Environmental Offenders

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Frequent Environmental Offenders
from which Hypersensitive Individuals Seek Protection

This list is by no means exhaustive. Nor is it meant to represent the usual offenders that environmentalists discuss, such as polluted air and water. It is a jumping off point for inquiries into elements in our everyday environment that bother some individuals more than others and interfere with their ability to perceive and/or concentrate.

Clothing on themselves

stiff tags
stiff fibers (e.g., jeans)
seams in socks
waistbands and belts
jewelry
hairbands
synthetic fibers

Clothing on Others

synthetic fibers
intricate patterns
metallic look
reflecting accessories
(e.g., sequins, watches)
noise makers (e.g., bangle
"jangle" bracelets, watch alarms)

Odors

paints, varnishes, glues
room fresheners
cologne, perfume, after-shave
hair spray, gels, etc.
clothes that have been dry-cleaned
fabric softeners applied
in the dryer
orange peel, banana peel
synthetics (e.g., plastic
food packaging)
fatty foods (e.g., broiled chops)
extremely sweet odors
extreme or unexpected body odors

Lighting

fluorescent lights
halogen lights
strobe lights
flickering sunlight (e.g., through leaves, blinds)
severe contrast (e.g., stage productions)
lighted mirrors
reflective materials
certain colors (esp. yellow-orange)
color contrasts (e.g., red:black)
white paper (esp. glossy magazines)
LCD signboards
automobile lights at night or in the rain
automobile lights in white tiled tunnels

Sounds

unexpected loud sounds
high pitched sounds
deeply resonating sounds
disharmonious sounds
background conversation

Body-in-Space Situations

light contact with seat, ground, other
slightly tipped/irregular surfaces
swivel chairs
open areas behind one's back
close quarters
remaining seated while others move past

General Comments:

We are frequently more sensitive to "offenders" on others, because we cannot anticipate their interference. This is one reason that transitions are so difficult and must be scouted for possible offenders. It also explains why many people with attentional priority disorders prefer the company of adults to children because adults

usually move slower and in a more predictable pattern

have lower, more modulated voices

usually wear more subdued clothing

use artificial scents more as a constant (a "signature") than for experimentation

anticipate and excuse themselves before emitting sudden body odors/sounds

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