News
The Noise We Can’t Ignore: Your Stories, Our Movement
When we first published our thoughts on the health and emotional impact of environmental noise, we didn’t expect such a strong response. But it became clear: this topic struck a nerve — especially among neurodivergent individuals and those supporting them.
Our original LinkedIn post (read it here) highlighted research from Professor Charlotte Clark at St George’s University London, showing that chronic exposure to environmental noise can increase stress hormones, impact cardiovascular health, impair cognitive performance, and disrupt sleep — even in children.
What happened next was powerful: people started sharing their stories.
From teachers and parents to therapists and neurodivergent adults, the same message echoed over and over again:
“The world is too loud.”
“Noise shuts me down.”
“People don’t understand how much it affects me.”
The Neurodivergent Experience
For those with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, or trauma histories, noise can lead to:
- Sensory overload
- Emotional dysregulation
- Burnout or shutdown
- Sleep disruption
- Physical pain and anxiety
These are not just mild discomforts. They are barriers to functioning — to work, school, social connection, and wellbeing. And too often, they go unacknowledged in systems that were not built with sensory inclusion in mind.
Why This Matters Now
The response to our post confirmed that this issue is bigger than a single blog or research study. It’s a movement — one calling for:
- Quieter, flexible learning environments
- Inclusive workplaces that recognise sensory needs
- Sensory-friendly healthcare spaces
- Community designs that value silence as a form of care
We now recognise noise sensitivity and sensory overwhelm as not just clinical side effects but public health issues that must be factored into mental health, education, and urban design policies.
What You Told Us
In your messages and comments, you shared deeply personal insights. Many of you described:
- Wearing headphones just to cope at home
- Avoiding social situations because of sensory fear
- Feeling dismissed by employers or educators
- Struggling with chronic exhaustion due to constant sensory assault
We want you to know: we hear you.
Where We Go From Here
At Therapy Partners, we’re committed to amplifying this conversation — in therapy rooms, classrooms, GP surgeries, and online spaces. We’ll continue offering education, support, and advocacy for sensory-safe environments and neurodivergent wellbeing.
But we also want to keep listening.
How does noise affect you?
What would a more inclusive space look like for you or your clients?
Drop us a message, comment on the original post, or join the conversation on social media. This isn’t just a campaign — it’s a call to reimagine the spaces we live and work in.
