Hey there fellow mama! Today, I want to chat about something that's close to my heart and I'm sure resonates with many of you: sensory overload in autistic children.
Navigating the world of autism with my son, Christian, has been quite the journey. From an early age, I noticed how he'd become easily overwhelmed in certain environments, especially around loud or rambunctious kids. It was like he couldn't handle all the noise and activity, and his instinct was to seek refuge either by my side or under a table or chair. Seeing the anxiety in his eyes broke my heart.
After finding ourselves in a few of these situations, I decided to delve deeper into what was going on and how I could best support my son. That's when I stumbled upon the term "sensory overload." Turns out, there are myriad triggers for it, but thankfully, there are also many strategies to manage it.
So, let's dive into the world of sensory overload together. I'll share what I've learned along the way and how I've been able to help Christian when the world's stimuli become too overwhelming. Because hey, we're all in this together, right? Let's learn and grow alongside each other.
Let's start with the basics: what is Sensory Overload?
For autistic children, sensory overload is like their brains getting bombarded with too much information all at once. Imagine trying to focus while someone's blasting loud music, shining bright lights in your face, and poking you—it's just uncomfortable, stressful, and even painful. No parent wants that for their child.
Now, sensory info comes in all shapes and sizes. Think bright lights, loud sounds—Christian, for instance, can't stand the noise of a hair dryer or those hand dryers in public bathrooms. Then there's touch—some autistic kids shy away from hugs or even gentle touches. And food? Certain tastes and smells can be a big no-no, making mealtime a challenge.
But here's where it gets interesting: proprioception. Ever heard of it? Put simply, it's like your body's internal GPS, helping you know where your limbs are without having to look. But during sensory overload, this GPS can go haywire. That's why kids like Christian might fidget, have poor coordination or seek out tight hugs—it helps them feel anchored when everything feels chaotic.
Now, these sensory behaviors usually fall into two categories: hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity. Hypersensitive kiddos, like Christian, find certain sensory stuff way too intense—it's like a fireworks show going off in their heads. On the other hand, hyposensitive kids crave more stimulation, seeking out loud noises, strong smells or deep pressure sensations.
So, there you have it mama —sensory overload in a nutshell. Now that we know what it means let’s quickly discuss how it impacts your little ones life.
Impacts of Sensory Overload
Sensory overload in autistic children is no small matter—it can completely reshape their daily experiences, from making friends to tackling everyday tasks. Take something as routine as a trip to the supermarket. For neurotypical people, it's just another errand, but for autistic kids, it's a minefield of bright lights, loud noises, and a barrage of products vying for attention. The result? Stress, anxiety, and maybe even meltdowns.
For Christian, school was a major challenge. The chaos of screaming classmates, the overwhelming amount of colors and artwork plastered on the walls—it was all just too much. With toys scattered everywhere, focusing became nearly impossible. His response? Seeking refuge in the bathroom or retreating to a quiet corner with a small toy. It was tough to watch, but thankfully, we found a school tailored to his needs.
The truth is, sensory overload is a heavy burden for our kids, affecting every aspect of their lives. That's why it's crucial for us, as parents, to step up and advocate for them. We need to equip them with the tools to navigate this sensory minefield.
But before we dive into solutions, let's first talk about recognizing the signs of sensory overload in our children. After all, understanding and recognizing the problem is the first step toward finding a solution.
Recognizing Sensory Overload
Recognizing sensory overload in our autistic child is all about tuning in and noticing even the subtlest changes in their behavior or emotions when faced with sensory input. Each child has their own unique sensitivities and coping mechanisms, so it's important to pay attention to how your child responds to various stimuli.
For us, it meant keeping a mental log of Christian's reactions to sounds, objects, and interactions with others. Over time, I became adept at reading his cues—I could tell just by a glance if he was feeling uneasy or if a certain situation might trigger him.
Understanding how sensory overload manifests for him has been a game-changer for navigating the world together. While every child handles sensory input differently, there are some common signs to watch out for. Here are the top eight:
1.Increased irritability or agitation You might observe your child suddenly seems cranky or on edge, even though nothing obvious has happened to upset them. That could be a sign they're feeling overwhelmed by all the sensory stuff around them.
2. Avoidance Behaviors
Imagine your child covering their ears at a noisy party or squinting in a bright room. These actions could mean they're trying to escape the overwhelming sights or sounds around them.
3. Physical Symptoms
Have you ever seen your child grimace or start rocking back and forth for no apparent reason? That could be their way of coping with too much sensory input. They might even show signs of physical distress, like breathing fast or their heart racing.
4.Difficulty Focusing
You might notice your child having a hard time concentrating on homework or following simple instructions. It's like their brain is too busy processing all the sensory stuff to focus on anything else.
5.Increased Sensitivity
Think of your child suddenly hating a noise they used to love, like their favorite song. It's like their senses have turned hypersensitive, and even everyday things feel overwhelming.
6.Meltdowns or Shutdowns
Sometimes, your child might completely lose it—throwing a tantrum or becoming completely unresponsive. These meltdowns or shutdowns are their way of saying, "I can't handle this anymore!"
7.Seeking Comfort or Reassurance
Have you noticed your child clinging to you more than usual or needing extra hugs? It's their way of finding comfort in a world that feels too big and scary.
8.Changes in Eating or Sleeping Habits
If your child suddenly becomes a picky eater or struggles to sleep, sensory overload could be to blame. It's like their senses are on overdrive, making even the simplest things—like eating dinner or getting some shut-eye—a challenge.
Managing Sensory Overload
Through my experience with Christian, I've learned that effectively responding to sensory overload involves various strategies such as giving comfort with a big bear hug, removing him from overwhelming environments, and employing calming techniques. In some cases, seeking assistance from professionals like occupational therapists who can tailor interventions and strategies to manage sensory sensitivities can also be beneficial.
These strategies can be highly individualized but might include:
Use of sensory tools: Noise-cancelling headphones, weighted blankets, or fidget toys can help manage sensory input. For example in our case, Christian used a squeezy ball or kept a ball of playdoh in his hand.
Environmental modifications: Adjusting lighting, reducing background noise, or creating quiet spaces can make environments more accessible for those with sensory sensitivities.
Routine and preparation: Keeping a consistent routine and preparing for potentially overwhelming situations in advance can help reduce anxiety and manage expectations. As you may know I am a huge advocate of routines, not only for autistic children but for neurotypical children alike. Check out my blog on how to build routines for toddlers and preschoolers.
Sensory diets: a structured plan of activities and strategies tailored to help autistic kids regulate their sensory experiences. The aim is to provide the right balance of sensory input to help them stay focused, calm, and comfortable. This might include activities like brushing their skin with a special brush to help with sensory processing, providing sensory-rich toys or materials to explore different textures, or creating quiet, calm spaces where they can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. For more ideas, download my sensory diet activities.
So there you have it, Mama. Sensory overload isn't just overwhelming for your autistic child; it can feel like a tidal wave crashing over you as you try to guide them through these challenging moments. But I hope this discussion has shed some light on what sensory overload entails, how it affects your little ones, and most importantly, how to navigate and ease its impact.
I want you to know, dear Mama, that you're doing an incredible job. Even when it feels like you're swimming against the current, just showing up for your kids day in and day out makes all the difference. Your love, patience, and determination are shaping their world in ways you might not even realize.
So take a deep breath, Mama. You've got this. And remember, you're not alone on this journey. We're all in this together, cheering each other on every step of the way. Keep shining your light, keep loving fiercely, and keep showing up. You're making a world of difference, one sensory moment at a time.
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