Perception Field.
The perception field is a model that represents our thinking depth, the intensity by which we absorb, process and integrate ideas and the world. It’s formed by our emotional style and by our sensory processing style.
Senses are the mechanisms through which we gather data about the world and our internal state. Emotions are the complex responses that help us process and react to the sensory information, providing insight and guiding behavior.
Senses.
Our senses can range from intense (intens) to dormant (slumrende). In the context of this paper, I’m considering senses with lower functionality as dormant, but senses are also naturally dormant during sleep. When we sleep, our senses enter a state of reduced activity, allowing our body and brain to rest while still maintaining a baseline level of responsiveness to the environment. Whether heightened or “sleepy,” your sensory state directly influences how you process information about yourself and the world around you.
Our senses are vision, audition, olfaction, gustation, somatosensory, vestibular, proprioception and interoception. In addition to these traditional senses, I would like to add arousal and photoperception.
Vision is the sense of sight, which allows us to perceive and interpret light and color through the eyes. It encompasses the entire process of seeing, not only the detection of light but also the interpretation of visual information. This includes recognizing shapes, colors, movement, depth, and spatial relationships.
Audition is the sense of hearing, which allows us to perceive sound through the ears.
Olfaction is the sense of smell, which detects airborne chemicals and contributes to our sense of taste.
Gustation is the sense of taste, which identifies flavors through taste buds on the tongue.
Somatosensory is the sense of touch, which includes the perception of pressure, temperature, and texture through the skin.
Interoception is the sense of the internal state of the body, including hunger, thirst, and internal organ sensations.
Vestibular refers to the sense related to balance and spatial orientation, which helps us maintain equilibrium and understand our head’s position relative to gravity.
Proprioception is the sense of body position, which informs us about the position of our limbs and body in space without relying on visual input. It is also the sense of self, the sense of being separate from the world.
Photoperception is the sense that specifically detects light. It focuses on how our photoreceptors perceive light’s intensity and wavelength, influencing various non-visual functions such as sleep-wake cycles, mood, and hormonal regulation. While this might seem abstract, consider how this sense operates without needing to process images or complex visual information. Photoperception regulates melatonin secretion, for example, and melatonin regulates sleep.
Kronoception is the sense of time perception. In a later paper, I will define time as the gap between changes. I propose that time perception should be considered a sense because humans actively perceive the passage of time, just as we measure it. Clocks and watches are tools that measure the passage of time according to human consensus, much like how cameras are sensors of light that approximate the human eye’s perception. Therefore, if we have tools to measure time, similar to how we measure light, it makes sense to consider time perception as a sense.
Arousal is the sense that provides internal feedback on how intensely we experience or react to a stimulus. It informs us about the urgency or importance of a situation. It guides our attention and behavioral responses. Why do I group arousal with the senses? The primary function of senses is to process information, and arousal plays a crucial role in directing attention and enhancing our cognitive and creative processes.
For example, I have PGAD (Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder). In me, PGAD is not just a genital thing. As is often the case with PGAD, for me it’s a full-body experience. In me, PGAD is not a response to sexual desire. Rather, it’s a response to curiosity and exciting new ideas. I believe arousal is not just about directing attention: it may also help rewire our brains to incorporate multidimensional frameworks or radical new ways of seeing the world. PGAD is resistant to stimulation and orgasm, indicating that arousal can be triggered by factors beyond sexual desire. PGAD is the reason I read fast and I read slow. I read the pages fast, but when I encounter an idea that offers a thrilling or a challenging new perspective, I need to go out and take a walk. Sometimes, a four hour walk. I need to process it, ponder it, make it mine.
We often view arousal through a judgmental lens, as something to dominate or shut off. Perhaps this is in part shaped by societal misconceptions and taboos. This perspective overlooks its importance in human cognition and learning. To be honest, it’s uncomfortable to sit down writing this as my groin burns and hurts, but maybe it’s the price of being able to do this work. Maybe other people who are just like me are ashamed or afraid to talk about their experience. Maybe scientists miss something when they ask “how is this wrong?” instead of “how is this right?” Maybe arousal is like proprioception or interoception—it just exists. We take it for granted.
It wouldn’t be the first time that we have a limited knowledge of the human experience due to people’s fear to share their truth and society’s judgment of those truths. Take synesthesia, for example. I sometimes see music. But sometimes I see my feelings too. Other synesthetes don’t talk about seeing their feelings, why? Maybe because they fear they will be labeled as crazy. Maybe they fear their truth will be used against them. But we have an intuition for how the way we feel modulates the way we perceive. Why, instead of trying to control and categorize these experiences, don’t we simply observe them with curiosity?
Sensory Profile.
A sensory profile is a tool that helps assess a person’s sensory patterns. It separates each sense and observes how sensitive they are to stimuli. We classify each sense within a continuum that ranges from hyposensitivity (low sensitivity to stimuli, an underreaction to stimuli compared to the norm) to hypersensitivity (high sensitivity to stimuli, an overreaction to stimuli compared to the norm.)
Usually we use sensory profiles in the context of understanding and treating Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). However, everybody has a sensory profile. Sensory profiles apply to everyone, shaping how each of us uniquely experiences the world. There’s no right or wrong sensory profile. Read that again: no sensory profile is inherently right or wrong. Instead of judging intense reactions or emotions, we could approach them with curiosity. Why do they occur? What purpose do they serve?
Let me go through each sense and explain how they work and also, share my own sensory profile as an example.
Standard visual perception encompasses recognizing shapes, depth, color, movement, and spatial orientation. Together, these elements help construct a coherent and meaningful image of the world. Visual sensitivity can range from acute sensitivity to total blindness. It may present as distractibility by visual stimuli, where individuals have difficulty focusing due to overwhelming visual input. Eye strain is another common issue, characterized by frequent squinting, rubbing of the eyes, or headaches after visually demanding tasks. Some individuals may struggle with finding objects, especially in environments with visual clutter. Challenges with eye contact, such as difficulty initiating or maintaining it, can also occur. Additionally, there might be a fear of or desire for darkness, depending on the individual’s sensory preferences. Difficulty discriminating between similar shapes, letters, or pictures is another potential manifestation. Issues with handwriting or reading, which require visual precision, and problems with bumping into objects due to impaired spatial awareness can also be signs of visual hypersensitivity.
People may have variations such as color blindness (difficulty distinguishing between certain colors), visual processing disorders (challenges in interpreting visual information), or low vision (reduced visual acuity even with correction). Conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (misalignment of the eyes) affect how visual information is processed.
Other specific visual impairments include agnosia (difficulty recognizing objects or faces) and scotomas (blind spots in the visual field).
Photoperception refers specifically to the detection of light, including its intensity and wavelength, without necessarily involving the processing of images or complex visual information. It’s the basic sensory ability to sense light, separate from interpreting what that light means visually. The cells in the eyes (like rods and cones) detect light. Additionally, the retina has intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) that directly respond to light and are involved in regulating circadian rhythms and pupil constriction, not in forming images. Photoperception involves light detection that influences various non-visual functions, such as sleep-wake cycles, mood, and hormonal regulation. This pathway doesn’t contribute to forming an image but affects the body’s physiological responses to light.
People with certain types of epilepsy, especially photosensitive epilepsy, can react strongly to specific light patterns or flashes, not necessarily because of the visual content but due to the light’s intensity, frequency, or flickering pattern. These responses are linked to abnormal brain activity triggered by the visual cortex’s reaction to specific photic stimuli.
In photosensitive epilepsy, the brain’s response to light is abnormal. It’s less about seeing an image and more about how the brain’s neurons react to changes in light patterns. The photoperceptive process can become overactive or hypersensitive, leading to seizures when exposed to certain light frequencies (like flickering lights, strobe effects, or rapid light-dark contrasts). This indicates that photoperception and its impact on neurological responses are distinct from regular visual processing. The sensitivity of photoreceptive cells or neural circuits to specific light properties (like flicker rate or intensity) triggers seizures, demonstrating that light detection itself can provoke a unique neurological response separate from traditional visual perception.
Photophobia is an exaggerated sensitivity to light, often resulting in discomfort, pain, or the need to avoid brightly lit environments. It’s characterized by discomfort or pain when exposed to bright light (natural sunlight or artificial lighting), squinting, eye-watering, headaches, or dizziness in response to light and difficulty focusing or feeling overwhelmed in brightly lit or fluorescent environments. It can lead to social avoidance, difficulty concentrating in environments like classrooms or offices, and a need for dim lighting or specialized eyewear (ie, tinted glasses).
In hyposensitivity to light or a reduced sensitivity to light, a person might not notice changes in light intensity as readily as others. They might seek bright light or stare at light sources because they do not perceive them as intensely. They might find it difficult to navigate in low-light conditions and might be less aware of visual details due to reduced sensitivity to light contrast.
Photoperception can play a significant role in triggering or exacerbating migraines. Migraine sufferers often experience extreme light sensitivity, where even moderate light can trigger or worsen a migraine attack. They might experience pain or discomfort when exposed to any light, including natural sunlight or indoor lighting and the need to stay in dark rooms or wear sunglasses indoors to prevent or reduce pain. For example, even moderate sunlight or the glow of a computer screen can trigger a migraine, requiring the individual to retreat to a dark room. This can severely affect daily life. It might require individuals to avoid bright environments and manage exposure carefully.
Light sensitivity is a common comorbidity with some conditions. People with visual snow syndrome, a condition where individuals see visual disturbances like static or snow-like flickering, usually present light sensitivity as a symptom. For them, bright lights or sudden changes in light intensity exacerbate their affliction. At the same time, research suggests that people with dyslexia may have atypical responses to light and contrast. After a head injury, individuals may develop sensitivity to light as a part of their recovery process. As people age, changes in both the eyes and brain can affect their sensitivity to light.
Standard audition involves interpreting sound waves, including pitch, volume, and rhythm. This process allows for communication, detecting environmental sounds, and enjoying music. Auditory sensitivity can range from total deafness to auditory hypersensitivity, where individuals experience heightened sensitivity to certain sounds or frequencies. This is often diagnosed as misophonia or hyperacusis. Misophonia involves adverse physical reactions to specific sounds, such as nausea triggered by noises like chewing or slurping. In contrast, hyperacusis is characterized by a general sensitivity to sounds that can cause physical pain or symptoms like nausea. Individuals with hyperacusis may notice sounds others do not, as their brains perceive auditory sensations more intensely, potentially leading to sensory or auditory overload.
Auditory processing difficulties can present in various forms. Some may experience phonetic decoding difficulties (processing language at natural speed) or auditory integration challenges (slow integration of heard information with visual information). Prosodic difficulties involve trouble understanding tone, inflection, and implied meaning, often resulting in monotone speech. Other challenges include auditory discrimination (difficulty distinguishing small differences between words), auditory figure-ground discrimination (difficulty identifying specific words in a noisy background), auditory memory disorder (trouble recalling verbal information like phone numbers or song lyrics), auditory sequencing (difficulty understanding and remembering the order of words), and decoding difficulties (hearing sounds without processing them as meaningful words). Additionally, some individuals face integration challenges, making multitasking while listening difficult, and organizational issues, which involve trouble recalling information in sequence or coping with noisy environments.
People who are hyposensitive to sound often crave sensory stimulation through loud or repetitive noises and may appear to need constant auditory input. They might seek out loud or busy environments, frequently yell or speak loudly, and have difficulty focusing on tasks without humming or making noise. They often prefer constant background noise, like music, TV, or a fan, and may insist on listening at volumes that others find uncomfortable. However, despite seeking more input, they can become increasingly deregulated as they take in more auditory stimuli.
Standard olfaction involves detecting airborne chemical molecules and translating them into scent information. It’s closely linked with taste and emotion. Individuals might have hypersensitivity (hyperosmia) or hyposensitivity (hyposmia) to smells. Some might have olfactory processing disorders, where smells can trigger unwanted emotional or physiological responses. Osmophobia is a psychological hypersensitivity, aversion, or fear of odors. It’s often described by migraine patients, and can trigger or worsen migraine attacks
Standard gustation is the ability to detect taste stimuli, such as sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami. The experience of taste is also influenced by the texture, temperature, and consistency of the food, known as the “mouthfeel.” In addition to differences in taste sensitivity (like being a supertaster or having diminished taste sensitivity), people can have strong preferences or aversions to different textures and consistencies of foods. An aversion to foods with certain textures—such as slimy, grainy, or fibrous—can lead someone to avoid them altogether.
Some individuals experience tactile hypersensitivity in their mouths, also known as oral defensiveness, making them sensitive to certain textures or consistencies. This might result in a preference for only soft, smooth foods or an aversion to mixed textures. In severe cases, it can lead to conditions like Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).
For babies and toddlers, exposure to a variety of textures through food and exploration is crucial for developing proper sensory processing and speech. Babies who are not exposed to a range of textures through food or chewy toys may have delayed speech or challenges with oral motor control.
Standard somatosensory involves interpreting stimuli such as pressure, texture, temperature, and pain through the skin and nervous system. Individuals may experience hypersensitivity (an exaggerated response to sensory input, such as finding certain textures aversive or perceiving a light touch as painful) or hyposensitivity (a reduced response, such as not feeling pain as intensely). Some people may actively seek out more tactile input, such as touching different textures or applying deep pressure, to help regulate their sensory needs and achieve a sense of calm or focus. Differences in tactile perception can lead to varied daily experiences; for example, some people find comfort in soft fabrics, while others may feel irritated by them.
Heat intolerance is another aspect of somatosensory sensitivity. Individuals with heat intolerance may feel excessively hot when others feel comfortable or cold. This condition can be caused by dysautonomia, a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system that regulates bodily functions such as temperature control, heart rate, and blood pressure. People with heat intolerance may exhibit unusual responses to heat, including intense sweating, anxiety, dizziness, or discomfort.
Interoception (or internal body sense) refers to the awareness of the body’s internal state, including hunger, thirst, heart rate, breathing, emotions and internal discomfort. It also perceives subtler sensations like muscle tension, energy levels, and emotional shifts such as anxiety or calmness. Individuals may have heightened interoceptive awareness, where they feel internal states more intensely and quickly notice physiological changes like a racing heart, hunger, or the need to use the bathroom.
Heightened interoceptive awareness often correlates with emotional sensitivity, as individuals may feel emotions physically, such as a tightness in the chest when anxious or butterflies in the stomach when excited.
Conversely, others may have reduced interoceptive awareness, experiencing difficulty recognizing internal cues and becoming aware of their internal state only when it becomes extreme, such as feeling dehydrated or realizing they are hungry much later. Variations in interoceptive awareness can affect emotional regulation, decision-making, and overall well-being, as people rely on these internal signals to guide behaviors and manage stress.
Vestibular perception involves the sense of balance and spatial orientation, regulated by the vestibular system located in the inner ear. This system helps maintain balance, coordination, and spatial awareness by detecting changes in head position and motion. Vestibular processing differences can manifest as hypersensitivity (feeling dizzy, nauseous, or disoriented with slight movements like bending over or riding in a car) or hyposensitivity (craving intense movement, such as spinning, swinging, or jumping). These differences can affect daily activities, like walking, maintaining posture, sitting still, or navigating through environments.
Vestibular processing challenges may influence one’s ability to concentrate, particularly in environments where they are required to sit still for long periods, making tasks like reading or writing more difficult.
Proprioception is the body position sense. But it’s more than that. Let’s clarify.
Touch lets you know about the world itself. Proprioception lets you know you are separate from the world.
Touch (Somatosensory) lets you perceive the external world—how different objects, textures, and temperatures feel. It helps you understand and interact with your surroundings, giving you direct feedback from the environment. Proprioception is more about self-awareness, knowing where your body is in space. It’s the sense that allows you to perceive yourself as distinct from the environment, to recognize that you have physical boundaries separate from everything else. It’s like the sense that tells you
I am me
in relation to the world around you.
Touch informs you of the qualities of the world (soft, rough, cold), while proprioception grounds you in your own body’s presence within that world. That fundamental separation is what helps navigate movement, personal space, and physical interaction with objects and people.
Proprioception tells you where your limbs are without having to look at them. Do an exercise with me. Close your eyes, and with your eyes closed, touch your nose. Did you find it? Cool, right?
That’s proprioception.
But it’s so much more.
Proprioception is, in a way, the I am me sense.
If we are in a particle soup, at least in the quantum reality of things, proprioception is the sense that tells you that you are a noodle and not the broth.
I would like to introduce kinesthesia so we can be clear and exact. Proprioception and kinesthesia are closely related concepts, and they are often discussed together because they both involve the sense of body position and movement. Kinesthesia refers specifically to the sense of movement of the body parts. It focuses on detecting and perceiving the motion of muscles, tendons, and joints. It is crucial for coordinated movements and is involved in activities like walking, running, or any kind of athletic performance. This sense helps you understand how your body moves through space. When you’re walking, you don’t need to look at your legs to know they are moving; your kinesthetic sense tells you they are moving and in what direction.
Hyposensitivity to proprioception and kinesthesia means a person has reduced awareness of their body position and movement. This can make it difficult for them to know where their body is in space, which can affect coordination, balance, and motor skills. They might be clumsy or frequently bump into objects. They might have poor posture or difficulty maintaining balance. They might use too much or too little force during activities (like gripping objects too tightly or too loosely). They might crave deep pressure or strong sensations (like pressing against walls or enjoying tight hugs). A person with hyposensitivity might have trouble coordinating their movements in sports, may not notice when they’re sitting in a slouched position, or they might accidentally push or pull objects with more force than necessary.
Hypersensitivity to proprioception and kinesthesia means a person has an increased awareness of body position and movement, often leading to discomfort or anxiety. They might be extremely sensitive to movement, such as feeling dizzy or nauseous when moving. They might feel discomfort from normal daily activities, like walking or turning around. They might be overly cautious or fearful of movement, avoiding activities that require balance or coordination. They might have difficulty with tasks requiring fine motor skills, such as writing or buttoning clothes, due to an overreaction to small changes in position or pressure. Someone with hypersensitivity might feel overwhelmed when walking on uneven surfaces or experience anxiety when engaging in activities that require rapid or unpredictable movement.
Proprioceptive dysfunction involves an overall disruption in proprioception, which may result from neurological conditions, injuries, or developmental disorders. It might involve difficulty learning new motor skills, trouble with balance and stability, frequently falling or having trouble walking, and anxiety or discomfort in crowded or busy environments where there is a lot of unpredictable movement.
Kinesthetic dysfunction affects the sense of movement, making it hard to perceive or control body movements accurately. It might involve difficulty coordinating complex movements like dancing or playing sports, misjudging the speed or force needed to perform a movement, movements that appear jerky or uncoordinated and over- or under-compensating for movements, resulting in poor timing or rhythm.
Dyspraxia affects physical coordination. People with dyspraxia may have difficulties with balance, posture, and fine motor skills. They might also struggle with planning and executing movements and learning new tasks. Can find tasks like tying shoelaces, riding a bike, or handwriting challenging. Ataxia refers to a lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements, which can affect speech, eye movements, and balance. Some symptoms might include shaky or unsteady movements, difficulty with fine motor tasks, slurred speech, and problems with gait. Joint Hypermobility Syndrome is a condition where the joints easily move beyond the normal range, often due to overly flexible connective tissues. Symptoms include joint pain, frequent injuries, and a feeling of being “loose” or unsteady in the body. People may also experience proprioceptive challenges, as their bodies need extra feedback to determine joint position.
Kronoception: Understanding Time Perception.
Standard kronoception is the perception of the passage of time, which I speculate involves three key brain regions working in tandem. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) may measure biological time, governing our body’s internal clock. Meanwhile, the cerebellum and basal ganglia might interpret environmental time by processing external cues and rhythms. Finally, the prefrontal cortex could be responsible for managing social, conceptual, or consensus time, aligning our personal and environmental experiences with social constructs and agreements.
The involvement of multiple brain regions allows us to process time differently depending on context. It also allows us to exist through, or to navigate, different “time tables”. For example, biological time keeps our body on track, while environmental time helps guides us through day-to-day events. Social or conceptual time lets us coordinate with others and think ahead
Many individuals, including those with sensory processing disorders, struggle with accurately estimating time intervals. For example, people with ADHD often experience a skewed perception of time, where short periods feel much longer or longer periods feel shorter. This difficulty may be linked to irregular dopamine regulation in the brain, affecting the reward system and altering how time is experienced. Additionally, those with conditions like ASD or ADHD may find it challenging to plan activities involving time sequences or multiple steps, likely due to difficulties in executive functioning within the prefrontal cortex.
Moreover, impairments in temporal integration can affect the brain’s ability to process and make sense of events that occur in quick succession. For instance, people with dyslexia might struggle with processing rapid sequences of phonemes in spoken language, contributing to reading difficulties.
Difficulties with synchronizing motor actions to external rhythms, such as clapping to a beat or coordinating movements in tasks like dancing or playing musical instruments, are also common in some neurological conditions. Disruptions in the cerebellum, which coordinates movement and timing, may result in poor motor synchronization and timing challenges.
Further complicating time perception, the SCN regulates the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm. People with mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder, may experience disruptions in these rhythms, leading to feelings that time is dragging or speeding up. Additionally, irregular sleep patterns, common in many neurodiverse conditions, can disrupt time perception by altering the body’s natural rhythm and energy levels.
For someone with ASD or ADHD, the passage of time might feel inconsistent, like it speeds up during routine tasks but slows down in moments of sensory overload. They might feel as though five minutes has passed when it’s really been half an hour, leading to missed appointments or deadlines. They might also schedule too many things to do in a short time period. They might forget to plan for travel time, or for mental and physical transitions. This is very well documented through research, and it reflects my ideas of kjerne people not noticing the gaps between things.
Overall, studies suggest that neurodiverse brains often perceive time uniquely. For instance, people with ASD may describe time as feeling fragmented or disjointed, possibly due to differences in sensory processing or atypical connectivity in brain regions like the insula or basal ganglia. Similarly, individuals with ADHD often report “time blindness,” where they lose track of time or struggle to gauge how long tasks will take, potentially due to differences in dopamine processing related to reward, motivation, and time perception.
For around 200,000 years, time was fluid and tied to natural cycles. People lived in sync with the rising and setting of the sun, the changing seasons, and the phases of the moon. About 10,000 years ago, with the rise of farming, time became more structured as people began organizing their lives around planting and harvesting cycles. Around 2,000 years ago, with the growth of civilizations and trade, timekeeping became more formalized with sundials, water clocks, and calendars. Then, about 300 years ago, during the Industrial Revolution, mechanical clocks and the need for synchronization made time more exact, dictating work hours and routines. Roughly 150 years ago, the introduction of standardized time zones pushed this precision even further. In the past 20 years, with the rise of cell phones, emails, and Zoom meetings, time has become more exact and frantic than ever, with constant demands for immediacy shaping our modern sense of time.
Is there space in contemporary life for contemplation and for thinking silly ideas about reality, existence and essence? Am I just an idiotic fool? Should I just suck up and get with the program? I don’t have the answers to these questions.
Just a broken heart.
Arousal.
Arousal is a physiological state that influences our perception, attention, and emotional response. It encompasses a range of experiences, from heightened alertness and excitement to physical sensations such as increased heart rate and sexual arousal. In the context of learning and insight, arousal can amplify cognitive engagement and enhance the processing of novel information.
All senses have an organ. For arousal, it’s the Reticular Activating System (RAS). Located within the brainstem, the RAS plays a key role in regulating arousal, consciousness, and attention. It helps maintain wakefulness and alertness, even without the cortex. However, without the cortex, the type of consciousness it maintains would be more rudimentary, akin to basic awareness rather than self-aware, reflective consciousness (or at least that’s what we think). I propose curiosity is the emotion that links the message from the RAS to the cortex, signaling to “explore, research, look over there.” Curiosity puts words and meaning to the force that pushes to adventure ourselves outside of the familiar.
Arousal and curiosity, together, are a core component for human survival. They direct attention and, as a result, the cognitive-creative process as a whole. They are the force, the pull that drives us here and not there. We are so used to it, we think it’s an automatic process. We are unaware of it just like we were unaware of proprioception, interoception and photosensitivity for a long time.
It’s not just that we take arousal for granted. We judge it—because it’s tied to sexual desire, and we judge sex and desire. Isn’t it stupid that we judge sex and desire, two beautiful, pleasurable expressions of the human experience, simply because of societal and religious constructs? Our parents and our grandparents fucked, hopefully to their merry contentment. We know it because we are here. Alive. So what’s the big deal? Why are the “smartest” of all of us, the scientists and researchers that form Academia, hung up on such infantile notions?
Think about it. Why is it so common that students have crushes on teachers and professors? Maybe students, when engaged in a subject they are highly interested in, or when interacting with a particularly good teacher, have their arousal heightened. Because the only framework they have to intellectualize arousal is sexual attraction, they think they have a crush on the teacher. But maybe they have a crush on the ideas.
It gives the term “Platonic love” a whole new meaning.
Let’s talk about hyperarousal. PGAD (Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder) can be viewed as a form of Sensory Processing Disorder, where heightened sensitivity leads to constant physiological arousal without any external stimulus. PGAD symptoms don’t improve with sexual intercourse or orgasm, and it doesn’t flare up as a response to desire. What if people with PGAD are simply experiencing a heightened version of what we all feel? What if arousal is what we refer to when we say “if the spirit moves you”?
Let’s consider other forms of arousal dysphoria. In Sexual Arousal Dysphoria, some individuals may experience distress or discomfort specifically related to sexual arousal. This could manifest as a psychological or physiological response where sexual arousal triggers feelings of anxiety, shame, guilt, or even physical pain. This could show up as Sexual Arousal Anxiety, a condition where the act of becoming aroused leads to intense anxiety or panic attacks, or as Sexual Aversion Disorder, an extreme aversion to sexual contact, where even mild arousal might cause discomfort or disgust.
Non-Sexual Arousal Dysphoria could relate to states of physiological arousal not tied to sexual feelings. Examples include Hyperarousal, which is often associated with conditions like PTSD, where individuals feel a heightened state of alertness or anxiety, causing distress without any direct external trigger and Arousal in the context of ADHD in which individuals with ADHD experience discomfort with heightened states of arousal due to overstimulation, leading to difficulty focusing or emotional dysregulation. Additionally, Interoceptive Dysphoria is a difficulty interpreting or regulating internal body states (like heart rate or breathing, but also arousal) leading to discomfort or panic, often seen in anxiety disorders.
Emotional Arousal Dysphoria happens when Individuals experience distress related to emotional arousal. For example, some people may find any form of heightened emotion (like excitement, anger, or fear) uncomfortable or overwhelming, leading to avoidance behaviors or emotional numbing. Autonomic Arousal Dysphoria is the dysregulation in the autonomic nervous system and could lead to conditions like dysautonomia, where arousal states (like changes in heart rate, sweating, or blood pressure) cause significant discomfort or distress, often without a clear trigger or in response to minimal stimuli.
I believe arousal and curiosity are the moving force behind eloping in neurodivergent kids. I know that when I have ideas and insights I automatically want to go out and walk. I seriously considered tying myself to the chair I’m sitting on to write this because it’s so hard to fight the urge.
Modern theories of motivation and arousal, such as the Self-Determination Theory or the Yerkes-Dodson Law, explore a range of human desires and states that contribute to arousal, including autonomy, competence, and relatedness. These models recognize the multi-faceted nature of human drives, beyond just the sexual. I will present my perspective on arousal and cognition and my own interpretation of the most current research in a later paper.
Why have we confined our understanding of arousal to narrow definitions? I think Freud smelled arousal and decided
everything is sex
because that’s the only framework he had to conceptualize his intuition. But there’s so much more to it. Arousal and curiosity are fundamental to our existence. They are what make us move, explore, and grow. We are so used to judging and suppressing arousal, but take a pause. Zoom out.
Instead of asking “how is this wrong?”, why don’t we ask, “how does this work?” and “how is this right?”
My sensory profile.
Visually I am generally sensory avoidant and clutter stresses me out and overwhelms me to the point of feeling I can’t think. I also have strabismus and synesthesia.
Regarding photoperception I am sensory typical.
Regarding audition I am sensory avoidant. Some types of sounds and beats overwhelm me and dysregulate me for hours.
Regarding olfaction I have a very sensitive sense of smell and I am generally sensory seeking. I use pleasant scents to regulate myself and navigate the world like an eager doggy, guided by the leaves and plants and aromas around me.
Regarding somatosensory I have a reduced response to pain, and a dysphoric response to touch. Some things like a tag in my shirt can be very distracting, but a bump in my leg or a cut in a finger can feel like nothing.
Regarding interoception I have reduced awareness. I have a hard time knowing when I’m hungry, tired, or how I’m feeling emotionally.
Regarding proprioception, vestibular and kinesthesia I am sensory seeking and dysphoric. I have the urge to spin, jump, and run to be able to regulate myself.
Regarding arousal I have hyperarousal and it manifests most commonly with PGAD. However, this arousal is often awaken by ideas and art, not by sexual desire itself.
Understanding your own sensory profiles allows you to see how these unique patterns combine to create an overall ‘sensory style,’ which reflects how you navigate the world with their senses.
Sensory style.
Sensory style refers to the general tendency in your sensory profile. Traditionally, there’s three common categories: “sensory avoidant”, for the people who are generally sensitive to stimuli and prefer to step back from stimuli, “sensory seeker”, for the people who have a reduced sensitivity to stimuli and crave them, and “sensory typical”, for the people who perceive stimuli within the normal range.
Even though my sensory profile is rich and nuanced, my sensory style overall is “sensory seeking”.
In the context of this framework, my sensory style tends towards intens.
In case you haven’t noticed yet.
I know what you are thinking. “It’s a range! There’s fluidity within a person!” And you are right, to a point. Humans are highly adaptable, after all. However, in general, we have a sensory default or baseline. How do I know? Look at the range of what we call ‘typical’—it’s actually quite narrow. We have sensory diagnoses for a reason. Think about it: when your energetic friend seems quiet, you worry. When your quiet friend is energetic or excited you assume they are high. We notice when someone isn’t in their default state, and that tells us a lot about how distinct these sensory styles really are, and how static we expect people to be.
Observation.
I expanded myself in the discussion of the senses because it’s relevant within this framework. I also feel like it might be of service to many of you reading. If you have been feeling secretly weird or different in the way you navigate the world, finding yourself in some of these descriptions might bring you needed understanding and awareness. With this knowledge you can research and find coping mechanisms. I don’t think someone’s sensory profile is an excuse to seclude themselves. I generally believe that life is to be enjoyed in company and society is our beautiful playground. However, a deeper understanding of who you are and how you function might bring solace, maybe help with anxiety. And who knows, maybe you’ll find very actionable steps to make your life more pleasant.
To truly understand how we process the world around us, we must expand our perspective on the senses and their roles in shaping our experiences. Each sense provides a unique gateway for interpreting the information we gather, allowing us to navigate, respond, and adapt to our environment. Beyond the traditional senses, recognizing arousal as an integral sense opens new possibilities for understanding how we direct our attention, focus our energy, and engage with the unknown.
Our sensory profile and style are not a limitation; they are our own dynamic ways of perceiving and interacting with the world. By embracing this broader view, we challenge ourselves to look beyond the usual categorizations, to explore not just “what is wrong,” but also “what is right.” We can begin to appreciate the diversity of human perception—not just as a series of functions or disorders, but as a complex mix of senses that guides our growth, learning, and creativity.
Pop quiz! Your sensory style.
I developed this sensory test recalling my experience filling out many such tests for my kids. It’s a fun and insightful activity. It’s also a useful tool, similar to those doctors utilize. Sensory profiles are expensive, and many times, doctors either don’t know about them or don’t want to provide one.
So here you are, my gift, from me to you. I hope you’ll enjoy it and find value in it.
If you want it to be more meaningful, ask someone who knows you well to fill it out on your behalf to gain additional insight..
Auditory Processing.
Sensory Avoiding:
- Responds negatively to unexpected or loud noises (e.g., noise from vacuum cleaners, dog barking, sirens).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Becomes overwhelmed or avoids certain environments due to noise (e.g., busy streets, loud offices).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Has trouble completing tasks when there is background noise (e.g., radio, conversations).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Is easily distracted or has trouble focusing in noisy environments (e.g., open office spaces, cafes).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Cannot work with background noise (e.g., fan, refrigerator hum).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Appears to not hear or process what others say in noisy environments.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Doesn’t respond when name is called but hearing is fine in quiet environments.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Finds it difficult to adjust to sudden changes in noise levels (e.g., entering loud spaces).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Sensory Seeking:
- Needs to listen to music or the radio to concentrate and complete tasks.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Prefers bright and lively environments with auditory stimulation (e.g., enjoys lively cafes, concerts).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Enjoys creating noise or seeking out unusual sounds (e.g., tapping, humming).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Visual Processing.
Sensory Avoiding:
- Avoids eye contact
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Is bothered by bright lights after others have adapted to the light
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Covers eyes or squints to protect eyes from light
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Expresses discomfort with or avoids bright lights (for example, hides from sunlight through a window or bright office lights)
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Finds it difficult to concentrate in cluttered or visually complex environments
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Sensory Seeking:
- Prefers bright colors and lively environments
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Seeks out visually stimulating environments (e.g., enjoys bright lights or busy settings)
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Looks carefully or intensely at objects or people (for example, stares)
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Is drawn to and enjoys visually complex or vibrant images (e.g., art, designs, or videos with fast transitions)
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Turns head to follow visually moving objects or people
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Photoperception.
Sensory Avoiding:
- Experiences discomfort or anxiety in brightly lit environments (e.g., bright sunlight, fluorescent lights.)
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Finds it difficult to adjust to changes in lighting, especially from dark to bright spaces.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Avoids or dislikes spending time in direct sunlight due to its intensity.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Struggles with exposure to blue light from screens, affecting sleep or causing eye strain. ☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Sensory Seeking:
- Seeks out brightly lit environments or prefers strong light sources during the day.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Uses bright light to regulate mood or increase alertness, especially in winter months (e.g., light therapy for SAD).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Feels more awake or energized in environments with ample sunlight or artificial light.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Finds that natural sunlight or bright indoor lighting helps improve mood and energy levels.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Related Conditions:
- Has been diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and finds that exposure to light influences mood and energy levels.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Experiences insomnia or other sleep disturbances due to light exposure (e.g., difficulty falling asleep after screen use or exposure to artificial light).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Somatosensory Processing.
Sensory Avoiding:
- Avoids or is bothered by certain fabrics or textures (e.g., scratchy clothes, wool, tags, or seams)
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Dislikes being touched unexpectedly (e.g., flinches or pulls away from light touch or hugs)
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Is sensitive to temperature changes or dislikes feeling cold/warm when others feel fine
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Uncomfortable or sensitive about textures during grooming activities (e.g., brushing hair, shaving, or washing hands)
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Feels pain more acutely or reacts strongly to minor injuries
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Sensitive to subtle sensations like air movement or light breezes on the skin
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Avoids or feels uncomfortable with skin-to-skin contact, such as handshakes or hugs
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Sensory Seeking:
- Touches various textures or objects often, seeking tactile experiences (e.g., rubbing fabrics, feeling smooth surfaces)
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Feels pain more faintly or doesn’t react to serious or semi serious injuries
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Engages in repetitive physical behaviors to regulate or stimulate (e.g., tapping, fidgeting, or stroking objects)
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Enjoy extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Prefers or enjoys certain textures (e.g., smooth, soft, or cool to the touch)
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Craves physical interaction like skin-to-skin contact or hugs
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Smell (Olfaction).
Sensory Seeking:
- I enjoy strong and distinct smells like perfumes, spices, or essential oils.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I actively seek out pleasant smells to regulate my mood or energy levels.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I find comfort in environments with strong scents (e.g., cafes, flower shops).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I enjoy sniffing objects to get a sense of them (e.g., candles, food, plants).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Sensory Avoiding:
- I am easily overwhelmed by strong smells and prefer mild or no scents.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Certain smells make me feel nauseous or physically uncomfortable.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I avoid places with strong smells, like perfume sections or restaurants.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I prefer using unscented or lightly scented products like lotions or detergents.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Taste (Gustation).
Sensory Seeking:
- I enjoy strong flavors and prefer highly seasoned or spicy foods.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I like experimenting with different flavors and trying new foods regularly.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I enjoy foods with complex textures and flavors, like crunchy and creamy combinations.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I find pleasure in eating a wide variety of foods with strong, distinct tastes.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Sensory Avoiding:
- I am sensitive to strong flavors and prefer bland or mildly seasoned foods.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Certain food textures or flavors make me feel uncomfortable or nauseous.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I avoid foods with mixed textures or very intense flavors (e.g., spicy, sour).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I prefer familiar foods and tend to avoid trying new or exotic dishes.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Interoception.
Sensory Seeking:
- I frequently check in with how my body feels (e.g., hunger, thirst, temperature, etc.).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I enjoy activities that heighten my awareness of my internal state (e.g., mindfulness, yoga, meditation).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I actively seek to regulate my internal sensations (e.g., eating, drinking water, changing body temperature).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I enjoy focusing on the sensations of my heartbeat, breathing, or other bodily functions.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Sensory Avoiding:
- I tend to ignore or overlook internal signals like hunger, thirst, or pain until they become intense.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I often find it difficult to notice changes in my internal body states (e.g., fatigue, anxiety, need for the bathroom).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I avoid focusing on my internal sensations because they make me uncomfortable.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I find it hard to recognize or manage my emotions until they become overwhelming.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Vestibular Processing.
Sensory Seeking:
- I enjoy activities that involve a lot of movement (e.g., spinning, swinging, or dancing).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I feel calmer or more focused after engaging in activities that involve movement (e.g., running, jumping, or rocking).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I prefer physical activities that challenge my sense of balance and coordination.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I often seek out intense movement sensations (e.g. skydiving, speed, or intense sports).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Sensory Avoiding:
- I feel dizzy, nauseous, or disoriented with slight movements (e.g., bending over, riding in a car, or spinning).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I avoid activities that involve fast or unpredictable movements (e.g., amusement park rides, escalators, or airplanes).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I experience discomfort or fear when my feet leave the ground (e.g., jumping, climbing, or standing on an unstable surface).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I avoid activities that involve rapid changes in position or direction (e.g., fast cars, spinning or sudden turns).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Proprioceptive Processing.
Sensory Seeking:
- I enjoy activities that involve deep pressure or strong physical sensations (e.g., rock climbing, weighted blankets, or strength training).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I often seek out activities that require a strong sense of body awareness (e.g., strength training, lifting heavy objects, or playing sports).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I feel a need to fidget or move my body when sitting for extended periods.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I find comfort in activities that involve pushing, pulling, or squeezing objects (e.g., stress balls, squeezing clay).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Sensory Avoiding:
- I feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed during activities that involve strong physical contact or pressure (e.g., deep massages, tight clothing).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I avoid activities that challenge my sense of body position or require fine motor coordination (e.g., precise movements, tasks requiring balance).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I find it difficult to gauge how much force to apply when gripping, pushing, or pulling objects (e.g., writing with too much pressure, or not enough).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I experience discomfort when engaging in activities that require strong body awareness or coordination (e.g., sports or exercises).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Kinesthetic Processing.
Sensory Seeking:
- I enjoy activities that involve constant movement or body awareness (e.g., dancing, running, or jumping).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I feel the need to engage in repetitive movements, such as pacing, rocking, or bouncing my legs.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I am drawn to activities that challenge my sense of movement and coordination (e.g., sports, yoga, or martial arts).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I often fidget with objects or my body when sitting still for long periods (e.g., tapping feet, clicking pens, twirling hair).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Sensory Avoiding:
- I avoid activities that require rapid or complex movements (e.g., dancing, fast-paced sports).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I feel discomfort or clumsiness when engaging in tasks that require precise coordination or balance (e.g., walking on uneven surfaces, riding a bike).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I am uncomfortable with activities that require me to shift my body position frequently (e.g., standing up quickly, bending down).
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - I find it challenging to follow along with complex physical routines or exercises that require a high degree of coordination.
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Kronoception.
Sensory Seeking:
- Craves structure and relies on schedules to maintain balance throughout the day
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Frequently checks the time or uses timers to stay on track
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Enjoys planning events or activities with precise timeframes
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Feels energized and productive when under time pressure or tight deadlines
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Sensory Avoiding:
- Frequently feels time dragging, as if the day moves too slowly
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Finds it difficult to gauge how much time has passed during activities
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Dislikes being rushed or pressured to meet strict deadlines
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Experiences stress or anxiety due to rapid changes in routine or schedules
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Related Conditions:
- Experiences “time blindness” (difficulty tracking how long tasks take or how much time is left)
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Struggles with executive dysfunction, especially when managing time for tasks with multiple steps
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Feels disconnected from typical time perceptions, noticing events feel fragmented or out of sync
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Time Anxiety:
- Do you frequently worry about running out of time or not having enough time to complete tasks?
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Do you feel anxious when you realize how quickly time is passing?
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Do you tend to rush through tasks even when there’s no immediate deadline?
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Do you avoid planning long-term goals because of a fear of time running out?
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Does thinking about future events (e.g., aging, deadlines) make you feel uneasy or stressed?
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Arousal.
Curiosity and Exploration:
- Do you have a full-body response to new ideas or concepts, such as feeling physically energized or excited?
- ☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
- Do you feel driven by curiosity, leading you to elope or follow an ‘urge’ to explore new paths, places, or ideas?
- ☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
- Do you experience a ‘rush’ or thrill when discovering something new or unfamiliar, whether intellectually or physically?
- ☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
- Do you feel compelled to act on your curiosity immediately, finding it difficult to resist the pull to explore or investigate further?
- ☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
- When you’re excited or curious, do you find it difficult to stay still or focus on one task, feeling the need to move, pace, or engage in a new activity?
- ☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Intellectual, Emotional, and Sexual Stimulation:
- Have you ever had an affair or developed romantic feelings for a teacher or mentor who intellectually stimulated you?
- ☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
- Do you feel sexually aroused during or after intellectually stimulating conversations?
- ☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
- Does engaging in deep, meaningful dialogue with someone you admire make you feel more physically attracted to them?
- ☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
- Have you ever found yourself more sexually or emotionally drawn to someone because of their intellectual brilliance or creativity?
- ☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
- Do moments of intellectual intensity (e.g., debates, creative discussions) often leave you feeling sexually energized or aroused?
- ☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
- Do you feel mentally or emotionally energized after a sexual experience?
- ☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
- Does sexual arousal often lead to feelings of heightened creativity or inspiration, prompting ideas, projects, or artistic expression?
- ☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
- Do you find that moments of intense sexual arousal leave you craving more intellectual or emotional stimulation?
- ☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
- Do you notice a connection between your sexual arousal and creative flow, where both seem to ignite at similar times or under similar circumstances?
- ☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
- Does the aftermath of a sexual experience leave you feeling more open to exploring new ideas, concepts, or creative avenues?
- ☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
- Have you ever felt an urge to engage in intellectual work (e.g., writing, brainstorming) directly after a sexual experience?
- ☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
- Do you find that sexual arousal fuels not only physical desires but also your intellectual curiosity and emotional depth?
- ☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Sensory Seeking:
- Do you actively seek out situations that provide emotional or physical stimulation, such as thrilling activities or challenging discussions?
- ☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
- Do you feel more focused and alert when you’re experiencing high levels of excitement or arousal?
- ☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
- Do you crave emotionally intense or stimulating experiences, such as art, music, or ideas that provoke strong reactions?
- ☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
- Do you feel more creative or inspired when you’re in a heightened state of arousal?
- ☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
- Do you find it difficult to relax or wind down after experiencing excitement or strong emotions?
- ☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
Sensory Avoiding:
- Do you feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable when your arousal levels rise, such as during moments of excitement, stress, or heightened emotions?
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Do you try to avoid activities that might stimulate your arousal, such as high-intensity environments or emotional conversations?
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Do you feel anxious or distressed when you notice your physical arousal increasing, even if there’s no obvious reason for it?
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Do you find it challenging to relax or focus after experiencing a sudden spike in emotional or physical arousal?
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Does sexual arousal make you uncomfortable or anxious, prompting you to avoid intimacy or physical touch?
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Do you feel like your body is on high alert during periods of heightened arousal, and you wish you could shut it down?
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never - Do you experience discomfort with touch or physical closeness during moments of arousal, such as finding hugs or gentle touches overwhelming?
☐ Always ☐ Frequently ☐ Occasionally ☐ Never
– © 2024 Laureana Bonaparte. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
– Senses and ai: I will address senses and AI in the Boka stars part of the CCFT.
– I’m not sure many of you might understand how important this work is. Usually, sensory profiles are discussed only in the context of neurodivergence and childhood. My experience with my kids and working with OTs, early childhood specialists, neurologists and neuroscientists gave me the experience to have a deep multidisciplinary understanding of our sensory system. I hope this will help you guys gain a better understand you of what moves you.
– I wanted all the music companions for the CCFT paper to be children’s music. However, this is the record that pops up in my mind whenever I edited this post, so here we go.
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