Originally posted 2017-07-18 11:18:14.
“Imagine feeling so overloaded that you just couldn’t cope.” That’s the situation the U.K.’s National Autistic Society is exploring in a new virtual reality film that lets viewers experience what sensory overload feels like for people with autism spectrum disorder.
“Imagine the difference it would make if someone showed you a little kindness,” the Society writes on their website. “Rather than judging you as a naughty kid having a meltdown, or a ‘weirdo’ flapping their hands.”
Fostering kindness and understanding is the goal of the two-minute clip, released by the Society. The clip is shot in a shopping mall, from the perspective of 10-year-old Alex Marshall, who is on the autism spectrum. The video shows triggering stimuli such as flashing fluorescent lights, clicking high heels, a woman scuffing her shoes on the floor after spilling a drink, a colorful bunch of balloons and a flashing store security alarm. By its end, Marshall is breathing heavily behind the camera.
Viewers can look around the scene in 360 degrees on their computers or phones, or use Google’s cardboard goggles for the full virtual reality experience.
(Warning: The video below contains flashing lights, bright colors and loud, sudden noises, which may be triggering for individuals who experience sensory overload.)
https://themighty.com/2016/06/virtual-reality-video-depicts-autism-sensory-overload-experience/
