Why I Can’t Wear a Turtleneck Shirt: Sensory Processing Disorder
I can’t wear a turtleneck shirt. I struggle sometimes even with a crew neck shirt. When I wear a turtleneck, I feel as if I am suffocating or being strangled by a conglomerate of angry threads. This goes beyond just a distaste for these types of necklines. My abhorrence is intense and real. If I am forced into one of these necklines, I feel as if my soul wants to scratch its way out of my body.
Am I overreacting to a stylistic choice or just being dramatic in my assertion of preferences? No. I have ADHD and struggle with sensory processing disorder.
According to Janice Rodden at Attitude magazine, sensory processing disorder is “a neurological condition that interferes with the body’s ability to receive messages from the senses, and convert those messages into appropriate motor and behavioral responses”. Those with this disorder have a difficult time filtering incoming sensory data and processing and acting upon that data.
Us ADHDers need to recognize in ourselves whether we struggle with sensory processing disorder. Why? Simply because I hate feeling like my shirt is trying to kill me. It triggers in me agitation, irritation, and anger. If I could prevent these feelings, wouldn’t that be a goal?
Take some time to consider whether you too are being triggered because of sensory processing disorder. You can do this by taking a good look at each of your 5 senses (see, hear, smell, taste, touch). Next time you feel irritated, ask yourself, “What am I seeing right now? Do I find this irritating?” and then move on to “What am I hearing right now… what am I smelling, tasting, touching”, etc. Then, I invite you to consider what it would be like if that stimulus was not present and then take action to minimize its effect on your life.
