I remember always trying to keep my sensitivities to myself, constantly making sacrifices to my own health and feelings for the good of the group. But then there'd be that one small thing that would push me over the edge and I'd just start crying. This always confused the people I was with because it would be something very simple like a store being out of my size of shoe, or getting an answer wrong on a test, or just a change of plans.

My family used to treat me like I was going to explode at any moment. And I felt like they were in the right to believe that.

Learning about overstimulation put everything into a logical place. I now know better how to regulate and accommodate myself accordingly. That means wearing headphones, or excusing myself from crowds, or even just staying at home.