Sensory overload happens when something around us overstimulates one or more of our senses. That could be a loud TV, a crowded room, or a noisy, smelly cafeteria. There’s suddenly too much information coming in through our senses for our brain to process. It’s usually easy enough to escape the discomfort we’re feeling.

There are currently not many treatment options for sensory overload. Most “treatment” boils down to avoiding trigger situations and keeping your body as rested and well-hydrated as possible. Occupational therapy and feeding therapy can help children manage stimulation and triggers.

Contents

• Dyspraxia/Apraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder.
• Tourette Syndrome.
• Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD)
• Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID)
• Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome (SSS, aka “Irlen Syndrome”)
• Other Sensory Conditions.

Sensory processing issues are not a learning disability or official diagnosis. But they can make it hard for children to succeed at school. For instance, oversensitive kids respond easily to sensory stimulation and can find it overwhelming.

Offer regular sensory breaks throughout the day. Take extra time and give warnings to help the child prepare for any transition times. Maintain a predictable schedule and routine. Use calming strategies and breathing techniques.

How to Calm a Sensory Seeking Child

1. Set Up an Action Room. Vestibular movement, such as swinging or rocking, has a positive effect on an overactive brain.
2. Calm the Brain with a ‘Chill Spa’
3. Create an Obstacle Course.
4. Play Catch.
5. Create a Break Box.
6. Entertain the Mouth.

That is after all what a child needs most during a sensory meltdown.

1. Identify and remove sensory triggers.
2. Try distracting your child.
3. Make your child feel safe.
4. Remove any dangerous objects.
5. Invest in a good weighted blanket.
6. Carry a pair of noise-canceling headphones.
7. Put together an emergency meltdown kit.
8. Stay calm.

Common signs of a meltdown include hand flapping, head hitting, kicking, pacing, rocking, hyperventilating, being unable to communicate, and completely withdrawing into myself. All of these behaviours are methods of coping.

“In the majority of people, sensory issues resolve on their own, or become significantly milder and less interfering as a child grows,” explains Wendy Nash, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Child Mind Institute.

Here are suggestions to change your own actions to deal with sensory overload at school:

1. Talk in a low, calm voice.
2. Minimize your own movement.
3. Minimize your own gestures.
4. Change the lighting.
5. Direct the student’s attention to an area that is organized, clutter-free and has limited visual distractions.

It refers to having heightened sensitivity to stimulation of the senses. This can apply to any of the five senses – touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste – and may even affect multiple senses for some sufferers.

The action plan can be set out following these headings, for each item:

• Recommendation.
• Response.
• Objectives of the action.
• Action proposed.
• Responsibility.
• Time frame.
• Progress indicators.
• Expected outcome.