory is that it has something to do with my autism and not being able to tune out sensory information that others can or do by default.

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itoldyou6

1y

This is definitely an issue for me! Often times I'll walk into the kitchen and immediately smell the earth from a plant more than 10 feet away from me. I've even had to stop feeding our dogs wet food as I can't smell it without dry heaving.
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VenturingFool

1y

I honestly have no idea what to do about it but I really feel that.
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Entropyluna

1y

This sounds horrible, but I understand because I have trouble being close to people that don't have exceptional hygiene. I can smell everything. If they didn't brush their teeth, if they haven't washed their hair, if they didn't use deodorant, etc. I don't say anything because I'd be embarrassed to be told that I stink, but it's part of why I quit being a hairstylist. On a less bad note, I can tell how bitter the lettuce we use at work will be, or how spicy the jalapenos are just from someone cutting them in the kitchen.
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Entropyluna

1y

I also know that most people can't smell like I can, and don't get offended by smells that make me gag.

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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