I Give Myself Permission to Say: This Is Too Much

I Give Myself Permission to Say: This Is Too Much

Recognising overload before I have to push through it.

For neurodivergent people, overwhelm is often cumulative. Sound, light, touch, social interaction, decision-making, uncertainty, physical discomfort, emotional stress and masking can all compete for the same limited capacity.

This fuller guide helps people recognise overload before they reach breaking point and gives permission to communicate that a situation, environment or demand has become too much.

Inside:
• sensory, cognitive, social, emotional and physical overload
• why capacity changes from day to day
• early body, sensory, thinking and communication warning signs
• a full interactive “This Is Too Much” page
• identifying what needs to reduce and what support needs to increase
• practical ways to reduce sensory input, language and demands
• simple communication phrases for periods of low processing capacity
• meltdown, shutdown and low-demand recovery
• a personal recovery plan
• a tailored message from Space to Breathe Therapy
• books and evidence-informed references

The message is not “learn to tolerate more.” It is: notice your capacity, respect the signal and make changes sooner when you can.

Part of the “I Give Myself Permission” series in the Neurodivergence section of the Space to Breathe Therapy Support Hub.

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