Autistic people can have trouble processing ‘input’. Input is incoming information, for example sensory information from the environment such as a scent or a noise.
Too much input can make an autistic person feel stressed and overwhelmed. Too much input can increase the chances that an autistic person has a meltdown or a shutdown.
If you understand input then you will be able to have better control of your life. Read this article for a clear description of the 4 main types of input and for helpful suggestions on ways to manage this input, so that ultimately you will feel less overloaded!