Have you recently noticed your child appearing restless, getting unusually cranky or irritable, or can’t seem to focus? Are they spending too much time on the screen, having long busy days lately, or engaging in too many activities than what they can cope with? This may be a result of ‘overstimulation’ or ‘sensory overload’. Read along to learn more!
What is Overstimulation?
Overstimulation happens when a child gets ‘too much’ sensory input or stimulation, and as a result, becomes overwhelmed and exhausted. This phenomenon can happen to adults too, however it is especially common in young children as they are still in the stage of developing their coping skills.
The causes of overstimulation vary per child, but some of the things that can over-stimulate your little one including:
- Exposure to noisy, crowded and/or brightly lit environments
- Excessive screen exposure
- Staying up late or missing a nap
- Disturbance in routine
- Certain textures (e.g. rough, slimy, rubbery, mushy, etc)
- Extreme temperatures (too warm/too cold)
- Having certain medical conditions/diagnosis
Every child reacts differently when they get overstimulated–however, below are typical signs based on their age and development:
Overstimulation in Newborns or Babies
- Crying
- Moving in a jerky way
- Clenching fists, waving arms and kicking
- Turning head away from the source of stimuli
Overstimulation in Toddlers and Preschoolers
- Appearing tired, cranky or upset
- Crying and finds it difficult to use words to describe how they feel
- Throwing themselves on the floor in tears or frustration
- Expresses refusal to continue with what they’re doing
Overstimulation in School-age Children
- Appearing clumsy than usual (e.g. dropping or spilling things)
- Seeming exhausted, sleepy or cranky
- Running/wandering around for no reason
- Acting off their usual character/personality
- Acting aggressive or wild
- Having a tantrum-like behaviour
Strategies to Help Calm Overstimulated Child in the Moment
- Once you’ve identified that your child is overstimulated, the best thing to do is to remove your child from the environment that is causing this experience
- Bring them to a quiet, nurturing space where they can relax and calm their senses. If it is not possible to remove the stimuli immediately, try to at least reduce the level of stimulation however way you can
- Practice deep breathing exercises (i.e. inhaling and exhaling slowly)
- Have your child engage in a quieter activity such as reading or listening to relaxing music
- Offer comfort (e.g. holding your child or offering their favourite blanket or stuffed animal)
- Introduce some sensory activities (e.g. playdough or stress ball)
- Provide a healthy snack or drink to have regulate blood sugar levels, which is a contributor to overstimulation
When to See a Professional
If you feel that your child is regularly overstimulated and demonstrate extreme reactions which impair their daily functioning, it’s best that you seek advice from a health care professional. You may consult a Paediatric Occupational Therapist to help you determine if your child’s behaviour is age-appropriate or if they can benefit from therapy.
Occupational Therapists are trained to help children with sensory difficulties (including those affected by overstimulation) to overcome their challenges and implement techniques and activities targeted to retrain the brain to respond differently to stimulation from the senses. The activities included in your child’s sessions will be tailored to his or her sensory-related concerns and will support them in successfully managing their overstimulation. If you would like to know more about Occupational Therapy as well as the other essential skills that your child can develop with it, read our separate blog here.
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Sensation Station Centre is one of the most reputable paediatric intervention and therapy centres that provide bespoke Paediatric Occupational Therapy in Dubai. Our highly qualified, experienced, and multi-cultural team of DHA-licensed therapists will work with your child to help them get a better grasp of daily living skills and develop new skills that will allow them to unlock their best potential. Our paediatric occupational therapy services are performed through evidence-based practices and are conducted in a fun, safe, and sensory-rich environment.
We need to remember that treatment options and duration of therapy will vary for each child. For specific questions about our services or to book a consultation with our therapist, reach out to us and we would be happy to assist you. Call us today at +971 4 277 6769 or WhatsApp us at +971 56 123 5002. You may also visit us at Ibn Battuta Gate Offices, Ground Floor, G-03, Jebel Ali, Dubai, UAE.