Tips to Manage Sensory overload in Children

December 23, 2022December 29, 2022 | nirkayani

Does your child experience extreme sensitivity to touch, loud noises, bright lights, and strong smells? Do you see them struggling to concentrate due to their uncomfortable clothing? Do your kids throw temper tantrums when getting a bath, brushing their teeth or a haircut? If you can relate to these, your child may be dealing with sensory overload. The prevalence of SPD among school-aged children ranges from 5 to 16 percent, making it more common than both ADHD and ASD. Keep reading to find more tips to manage sensory overload in children.

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What is sensory overload?

Overstimulation of one or more of the body’s five senses is known as sensory overload. Many autistic children have difficulties processing sensory information. Children who are experiencing sensory overload will be hyperresponsive or hyporesponsive to touch, smell, taste, texture of food, sound, temperature, clothes, haircuts etc. As a result, they may exhibit meltdowns, withdrawal, or other challenging behaviours.

Also check, Sensory processing disorder in children

Tips to manage sensory overload in children

1.Brushing the teeth

Some children may experience anxiety or frustration as a result of this lack of sensation or numbness in the oral region when going through the processes of brushing their teeth. On the other hand, some children are overly sensitive when anything goes near the mouth. Occupational therapy is helpful for them to live as independently as possible and speech therapy can improve the oral motor skills which thereby help to manage the sensory overload.

Toothbrush– Choose a toothbrush with silicone or soft bristles instead of normal ones. These are gentle ones which can help to make your kid less sensitive.
Toothpaste- Avoid using regular toothpastes which can cause burning sensation in kids. Use kid-friendly toothpastes which are available in various flavours and colours.
Reward them with a colourful star or heart stickers when they did everything right, which can encourage them to brush their teeth.

Also check, Types of therapies for autism

2. Bath time

Children experiencing sensory overload may be extremely emotional during bath time. Because they don’t feel safe sitting or moving around in the bath, they could experience fear. They don’t like the sounds or feeling of the water and consider these sensations as disturbing or dangerous.

Use dim light in the bathroom
Fill the water before your kid enters as this sound and echo can trigger your kid.
Adjust the temperature of water as per your kid’s comfort level.
Allow your kid to select soaps or shampoos that smell pleasant to them or are scent-free.
Give toys like fish, duck and small cups so they can enjoy their bath time.
Involve your child in heavy work activities like jumping on a trampoline or climbing up and down stairs which can help them to relax and calm during bath.

Also check, Tips to maintain personal hygiene

3. Food sensitivities

Children may refuse to eat food due to sensory overload as they may be sensitive to the texture, smell, colour or taste of food. Oral motor exercises, occupational therapy and sensory integration therapy can help to manage sensory overload.

Asking your kid questions that clarify their feelings and difficulties while eating can be quite helpful.
Present the same food in an attractive way.
Introduce a new food that is nutrient-dense yet still has the desired texture (beetroot chips instead of potato chips)
Start asking your child to simply sniff or lick the meal when served for the first time
Put food in plastic bags and write letters or shapes on them. This can help your child to touch the foods without hesitating and improves the sensory skills.

Also check, Food sensitivities in Kids

4. Sound sensitivities

Children who deal with sound sensitivity may scream or cry in distress when they hear sounds including television, speakers, alarms, sirens, crackers etc. Some may even be sensitive to breathing, whispering, chewing or slurping sounds.

Figure out the sounds which make your child anxious
List out those triggers
Carry a set of noise-cancelling headphones with you
Identify the locations where your kid feels secure and at peace
Engage your child in other activities which can help them to divert from unpleasant noises.
Help your child to practise those sounds as it can improve the tolerance capacity.

Also check, Sound sensitivities in Children

5. Clothing issues

Kids may find some clothes itchy due to sensory overload and it will begin to impact a child’s capacity to function in daily life.

Don’t force your child to wear uncomfortable clothes like socks, tight jeans or fancy dresses.
Figure out what your child likes to wear.
Have extra time to pre-prepare the clothes. Don’t rush everything at the last minute to avoid meltdowns.
Show them different clothes with different textures and fit. Allow your child to choose the clothes.
Prefer buying sensory clothes which are available without tags, seamless socks or compression clothes.
Set a time frame. So, kids can improve their tolerance within the time frame and they can take it off the dress after that set time.

Also check, Sensory activities for kids

6. Haircut

Children with sensory issues may not accept “gentle touches” but may like deep pressures. Hairdressers will gently touch the kid’s head with comb, scissors or buzzing trimmers which can trigger the kids. They may also be sensitive to hair dryer sound, crowd noises and scissor snipping sound. As a result, kids may act aggressively like crying, screaming, hitting, biting due to sensory overload.

Take your child to less crowded salon
Let your kid sit on your lap
Use your own cape or towel instead of salon cape
Make sure your youngster is wearing a jacket over their dress so that you can quickly take it off after the haircut is finished to avoid hair fragments
Give your kid a tiny mirror so they can see clearly what ‘s happening to their hair.
Allow the child to use earplugs or headphones to reduce external noise.
Give some soothing sensory toys like slime, sensory bottles or sensory books
You can also play a playlist of their preferred songs. In this manner, kids are aware that their haircut will finish when the playlist does.
Choose the same salon again. Children tend to become less anxious in familiar environments.
After getting a haircut, take your child to their favourite location or engage them in their favourite activity so that they will remember it favourably.

Also check, Benefits of sensory bins

Foods to manage sensory overload

1.NUTS:

All nuts, including almonds, walnuts, cashews, peanuts, and hazelnuts, are high in vitamin E and aid in memory enhancement. They are also antioxidants that protect cells from damage. Walnuts are high in omega 3 fatty acids and are beneficial to sensory sensitivity, brain function, memory, and cognitive abilities. This fatty acid is also beneficial to cognitive functions.

Also check, Best nuts for protein

2.SEEDS:

Aside from nuts, seeds such as flax, chia, melon, sesame, and pumpkins contain potent antioxidants such as vitamin E, which protect the brain from free radical damage. Sunflower seeds have an effect on overall mood and mental processing abilities, so they are regarded as a brain-boosting snack. Pumpkin seeds contain more magnesium, copper, and zinc than other seeds, which aid in eye contact, concentration, and memory. One of the simplest brain-boosting foods for children to consume.

Also check, Benefits of pumpkin seeds

3.ASHWAGANDHA:

It is a small woody plant native to India and North Africa. Ashwagandha has a strong affinity for GABA receptors. As a result, Ashwagandha can be used to treat Autism symptoms such as sensory issues, memory loss, anxiety, and attention deficit.

Also check, More benefits of Ashwagandha

4.BRAHMI:

Brahmi is a brain superfood that is believed to sharpen the brain by protecting cells and increasing chemicals involved in learning and memory. It acts on the CNS, where it improves grasping power, eye contact, memory, intellect, and speech, as well as correcting sensory sensitivity, emotional, mood, and personality aberrations in an individual.

Also check, More benefits of Brahmi

5.SHANKHAPUSHPI:

In order to improve brain functioning, shankhapushpi is an old remedy. The powerful antioxidants and flavonoids present in it improve the memory capacity, focus, concentration, calmness, alertness of an individual. Since it is a brain tonic and stimulator, people taking shankhapushpi have improved autism features like sensory issues, memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities.

Also check, Herbs that help to manage brain fog

6.OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS:

There is a link between omega 3 fatty acids and early childhood brain development, according to research. These healthy fats have incredible brain-boosting properties, additionally play an important role in improving autism features like sensory sensitivity, memory, and attention span. Fish and walnuts are excellent sources of omega 3.

Also check, Why is Omega 3 important for your kids?

7.MAGNESIUM:

Magnesium is responsible for nerve transmission and nerve-muscle coordination in our bodies. In other words, it guards against a child’s excessive excitement (which can be traumatic). It also increases the effectiveness of vitamin B, which is important in the production of enzymes required by the brain. It may improve sensory sensitivity and reduce behavioral issues.

Also check, What are some disorders in which magnesium can help?

8. ZINC:

Zinc is a mineral that our bodies require in trace amounts. Because our bodies do not store zinc, we must consume small amounts of it on a regular basis to maintain our health. It is required for proper brain development and function, immune function, protein synthesis, and wound healing.

Also check, How can zinc help with hair and skin health?

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Sensory Activities for Kids with ADHD and ASD

November 14, 2022April 6, 2023 | nirkayani

Does your child have excessive energy or a complete absence of reaction? Do they get distracted frequently? Do you find it difficult to engage your children in any activities? Kids with ADHD have complicated sensory system. When this sensory system doesn’t function properly, they may act aggressively, become hyper and inattentive. Here are some sensory activities for kids at home that not only help them reduce hyperactivity but also improve their attention and stimulate their senses.

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Types of sensory issues

Many autistic children have difficulties processing sensory information. Children who are either hyporesponsive or hyperresponsive may exhibit meltdowns, withdrawal, or other challenging behaviours. Desensitization tools can help these children deal with sensory inputs.

To feel satisfied, under-sensitive (Hyposensitivity) children seek out more sensations. This could mean they turn up the volume on the TV, jump on the bed, or spin the wheels of their toy car over and over. Sensory toys provide them with the sensations they seek in a fun and safe environment.

Over-sensitive (Hypersensitivity) children attempt to avoid overpowering sensations. This could mean they cover their ears when the vacuum cleaner is on, want clothing tags removed, or cry when placed on a swing. In these cases, sensory toys serve as an enjoyable introduction to unpleasant sensations for children, with the goal of making the sense more tolerable in the future.

Also check, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

Importance of sensory activities

Activities should constantly be customized to each child’s unique support strategies because children with autism exhibit a variety of different behaviours. It is advantageous in a number of ways to involve children with autism in sensory activities because it can help in:

Stimulating the brain, forming neural connections, and enhancing sensory processing mechanisms
Developing interpersonal abilities like cooperation and communication
Enhancing coordination and fine/gross motor skills
Calming down agitated children
Promote independent play or personalized learning, both of which can help children’s academic performance
A simple and approachable sensory experience for autistic kids

Also check, Fun and engaging activities for autistic kids

Sensory activities for kids with ADHD and asd

Children with ASD are less likely to learn through traditional education, such as reading and writing; instead, they favour activities that use their senses. Extracurricular activities like art and craft activities and outdoor activities which involve their senses can be an effective method to improve their motor skills and enhance their brain’s ability to recognize and comprehend things through their sensory skills.

1.Swing

Swinging or rocking motion stimulates the sensory system and calms a hyperactive brain. The sensory nervous system of a child detects and processes movement of the swing as it goes back and forth, which has a relaxing and stabilising effect on the brain. Set up an indoor ceiling mounted swing or outdoor hammock.

Also check, 5 foods to manage hyperactivity in kids

2.Magic bottle

It is a very easy activity to play at home where a bottle with some water is taken and different things like glitters, marbles, buttons and other shiny items with some colours are added to make a vibrant and spectacular magic bottle/ sensory bottle. Just tilt the bottle and see how these colours and glitters move. This increases the attention span of the autism kids and helps them stay focused.

Also check, Tips to improve concentration

3.Magic of rain

Water has the capacity to heal and calm a person. So, next time when it rains don’t stop your kids from enjoying it. Let them dance, play and get soaked in the rain which will provide them a refreshing experience and calm their anxiety.

Also check, How to manage anxiety in kids?

4. Play with clay or slime

Playing with clay or slime is commonly utilised as an element of senses. Help your kid to make different structures like balls or snakes with that clay. Allow your kid to pull, twist, and press the slime. This activity has calming effect which will eventually improve the sensory as well as motor skills in kids.

Also check, Techniques to improve fine motor skills in kids

5. Play with sponge

This game is very simple. It only requires a sponge and a bowl with water. First, tell your kid to soak the sponge in the water. Then, tell him to squeeze the water in another bowl. You can also join with your kid and challenge them. This is an easy exercise to relax your kid and it aids in sensory motor development.

Also check, Speech therapy fun exercises to improve speech

6. Play with sand

When you go to the beach, give your kid a toy shovel. Allow them to play with sand like digging, scraping, building castles, etc. Your kid will enjoy it and it may improve their sensory skills. In indoors you can use play-sand or edible sand.

Also check, Techniques to reduce stammering in kids

7. Obstacle courses

Tell the kids to hug a tree, run around bushes, jump over a rope, etc. Place objects like chairs, bottles or toys evenly spaced apart in the kitchen, living room, or bed room. Instruct your child to move over, under or around those objects. Play some music or songs to make the task more enjoyable. This helps them to keep their mind and body fully energetic and contributes in developing their sensory skills and also motor skills.

Also check, Activities to improve logical reasoning skills

8. Amuse your mouth

The mouth functions as an incredible organiser for handling sensory stimuli. Give crispy and crunchy snacks like carrot, cucumber, apple etc to improve the sensory as well as motor skills. The mouth stimuli can also be stimulated by humming a song, blowing soap bubbles, and drinking juice or water through a straw.

Also check, Oral motor exercises for kids

9. Sensory bin

A sensory bin is often a large container or plastic tub loaded with items and things that have been chosen specifically to stimulate the senses. Chopped paper, water beads, water, sand, pebbles, spaghetti, rice or wheat, marbles and a number of other objects can also be used to fill a sensory bin. These bins offer sensory stimulation as a soothing activity and several chances for learning and exploration.

Also check, More benefits of sensory bin

10. Spend some time in nature

Another tip to improve the sensory stimuli in kids is spending time in nature. Research suggests that natural environments could benefit brain development and may also improve concentration in children. Show them different types of flowers, pets, and other kids around. Let them walk in the grass. This will help children to explore more and stimulate their senses.

Also check, Brain development foods for children

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