Tips for Visual Sensitivity

Visual hypersensitivity can significantly interfere with everyday life. Here are a few of the major culprits:

Fluorescent lights: people with auditory and visual sensitivity can see and hear fluorescent lights as they flicker on and off. This can range from mildly annoying to profoundly distracting.

Downcast lights: light that shoots straight down from the ceiling may be very difficult for people to tolerate.

Glare: From sunlight or artificial lighting, glare can make it difficult for people to see and concentrate.

Visual overcrowding: Too many things to look at in the environment can be overwhelming or even lead to a sensory “white out.” Too much movement in a playground may make it too uncomfortable for a child to play happily. Too many items on a bookshelf, in a toy bin, or in a dresser drawer may make it impossible to find a the desired item. Too many questions on a school worksheet can overload and discourage a student even if the student knows the material.

Here are some quick tips:

When possible, replace fluorescent bulbs with full spectrum or incandescent bulbs
If unable to replace fluorescent fixtures:
- Use only FRESH fluorescent tubes since they get noisier and more flickery as they age
- Cover fluorescent ceiling fixtures with light diffusing filters such as Sky Panels and Classroom Light Filters. See the Sensory Environment section of our Toys & Equipment page
- Turn off overheads and use eye-level lamps
Most lights are simply too bright. Install dimmer switches you can buy at the hardware store.
Wear sunglasses and/or a hat outdoors and tinted lenses indoors.
Wear a baseball cap hat with a wide brim to cut the glare of downward lighting. If wearing a hat inside is forbidden at your child’s school and he needs this accommodation, you will need to formally add it to your child’s IEP or 504 plan.
To reduce visual overload:
- Declutter your home, school, or office.
- Sort through toys and objects and store them in opaque containers with labels.
- Clear off work surfaces. For example, if you want your visually sensitive child to focus on his homework, provide a distraction-free workspace.
- Avoid complicated prints and patterns on carpets and walls.