Going From 0 To100 for No Reason?

What is Sensory Overload and Why Do the Outbursts Happen?

With an estimated 1 in 20 people having sensory processing issues, I think it is important to discuss what a sensory processing “meltdown” could look like and why they happen in the first place. Oftentimes, when a child becomes over-stimulated, which occurs in their Central Nervous System, they seem to be out of control. Many people overlook the possible scenarios for the child simply just being a “brat” or being "out of control".

Sensory issues can be super confusing to a lot of people and sometimes, they can be scary to those that have not had experience with sensory dysregulation. These so-called “meltdowns” can be caused by a number of everyday activities. Some of these include getting their faces wet, getting dressed, crashing into walls or furniture. Some kids even have an extremely high or low pain tolerance. Basically, what this is telling us is that no two children with sensory sensitivities are going to look the same. So, let's take a look at what dysregulation looks like and why they happen.

First of all, lets debunk the myth that children are out to be “brats” or meaning to be out-of-control. I can ASSURE you that no child likes to be out of control. It’s a yucky feeling for them. I also know that being a grown-up in a sensory dysregulated child’s life, when all of your buttons are being pushed, it can be hard to tell a difference. So here are some questions to ask yourself:

- Does the child seem in control of the behavior?

- Is the child able to negotiate?

- In an outburst, what is the child getting out of it?

- Is this a fight that we’ve had before?

- Does the child show remorse afterward?

If they are throwing a fit, it will look like they are giving a performance. But, if it is sensory defensiveness, it looks as though they are literally fighting for their life. It is likely related to overstimulation if it appears as though they have less control over their behaviors. If a child is willfully misbehaving, you will find that he or she is interested in negotiating to see what they can get away with before giving in. With sensory overload, a child is unable to think clearly enough to negotiate, as they are too focused on getting out of or away from whatever the irritant is.

The most important thing to remember is: If the outburst was triggered by sensory processing, the child will be DEVASTATED to know you have been upset by him or her. The child will be heartbroken to see the damage done to a person. This can be the most confusing thing about children with sensory processing issues – that they seem to be so sweet and eager to please yet can also be so resistant.

Sensory overload behaviors typically involve extremely aggressive behaviors. This includes head banging, hand biting, scratching, or pushing others. Children in a sensory overload can also be physically flailing, yelling, screaming, crying or kicking. They potentially use objects as a way to create their own safety as well, such as throwing chairs, slamming doors, trying to lift heavy furniture, etc.

Also, they do not care where they are, as they do not have control over the situation. It can occur anywhere. Be on the lookout when your child is in a new environment because children often soak in *everything* in these environments. The lights, the sounds, the smells, the temperature… all of which can throw the Central Nervous System out of whack!

At the end of a long day, as parents, after working or caring for kids, dinner time, clean up, baths and everything that comes along with being an adult, the last thing we want to do is deal with a child that is breaking down. I. GET. IT! It is likely that a sensory child has been trying his or her absolute hardest to hold all of these emotions in after a long day of sitting, listening, and learning. That dinner that they didn’t like, the bath that was too warm and those dang toothbrush bristles that made their gums feel funny were the straws that broke the camel’s back.

So, hang in their grownups! These outbursts, whether in private or public, are not because of you. They are not your fault. Your child doesn’t need more discipline. Your child isn’t a brat. Check back here for tips, more explanations, and most importantly, more encouragement!