Does your child have trouble paying attention to directions, display aggressive outbursts for no clear reason, or defy you when asked to wear certain types of clothing, such as those with itchy tags, button-ups, or socks? While these behaviours can be interpreted as naughty, there’s often something else happening under the surface. Here’s how to decide whether your child is being naughty or feeling overwhelmed:

What is Sensory Overload?

What seems like disobedient behaviours may be the result of sensory overload or sensory defensive behaviours. Sensory overload is the overstimulation of any of the five core senses: sight, taste, smell, touch, or hearing. It can also be the overstimulation of some other senses in our body: vestibular (balance), proprioception (joints and muscled), or interoception (insides and gut). When a child gets overwhelmed by any of these senses — they could display unexpected changes in their behaviour. They may:

• Become shy
• Run away or hide
• Be impulsive or unpredictable
• Have aggressive outbursts
• Be defiant or disobedient
• Not respond to their name
• Become less aware of the safety of themselves or others
• Try to block the stimuli (Cover ears or eyes)

Children with sensory defensive behaviours may seemingly go into fight-or-flight mode when confronted with something like movement, sound, or overwhelming visuals. It is most often seen in environments that are busy and challenge more than one sensory system – think classrooms, shopping centres or birthday parties. Their hypersensitivity to these stimuli is unpleasant for them, resulting in brash reactions that may be perceived as naughty.

Consider this scenario: your child isn’t paying attention long enough to receive directions in class. Even though your child’s teacher may believe they’re unwilling to listen, your child could just be overstimulated and trying to gain their bearings while other children play loudly in the background.

A seemingly unprovoked outburst could result from an encounter with one of their trigger stimuli. You may think their itchy school uniform is a minor inconvenience they’ll overcome with time, but your child may view it as an intense annoyance they need to free themselves of immediately.

How to Cope With Your Child’s Sensory Overload

No parent wants to watch their child struggle. Fortunately, occupational therapy is an effective way to help your child break through their difficulties, resulting in a more controlled and regulated reaction to their triggers. Targeted and individualised sensory activities, also known as ‘sensory diets’ can help your child’s body learn how to cope with a range of sensory experiences

If you’re noticing signs that your child may be experiencing sensory overload, we’re occupational therapists in Western Sydney dedicated to empowering children and their families to understand their behaviours and improve their comfort in life. Out of area, consider contacting us for telehealth supports.