I'm susceptible to sensory overload, as well. A lot of people misunderstand (both your mother and some of the people in this thread), I think, what it means. It's not just 'I expect the world to change to suit my preferences.'

For those of us with it, it can be a bitch. For me, my symptoms will typically include: inability to process movement and sound. Loss of balance. Emotions get amplified. Vision problems. Severe nausea/vomiting. It can be rather disheartening because few people take it seriously, usually with them giving a smug smile and a condescending 'Toughen up'.

Healing this stuff is a process and part of that process is understanding when you have to remove yourself from the activity. Which is precisely what you should have done. I'm sorry that they gave you a hard time about it.

It sounds like to me that while the woman may have been embarrassed (and probably offered a 'I'm sorry for causing OP trouble.' apology. Let's be honest. She asked because she knew her kids were being difficult), it was your family that had the problem.

I would try to, matter-of-factly, explain to your parents the kind of effect that over-stimulation has on you. Ask them if they can help you out and give you space to relax for a few before you head back into the situation. That you aren't asking for anyone to change or stop what they're doing, but you need the ability to take care of yourself.

The way you speak about your family suggests to me that you feel that they hold little regard for you. (And their public dismissal of your difficulties doesn't make me feel inclined to disagree with you.) Why are you there? If your mother and father weren't your family, would you respect them at all? Would you like who they are? Would you want to be around them?

If they aren't willing or able to understand, I'd take a step back and really look at this relationship. Decide what you want from your parents and think about what they are actually capable of giving you. Remember, it really is okay to love someone from a distance.