Explore sensory overload detection with biosensing wearables

It is estimated that more than 10 million people are neurodivergent in the UK. Sensory
overload, i.e., when senses experience overstimulation from the environment, is common in many neurodivergent children; however, over a third of our population lack awareness of it. The experience of sensory overload is unique to each individual, but it can be generated by environmental elements such as crowded and loud places, or it can also be generated by strong scents or lights. It can be a contributing factor that prevents neurodivergent children and young people from fully participating in education, social life and employment. In this project, we aim to explore how a biosensing wearable system could potentially support children to manage their sensory overload and take action before the response to the environmental situation is out of control for the individual. The project will explore what is needed from such a system, and develop of a wearable prototype which can be connected to a mobile application which could notify a parent or even a teacher that sensory overload is occurring.