Sensory overload with children is very difficult to navigate, especially as a parent (and even more so for a first-time parent!). Whether your child has Autism and/or a neurological condition, or he/she simply feels overwhelmed by sensory input in their environment, knowing how to navigate and support your child in these situations is so critical!

From creating a calming space to deep pressure tactics, here are some of the most popular ways to reduce sensory overload and help your child thrive!

Remove or Reduce Potential Triggers

When children are overloaded on one or more sensory levels, the nervous system takes a hit. This can be very overwhelming for them! One of the easiest and fastest ways to reset the nervous system is to remove the offending trigger, such as dimming the lights or turning down the volume.

However, you can also partner with an expert (like an audiologist or optometrist) to address and/or rule out any ongoing visual and hearing problems that can also be contributing to the issue.

Create a Calming Sensory Space

One of the best ways of helping a child deal with sensory overload is to provide a calming space they can use to self-regulate and decompress. When they know they also have an escape, it helps them with the uneasiness of unpredictability, often resulting in an overall calmer experience by just knowing they can retreat when they need to.

Something like a pop-up tent, draped blanket, or propped-up pillows can be enough of a comfort for children to escape to.

Using Aids for Sensory Overload in Children

Around 70% to 90% of people with Autism have sensory processing issues, such as hearing problems or hyperacusis (experiencing things louder), which is one of the potential signs of Autism in children. To get around these challenges, you can use aids such as noise-canceling headphones that can dim audio for children and make social experiences more manageable. Other aids they might find useful include chewable jewelry, fidget rings, and stress balls. 

Try Deep Pressure Activities

Some children find comfort in being held by a parent, much like swaddling a baby. Known as deep pressure therapy, this is one of the most effective methods of calming a child when they experience too much, and it’s actually pretty easy to do, too!

For example, as a parent, you can try bear hugging your child. You can also wrap them tight in their favorite blanket like a burrito, and they can even try exercises such as trampoline jumping and bouncing a ball.

Predictability Through Visual Routine

Most parents are familiar with visual timetables for children with Autism, and these are among the most useful for you and the kids. The reason being, is that most Autistic children feel stressed with unpredictability and can become overwhelmed after sharp changes to their routine.

You can use visual timetables as a strong visual representation of what they can expect during the course of a day or for an upcoming event, and to assist them in mentally preparing for them.

Overcoming Sensory Overload Is Possible

Although it can feel overwhelming at first, navigating your child’s sensitivities doesn’t have to be too challenging. Start by removing and reducing triggers. Then, create strategies and a plan of action in stressful situations. You can also use different tools to help (headphones, timetables, etc.).

From there, try (as best as you can!) to open communication between you and your child so they feel comfortable expressing what they need. You might not ‘solve’ the issue or get it ‘right’ every single time, but the more communication and understanding you have, and the more support you create, the more confident and calm your child will feel!