Chapter 1: The Challenge of Public Spaces

As I sit in a bustling coffee shop, attempting to edit a manuscript while waiting for the rain to pass, the ambient noise is mostly bearable. Conversations buzz around me, but that’s expected in a lively setting. However, my peace is disrupted when a middle-aged man settles into the table next to me, opens his laptop, and prepares for a meeting.

I brace myself for the inevitable loud, one-sided phone conversation. While we usually tolerate such interruptions, knowing we might need to make similar calls ourselves someday, the situation takes a turn for the worse when he switches to Zoom. Suddenly, distorted voices fill the air, and my mood shifts dramatically.

"I'm good, I'm fine, thank you," he responds in an exaggerated tone, as if broadcasting his importance. The distant voices begin to come through, creating a jarring noise that gnaws at my concentration.

“Krssshhhhhh… Oh yeah, we can hear the background music,” one voice crackles.

Section 1.1: The Struggle with Sensory Overload

Despite my understanding of the need to endure distractions in public spaces, my autism makes loud noises particularly unbearable. The cacophony from the speakerphone becomes increasingly overwhelming, and I feel my anxiety levels rise. I try various coping strategies, from earplugs to deep breathing, but none offer relief.

My sensory sensitivities mean that instead of fading into the background, these annoying sounds only intensify. The noise acts like a relentless physical pain, gradually eroding my mental energy. As the call drags on, I can feel myself approaching the brink of a meltdown. In a fit of frustration, I leave the café, drenched by the rain and overwhelmed by a sense of defeat.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Ubiquity of Speakerphones

It's not just coffee shops where speakerphones become an issue; they are ubiquitous in all public settings. I encounter them everywhere—from the elderly lady loudly watching her show in the grocery store to teenagers blasting music on the train. The invasion of sound is relentless.

In recent years, speakerphone use has skyrocketed, likely due to the rise of wireless earbuds and the prevalence of loud, autoplaying social media content. The pandemic has only exacerbated this trend, as many have grown accustomed to conducting their lives at full volume without regard for others.

Chapter 2: A Call for Change

The first video titled "SPEAKER PHONE IN PUBLIC?" explores the impact of loud phone conversations in shared spaces, emphasizing the need for consideration towards those with sensory sensitivities.

The second video, "Coffee Talk: Is talking on speaker phone in public places rude?" discusses the social etiquette of using speakerphones and the discomfort it can cause to those around.

As a society, we need to reconsider our habits. The growing normalization of speakerphone use has made public life more challenging for sensory-sensitive individuals like myself. Research indicates that people on the autism spectrum process sensory information differently, often experiencing overstimulation similarly to physical pain.

When surrounded by disruptive sounds, my body enters fight-or-flight mode. The frustration builds, leading to desperate attempts to escape the noise, sometimes resulting in self-harm as a means of coping.

Finding solace in public spaces is becoming increasingly difficult. I often carry headphones, earplugs, and fidget toys, bracing myself for sensory overload. While I manage to mask my discomfort to a degree, it’s a constant battle that many others face as well.

I hope for a world where everyone can coexist comfortably. It’s not unreasonable for me to wish for a quieter environment, where simple tasks like grocery shopping or enjoying a coffee don't feel like an assault on my senses.

In a recent experience at Starbucks, I had the opportunity to kindly ask a fellow patron to lower the volume on her laptop. Her understanding and willingness to accommodate my needs were heartwarming and reminded me that change is possible.

It’s crucial for us to advocate for a more sensory-friendly society. Each of us can contribute by being mindful of how our actions affect those around us. By reconsidering our use of technology in public, we can create a more inclusive environment for everyone.

A quieter world benefits us all. I urge you, please be considerate of your surroundings and help make public spaces welcoming for all. My book, "Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity," is available now for those interested in exploring this topic further.