Sensory Overload

Sensory Overload: What it Looks Like and How to (and not to) Respond
By: Michelle Zeman 
 
Picture this: you and your three children are out at an amusement park enjoying a summer day. The amusement park has flashing lights coming from all different directions, there’s a giant crowd of people waiting in line for their favorite line, and there’s all kinds of noises going on. The loud noises can range anywhere – from musical performances by various artists, to the rides being loud, to people screaming on the top of their lungs prior to making that dip into the next turn. It is also so unbearably hot that you must stop for water at every chance you have.
 
Perhaps for your neurotypical children, the amusement park is the best place ever because it is a way for them to have some fun. However, your neurodivergent child is so overwhelmed by all the background noise going on. The screams may not be that loud to anyone else; however, to your neurodivergent child, the screams are piercing. The wait times may not seem that long to anyone else; however, to your Autistic child, they are waiting forever. Your neurotypical children may be having the time of their life given all the circumstances; however, your neurodivergent child is having a hard time keeping up with all the environmental variables. It is so miserable for your neurodivergent child that they are unable to communicate what’s going on. They might scream, cry, and overall, just get out of the environment.  
 
This is what is known as sensory overload. The way that sensory overload is defined looks very different amongst people. If I were to write a definition, it would be this: when the person’s environment can become so overstimulating to a person’s senses (touch, smell, sound, sight, and taste) that the person can lose control. 
 
How might someone respond to someone dealing with sensory overload? While it depends on the environment, there’s appropriate and inappropriate ways to deal with sensory overload. 
 
The Do’s of Responding to Sensory Overload

1. Be kind. It seems cliché, but this is extremely vital. Sensory overload is hard to manage and it’s important that we show compassion to those who deal with it.
2. If you are not involved with the episode and you want to help, ask before jumping in. Some will decline help; please respect this. However, those who want the help, see what you can do to help them. 
3. Remain calm. I know sensory overload is extremely overwhelming, and an episode can be very hard to deal with. However, you are your child’s confidant. Your child, whether or not you know, is your biggest fan. Your child needs to know that they are in loving and safe hands. 

 
The Don’t’s of Responding to Sensory Overload

1. Don’t judge. It may be easy to assume that a sensory overload is just a “tantrum”, or “their child is being bad”. Let’s debunk this right now, because that couldn’t be further from the truth. When a child is having a tantrum, usually there’s something the child gains from it (such as a candy bar, lots of attention, to stay at a place they like, a toy, etc.). When a child is dealing with sensory overload, there’s nothing to gain. If anything, the child needs an escape away from what’s overwhelming them.
2. Don’t assume help is warranted. Please don’t act as the superhero if help is not needed. If someone says “no” to helping with a sensory overload meltdown, respect their wishes. And please, don’t make snide comments for them declining help. You are not high and mighty because you offered help, and the declining party does not owe you anything. 
3. Don’t scream, yell, or overreact. Again, sensory overload is extremely overwhelming. However, screaming, yelling, and overreacting may make the sensory overload worse for the child. Plus, they may adapt to that reaction and do this when someone else is having sensory overload. Neurodivergent people are known to mimic others’ social interactions, so it’s important to be mindful of how you present yourself when this happens.

 
It's important to remember that a variety of people deal with sensory overload. How we treat people who have this makes the biggest difference. Please always choose compassion and kindness; this will get you so much further than you realize.