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BackOnMyBS

Flashing lights and autism (self.autism)

submitted 1 year ago by MelBat to c/autism

6 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Hi, I have a question regarding flashing lights. I know some people with sensory issues have light sensitivity (I do too) but I've realised that I only have a problem with bright or unnaturally colored light but mostly when it's constant. As for flashing lights (like disco lights) - they have this weird hypnotising effect on me and one of my friends (she's also diagnosed with autism). Idk if it's part of stimming bc I don't seek it but I don't get uncomfortable or nausees from it - both of us get high (?) from it. I wonder if it's just two of us or is it common (or does it have any scientific explanation). I know that it happens just to my neurodivergent friends (we noticed it during a play and out of 40 people only we had this effect from it). I tried to do some research myself but google only showed me articles about why bright light is making neurodivergent people feel unwell. Also, the flashing light doesn't need to be bright to have this effect on me**___**

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[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

I don't have this with bright light; that makes me uncomfortable, and I sometimes want to wince at it. But I may still experience what you're describing from other stimuli. For example, crowds don't always make me uncomfortable, but the excess sensory input from cross-talking can make it hard to focus or think, and have the effect of making me unable to take things seriously.

On the other hand, certain kinds of music can have a hypnotizing effect, and make me absolutely focused on whatever task I'm in the middle of. Though I consider that more beneficial, as it helps me get through schoolwork and some "adulting". It doesn't make me completely shut down or anything like that.

[–] [email protected] 12 points 1 year ago

There is a reason all people’s develop drumming.

There’s some cool research on alpha brain waves and drumming and stuff, a crowd of people can literally sync their brain waves to music.

Shits powerful

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

I have this! Strobe lights in particular make me totally zone out.

[–] BackOnMyBS 3 points 1 year ago

I've never really realized this, but flashing lights are hypnotizing. It's like I can't stop looking at them, and my brain goes into screensaver mode.

[–] UltraBlack 2 points 1 year ago

Count yourself lucky. Worst case is you get addicted to flashing light

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

They're enjoyable and tiring at same time for me, the less bright the better