Autism is a well-known disorder that has become quite prevalent in the US and the world as a whole. According to the CDC, more than 3.5 million Americans - and 1% of the world's population - live with an autism spectrum disorder. Autistic individuals typically experience a range of symptoms that can have a large impact on how they perceive the world around them. From issues with social interaction and communication to engaging in repetitive behaviors to significant increases in sleep dysfunction and seizure disorders, living in the "real world" can be quite the challenge.
One of the more prevalent symptoms is sensory sensitivities and difficulty processing sensory information. Typically, most people are able to block out background noises. However, people with autism do not filter out this information, which can become a very distracting everyday component of their reality. It is not just noises either - lighting, visual patterns, tastes, and smells can all become overwhelmingly intense experiences.
It could be hard to imagine what this experience would be like unless you were actually autistic. Thankfully, the National Autistic Society created a very interesting video that puts you into the shoes of an autistic person, in order to get a glimpse of what it is like to perceive the world in an entirely different way. Take a moment out of your day to watch this well-made video - and be sure to wear your headphones for the full experience!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycCN3qTYVyo
Sources:
http://www.autism-society.org/what-is/facts-and-statistics/
https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/symptoms
http://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/insight-how-autism-and-sensory-overload-feels
