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"I am different, not less" – Temple Grandin
For parents of neurodivergent children, understanding sensory overwhelm is key to helping them feel safe, supported, and understood. But what exactly is sensory overload, and why might it lead to those intense meltdowns?
Sensory processing is the brain’s way of interpreting and responding to information from the world around us—like sounds, textures, lights, and movement. Most people’s brains can filter and balance this input naturally, but for children on the autism spectrum or with other neurodivergent conditions, sensory input is often processed more intensely. This can quickly lead to overwhelm, causing children to react in ways that might seem sudden or confusing to others.
As Dr. Mona Delahooke explains in Beyond Behaviors, “Sensory processing difficulties are not behavioral problems. They are sensory problems that can affect a child's ability to engage with their world comfortably.” This reminder is essential for parents learning to see their child’s sensory challenges as real, impactful experiences—not misbehavior.
Why Does Sensory Overwhelm Happen?
Imagine if the hum of the fridge sounded as loud as someone talking, or if the texture of clothing felt as irritating as sandpaper. For neurodivergent children, sensory input can be amplified, leading to overwhelm. When a child reaches this point, their body and mind may feel overloaded, much like a circuit with too much current.
Sensory overload happens when a child’s brain receives more sensory input than it can handle at once. Dr. Temple Grandin, an autism advocate, explains in The Autistic Brain, “The problem is, we think in detail, and our brains overload with too much sensory input.” This insight helps us understand that sensory issues often relate to the way each detail is perceived and processed in the brain.
The ‘Meltdown’ Response: A Child’s Way of Saying “It’s Too Much”
When a child has a meltdown, it isn’t misbehavior—it’s their nervous system reaching capacity. As Dr. Stephen Porges, creator of the Polyvagal Theory, puts it, “Safety is the treatment.” When overwhelmed, a child may begin their day in a high-alert (amber) state, feeling anxious and ready to react. When sensory input becomes too much, they may quickly shift into a shutdown mode (red) to protect themselves.
How You Can Support Your Child Through Overwhelm
While we can’t eliminate every sensory trigger, we can create supportive environments that help children find calm and maintain a sense of control. Here are a few strategies:
Create a Safe Space: Design a sensory-friendly area at home with soft textures, calming colors, and dim lighting. This can be a go-to place for your child to find calm.
Use Calming Tools: Sensory tools such as noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, or weighted blankets can help your child feel protected from overwhelming stimuli.
Observe and Identify Patterns: Notice when and where your child experiences meltdowns. Over time, you may identify patterns and adjust environments to reduce potential triggers.
Teach Self-Regulation Skills: Gradually introduce age-appropriate self-regulation techniques like deep breathing, taking breaks, or using fidget toys to build resilience and control.
Ready to Learn More? Join Our Webinar
Understanding your child’s nervous system is super important in helping them start each day in a balanced, engaged state rather than a high-alert state that quickly flips into shutdown.
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