Understanding Overstimulation: When a Child’s Senses Are Bombarded

In the bustling world we live in, sensory overload is a common occurrence. For neurodivergent children, this experience can be incredibly challenging. Understanding overstimulation, why it happens, and how to support children is crucial for their well-being.

What is Overstimulation?

Overstimulation occurs when a person is bombarded with more sensory input than they can process effectively. For neurodivergent children, such as those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or sensory processing disorder (SPD), their sensory systems can become easily overwhelmed.

Why Neurodivergent Children Are Prone to Overstimulation

Neurodivergent children may have differences in how they perceive and process sensory information. This means that everyday sounds, lights, textures, and movements can be amplified in their experience. This hypersensitivity can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and discomfort.

Signs of Overstimulation

Recognising when a child is overstimulated is crucial for providing timely support. Signs may include:

• Increased fidgeting or restlessness
• Covering ears or eyes
• Irritability or meltdowns
• Withdrawal or seeking isolation
• Difficulty concentrating
• Heightened sensitivity to touch, sound, or light

Tips to Prevent Overstimulation

• Create a Calming Environment: Designate a quiet, sensory-friendly space where your child can retreat when overwhelmed. This space can have soft lighting, calming colours, and comforting textures.
• Use Visual Schedules: Visual schedules or timers can help children anticipate transitions and activities, reducing surprises that may lead to overstimulation.
• Limit Screen Time: Excessive screen time can contribute to sensory overload. Establish healthy screen time limits to prevent overstimulation.
• Provide Sensory Breaks: Integrate regular sensory breaks into your child’s routine. These breaks can include activities like deep breathing exercises, stretching, or using sensory tools like fidget toys.
• Offer Choices: Allow your child some control over their environment and activities. Providing choices can empower them and reduce feelings of overwhelm.

Supporting an Overstimulated Child

When your child is experiencing overstimulation, here are steps you can take to help them:

• Remove the Source: Identify and remove or reduce the sensory input causing distress. This could mean turning down loud music, dimming bright lights, or moving to a quieter space.
• Use Deep Pressure: Firm hugs, weighted blankets, or gentle compression can provide proprioceptive input, helping to calm an overstimulated nervous system.
• Encourage Calming Techniques: Teach your child simple calming techniques such as deep breathing, visualisation, or progressive muscle relaxation.
• Validate Feelings: Let your child know feeling overwhelmed is okay. Offer reassurance and understanding without judgment.
• Engage in Preferred Activities: Redirect their focus to enjoyable and calming activities. This could be reading a book, drawing, or listening to soothing music.

Understanding overstimulation and its impact on neurodivergent children is critical to providing practical support. By creating sensory-friendly environments, implementing strategies to prevent overload, and knowing how to help when overstimulation occurs, we can empower these children to navigate the world with greater comfort and confidence.

Remember, each child is unique, so finding what works best for them may take trial and error. With patience, empathy, and a willingness to learn, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all neurodivergent individuals.