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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Conduct disorder in kids: Therapies and Foods to manage it

November 8, 2022January 19, 2023 | nirkayani

Does your child frequently steal or lie for fun? Does your kid always get into fights or arguments ? Did he/she throw things or break the chairs, glass or other properties ? Does your kid act arrogant and threaten other kids? When this type of serious behaviour is frequent and consistent for a longer period which is unsuitable for their age, then it can be identified as conduct behaviour. Let’s know more about the causes, symptoms and ways to manage conduct disorder in kids.

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What is Conduct Disorder?

Having kids can be fun and happy but it will become challenging and tiring when the same kids become so adamant and throw tantrums. It is a very common behaviour among kids and teens to do so and they will eventually learn to manage their emotions. But in certain cases, kids engage in aggressive things like biting, slashing, and throwing things and teens engage in more serious violent behaviours like insulting, theft, damaging or burning the properties.

Conduct disorder is a chronic type of behaviour which is associated with emotional and behavioural issues. Children with conduct disorder go beyond normal misbehaviours and they will insult, harass, or yell at others. They have the habit of breaking the rules of society and other people’s freedom, they like to hurt others and treat them badly. Kids dealing with this issue lack compassion, are usually violent, and have no respect for the sentiments of others. Usually, conduct disorder first appears in school aged kids and teens, though it is also identified in adults. Boys are considerably more likely to be affected than girls.

Also check, Tips to improve concentration

Causes of conduct disorder

It is possible that a lot of biological, mental and social issues are likely to cause conduct disorder. These issues tend to overlap with each other. Here are some causes of conduct disorder:

Hereditary causes

There is a high probability of conduct disorder being hereditary. This indicates that a when close member of the family has a psychiatric disorder, a mood related issues, or a personality disorder, it may pass on the conduct disorder to their offspring.

Also check, Toe walking in kids

Biological issues

The conduct disorder in kids and teens may be driven by the damage of the specific part of the brain which is responsible for controlling the behaviour, feelings, and impulses. Mental disorders including ADHD, chronic anxiety, or learning issues could be other biological causes of conduct disorder.

Also check, Social emotional development of kids

Social issues

Family related issues, child abuse, traumatic events, strict parenting, poor education and insufficient monitoring are all highly associated with conduct disorder.

Also check, Tips for anger management in kids

Cognitive issues

Children with conduct disorder may have low levels of intelligence, lower economic level, and be rejected by society.

Also check, Asperger’s syndrome

Symptoms of conduct disorder

Children and teens with conduct disorder will display three or more of the following signs,

Get into fights
Often lie
Not having empathy
Not feeling guilty
Abuse animals or pets
Harassing, scaring, or assaulting others with weapons
Damage the properties by breaking or burning it
Violates law by committing theft

Also check, Early signs of autism

Ways to control conduct disorder in kids

Treating conduct disorder is quite challenging as kids and teens hardly exhibit something inappropriate with their behaviour. Showing anger and forcing them to act good won’t work. The best way to manage kid or teens with conduct disorder is to move them from their problematic surroundings and place them in a highly organised environment. Here are some of the ways to control conduct disorder:

1.Dialectical/Cognitive behavioural therapy

DBT is a kind of cognitive-behavioural therapy that seeks to alter behaviour by helping people acknowledge and embrace their emotions. It seeks to alter their behaviour by acknowledging and accepting their current emotions and providing tools that can help with regulating their emotions and improving tolerance and mindfulness. This cognitive behavioural therapy has been adapted to accommodate the unique needs of children. Its main goals are teaching coping mechanisms, identifying problematic thought patterns, and regulating intense emotions.

Also check, Benefits of behavioural therapies

2.Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy focuses on assisting kids by having conversations with them individually regarding how to express emotions and manage their anger. It might enhance the kid’s self-worth and it can also help them to become skilled.

Also check, Therapies of Autism

3.Family counselling

Family counselling includes mom, dad, siblings and other family members to take part in the therapy session. It can aid in improving family communication and teaching parents some tactics for resolving conflicts with their children to make it safer in the family. In some cases, strengthening the bond between parents and children can enhance family dynamics.

Also check, Tips for personality development

4.Group therapy

To promote empathy in kids and teens, group therapy will help. Group therapy can be performed with the classmates or friends of your kid which might help your kid to develop their social and communication skills.

Also check, How to manage tantrums in kids?

5.Residential therapy

When a kid’s or teen’s behaviour has gotten out of hand, in order to keep everyone safe, he/she can be placed in a highly organised residential treatment centre for therapy.

Also check, Common behavioural disorders in kids

Foods and herbs to manage the symptoms of conduct disorder in kids