Vox Media and Sensodyne Release Sensory Overload: A Documentary on How to Support Neurodivergent and Sensory Sensitive Communities

Vox Media and Sensodyne announced the upcoming release of Sensory Overload, a compelling feature-length documentary exploring the needs of the neurodivergent and sensory sensitive communities and how to better serve them in a variety of settings. An estimated 20 percent of the world’s population has some form of enhanced sensitivity to environmental or emotional stimuli and Sensory Overload aims to raise awareness of the need for more sensory inclusive spaces.

The film profiles individuals in the neurodivergent and sensory sensitive communities and their allies, looking at how they are changing mindsets around them. It follows Lola Dada-Olley, a mother of two children on the autism spectrum; Dr. Jacob Dent, a dentist who has designed his practice with the needs of the neurodivergent and sensory sensitive communities in mind; and Burnett Grant, a young individual on the autism spectrum who advocates for more inclusive environments.

Sensory Overload aims to showcase the characters’ stories and experiences without putting them in a box, at times providing a visual representation of how they experience the world, and the challenges presented in settings that can be overwhelming to the senses, such as visiting the dentist. Academy Award-winning director Spike Lee discusses his experience with dyslexia, and the better understanding that came following his son’s diagnosis. Other parents in the film share how they advocate for their children and, in the case of Dr. Dent, designed a dental practice to be inclusive of the needs of these communities.

Produced by Vox Creative, Vox Media’s award-winning branded content studio, Publicis Le One – Powered by Digitas, Sensodyne, and Samantha Knowles, Sensory Overload was featured at BrandStorytelling in Park City, Utah on January 22, 2025 with a limited theatrical release in New York City on February 5-11 at the Village East Theater. The documentary will be available to stream on Hulu beginning March 3. Samantha Knowles, whose film “How We Get Free” on HBO was shortlisted for a 2024 Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Film, is Sensory Overload’s executive producer.

“In approaching this important topic, we knew we wanted to profile a few individuals and their journeys toward changing the mindsets of those around them. As with all our storytelling at Vox Creative, we strove for authenticity and to highlight the human experiences that can bring this issue home,” said Kiana Moore, director of Sensory Overload and vice president of content production at Vox Creative.

The release of Sensory Overload is part of a concerted effort Sensodyne is partnering on to make oral care a more sensory inclusive experience. While only 9 percent of dentists report receiving some training to treat adults with sensory sensitivity, 80 percent say they have at least some interest in it. This month, in partnership with the American Dental Association and sensory accessibility non-profit KultureCity, the brand launched the Sensodyne Sensory Inclusion Initiative, which raises awareness of sensory inclusivity in oral care, and invests in education, training, tools and resources for patients with sensory needs and dental offices.

“Our research found that 26 percent of sensory sensitive individuals avoid the dentist entirely, which can lead to poorer oral health outcomes,” said Sue Vlcko, Vice President of Oral Health at Haleon. “That’s why we’re honored to collaborate with the American Dental Association and KultureCity to build sensory inclusion in oral care and connect patients with dentists who understand their sensory needs.”

To stream the trailer for Sensory Overload and to learn more about the Sensodyne Sensory Inclusion Initiative, visit www.sensodyne.com/sensoryinclusioninitiative

About Vox Media

Vox Media is the leading modern media company, reaching audiences everywhere they are. Known for editorial properties including Vox, SB Nation, New York Magazine, The Dodo, and The Verge, the company’s portfolio features the most relevant, respected, and engaging editorial properties and voices. The company is also home to award-winning storytelling businesses such as Vox Media Studios and the Vox Media Podcast Network, as well as innovative technologies that support the entire media industry, including the Concert advertising marketplace. Vox Media proves that quality can scale.

About Sensodyne®

Sensodyne is the #1 dentist-recommended toothpaste brand for sensitive teeth; its formulations help people overcome tooth sensitivity relief, with twice daily brushing while still providing the benefits of fluoride, cavity protection, fresh breath, and whitening to maintain healthy teeth. For more information, please visit www.sensodyne.com/en-us/.

About Haleon US

Haleon (NYSE: HLN) is a leading global consumer health company with a purpose to deliver better everyday health with humanity. Haleon’s product portfolio spans six major categories: Oral Health, Pain Relief, Respiratory Health, Digestive Health, Sexual Health, and Wellness. Built on trusted science, innovation, and deep human understanding, Haleon’s U.S. brands include Abreva, Advil, Benefiber, Centrum, Emergen-C, Eroxon, Excedrin, Flonase, Gas-X, Nexium, Nicorette, Parodontax, Polident, Preparation H, Pronamel, Sensodyne, Robitussin, Theraflu, TUMS, Voltaren, and more. For more information on Haleon and its brands, please visit www.haleon.com or contact USMediaRelations@haleon.com.

About Digitas

Digitas is the Networked Experience Agency, built on the vision that we create magnetic experiences that earn the right for brands to exist in human networks. Today, and tomorrow. We deliver Networked Experiences by leveraging comprehensive data, technology, creative, media, and strategy capabilities. Digitas’s in-house brand entertainment studio, Digitas Pictures, pioneers a non-traditional approach to brand-led content, seamlessly converging entertainment, media, and strategic brand storytelling. This distinctive approach not only delivers industry-defining campaigns but also wins lifelong brand advocates for its clients. From producing films, television, and audio content to co-marketing initiatives and original IP creation. For more information, please visit digitas.com or contact communications@digitas.com.