WHAT IS SENSORY OVERLOAD?

What is sensory overload?

Our environment is full of sensory overload including information, noise, light, temperature, clothing and more. Autistic children can sometimes be oversensitive or under sensitive to this information. In my home I have two autistic children, my five-year-old daughter is sensitive to touch and largely avoids physical contact, noise and other input. My three-year son old is a sensory seeker and is happier being snuggled up, he touches everything and can not sleep without a compression sheet encapsulating him. Not all autistic children have sensory sensitivities but some might have several.

When a child is oversensitive to sensory input they may avoid certain situations, for example, they might cover their ears, resist having their hair washed or teeth brushed. Both of my autistic kids hate having their hair and teeth brushed, it’s taken a long and consistent approach to get them to a point where it's possible.

When a child is hypersensitive to sensory input, they seek out sensory information. They may like to wear tight-fitting clothing, or like my son, try to fit inside my shirt WITH me, they may rub their hands against things, jiggle their limbs or jump on the lounge.

Sensitivities can sometimes become more pronounced when a child is feeling stressed or anxious. This can limit activities for the child and their family, especially if there are competing needs with multiple children.

What can you do to help your child with sensory overload?

If your child is easily overwhelmed with sensory information you could try a “quiet place”. Somewhere safe they can go when they’re feeling overwhelmed. In our home, I use my daughter’s bedroom. She often needs an adult to help her feel safe and calm, she has a lock on her door which soothes her anxiety around other people being in her space and she is able to work out her physical energy on her beanbag.

We take ear defender headphones with us everywhere. This helps with sound sensitivity but also the anxiety of the unknown if we are going somewhere new. Will, there be loud noises and what kinds of sounds will we hear are two questions I get asked whenever we go to a new place.

If you’re concerned about your child’s sensory sensitivities, allied health professionals such as Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists are a great place to start. Your GP may be able to refer you under a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP) which allows your child to access up to five rebated sessions with an allied health professional per calendar year.

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/organisations/health-professionals/subjects/mbs-programs-and-initiatives-allied-health-professionals