What makes Matthew feel he is in a storm?
People living with Autism are potentially in stress all the time, experiencing a background noise of being out of sync with their surroundings and other people. Having to handle stimuli with two or more senses at once or having unexpected encounters may be too much. They may be “hyper” or “stuck”. While it had been thought by some that Autism involves having too few connections in their brains and nervous systems, current theories suggest that people with Autism may be too over-connected and therefore liable to be overloaded by sensory stimuli from their environments.
Imagine combining pain and discomfort with inability to tell one’s companions what feels wrong. No wonder there are sometimes meltdowns when the sensory overload becomes unbearable. A person driven to that extreme knows he is out of control but cannot help himself.
People whose families and carers have been understanding and supportive will try to “hold in the storm”—to contain all the explosive feelings by an effort of will. They may shut down to protect themselves but be unable to do this without getting stuck. Matthew does that. We see his stress only by very subtle signs.
A stereotyped view of Autism is of loud and conspicuous behavior. You might ask: Why is Matthew so quiet and mild-mannered? In planning and composing this screenplay, it was decided not to depict the agitated and out-of-control behaviours that people may expect in any representation of Autism. Instead these are only inferred by some things that Matthew says and the “storm” in the film’s title. The emphasis is on what he says with his “thought voice” which expresses his intelligence and intention to do his best. Rather than dwell on deficits and “what’s wrong” our film suggests the potential.
How is Matthew able to hold in the storm?
Different people work out various ways. Hands clasped over ears represent both wanting to shut out unwelcome or confusing noises from the world and wanting to hold in the storm inside one’s head and prevent it from boiling over. Someone who has been supported with understanding can devise unique ways to cope with sensory overload.
Escaping from noisy places to experience calm and beauty may be one way. It can help to have quiet spaces indoors with classical music playing and times of being alone. Or one can go outside to feel calmed by the wide open spaces and fresh air. Matthew and others find joy and peace in quiet spaces such as parklands and woods. Natural outdoor spaces, gardens of harmony and beauty, green landscapes, fresh air, golden sunshine, moving water sparkling in the sun and interesting clouds all appeal to the visual and spiritual senses. The feeling of rhythm when riding in cars and especially trains can be soothing too. Some research is finding that people with ASD actually think more when quietly on their own than when with a group.
For people with Autism, the sensory overload of noise, bright lights, traffic, crowds, heat, stuffiness, or strong odours can quickly become unbearable. So can crowded places like malls, concerts, theatres or sports events.
Large family gatherings and special celebrations can be particularly hard. If it’s important for social reasons to share in these times, it helps if a person is well prepared and feels free to take short breaks in quieter rooms. Taking a short break should not be interpreted as unwillingness to be with the group; the person usually returns after a few minutes. He is not necessarily trying to escape people but much prefers being with people individually or in small groups when those who understand his challenges can offer shared interests.
It helps to prepare ahead for stressful events and encounters. As one of Matthew’s friends says “Surprise is my very worst enemy”. Scripting and social stories can help. Matthew has been prepared to meet strangers on his walks, and to remain calm when asked if his dog may be patted.
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