#Sensory overload meltdown how to

Lack of proper nutrition or too much of the wrong food.Inability to communicate wants and needs.The inability to cope with a new or challenging situation.'Fight or flight' response to sensory overload, yet mistaken for a standard, behavior driven meltdown.Dysregulation and the inability to maintain self-regulation and a ready state.Here are some of the most common reasons a child may have a sensory meltdown. This may be true in a few cases, but it is often much more deep rooted than that. The sensory meltdown is often misunderstood for attention seeking or spoiled behavior or simply the child trying to get what they want out of the situation. I think this concept is SO very important to remember when talking about sensory meltdowns. Yet in my professional opinion, there is a very small percentage of meltdowns which warrant being considered behavioral, especially with our sensory kiddos!Ĭhildren inherently want to please, they do not want to misbehave or get in trouble. Unfortunately meltdowns often fall into the behavior category in our society, the type I call standard meltdowns.

#Sensory overload meltdown how to

Most parents, teachers, caregivers, etc simply have not been taught why the child has a meltdown and how to help. There is a difference between a STANDARD meltdown and a SENSORY meltdown.Īs a pediatric occupational therapist, I think the biggest missing puzzle piece is in understanding WHY a child has a meltdown. On the other hand.when you throw sensory processing challenges and difficulty with self-regulation in to the mix.you have a completely different scenario. A standard meltdown may be referring to a child who is kicking and screaming and biting or spitting.or a child who simply can't stop crying.or a child reacting to a situation in a disruptive and aggressive manner.a child seeking attention.a child acting out to get their way.or simply losing all emotional control. It is also likely the greatest challenge a parent faces with any child.and a whole new ballgame when a child struggles with sensory processing and self-regulation.

The word 'meltdown' is one of the most frequently used terms for children with sensory differences.