Sensory overload is when one or more of the bodies five senses becomes overstimulated. The students brain receives too much information to be able to process properly. The brain struggles to process and prioritise the information it is receiving so it sends messages to escape the situation. It leads to feelings that range from mild discomfort to intense discomfort or pain.
In children, the following signs can indicate sensory overload:
anxiety, irritability, and restlessness
avoiding specific places or situations
closing the eyes
covering the face
crying
placing the hands over the ears
the inability to converse with others or connect with them
running away from specific places or situations
Strategies
help the child avoid triggering situations (eg head phones if it is going to be loud, breaks from the environment)
give the child the words to explain what is happening and how it feels
validate the child’s feelings and experiences
inform others of the possibility of sensory overload and ask for their support
seek help from a doctor, occupational therapist, or another specialist
Resources