Sensory overload facts for kids
Sensory overload happens when your body's senses get too much information from the world around you. Imagine being in a really loud, bright, or busy place – your brain can get overwhelmed! Things like big cities, lots of people, loud noises, too much TV or internet, and tons of information can all contribute to this feeling.
Sometimes, sensory overload is connected to something called sensory processing disorder. This is when a person's brain has trouble handling sensory information in a typical way.
What Sensory Overload Feels Like
When someone experiences sensory overload, they might show different signs. These can happen to both kids and adults. Here are some common things you might notice:
- Feeling Annoyed or Upset: They might get easily irritated or angry.
- Shutting Down: They might stop talking, playing, or interacting with others. It's like they're trying to escape the overwhelming feelings.
- Avoiding Touch: They might not like being touched or touching certain things.
- Getting Overexcited: Sometimes, too much stimulation can make them seem extra energetic or jumpy.
- Trouble with Bright Lights: They might cover their eyes if lights are too bright.
- Avoiding Eye Contact: They might find it hard to look people in the eyes.
- Sensitive to Sounds: They might cover their ears because everyday sounds or voices seem too loud. They might complain about noises that don't bother anyone else.
- Hard to Focus: It can be tough for them to concentrate on one activity.
- Always Changing Activities: They might start many tasks but never finish any of them.
- Clothing Irritation: Things like shoes, socks, clothing tags, or different fabric textures can feel really uncomfortable.
- Very Sensitive: They might be extra sensitive to touch, movement, sights, or sounds.
- Social Challenges: They might have difficulty making friends or interacting in social situations.
- Energy Levels: Their activity levels might be either very high or very low.
- Muscle Tension: Their muscles might feel tight or tense.
- Fidgeting: They might move around a lot, like tapping their feet or hands.
- Angry Outbursts: They might have sudden fits of anger.
- Sleep Problems: They might have trouble sleeping (sleeplessness) or feel very tired (fatigue).
- Difficulty Concentrating: It can be hard for them to pay attention.
Images for kids
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Bodily response to sensory overload
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Sometimes people use simple ways to block out too much sensory input, like covering their eyes.
See also
In Spanish: Sobrecarga sensorial para niños
