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Sensory overload comes up whenever one or more ofthe five sensesbecomes overstimulated.
In some cases, more than one sense can become overwhelmed at the same time.
a concert or sports game) or if you’re hearing multiple sounds at once.
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While some people report only mild discomfort, some experience pain when sounds are too intense.
You may find certain sounds overstimulating but not react to others.
Touch
Everyday things like the feeling of your clothes or a person touching you could feel overwhelming.
The texture of certain materials might also be uncomfortable (i.e.
some people don’t like certain fabrics).
For some, a certain touch or the feel of certain things can be painful.
Sight
Some people experience a sensitivity to light, especially if it is bright or flashing.
Someone with a smell overload mightavoid places with strong smells, like kitchens, bathrooms, or certain stores.
They may even refuse to eat certain foods due to the way they smell.
Taste
Your taste buds can be overwhelmed by foods with strong flavors or specific spices.
Symptoms of Sensory Overload
Symptoms of sensory overload vary from person to person.
In some cases, more than one of your senses might feel overloaded.
However, there are some shared symptoms that anyone experiencing sensory overload might have.
How do you know if a child might be experiencing sensory overload?
Take note of their triggers and attempt to eliminate them before an overload occurs.
Conditions That Heighten Sensory Overload
People with certain medical conditions are more likely to experience sensory overload.
Here are a few to consider.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
A common symptom ofpost-traumatic stress disorderis heightened sensory sensitivity.
People with PTSD often experience flashbacks of the traumatic events they lived through.
Sometimes these flashbacks are triggered when their senses are overwhelmed.
As such, they can either be under-responsive or over-responsive to these inputs.
An over-responsiveness to sensory cues can show up in a variety of ways.
For instance, someone with sensory processing issues related to sight or sound mayexperience migraine headaches.
This means they can be triggered by loud noises and bright lights.
Treatment of Sensory Overload
There are many ways to help manage sensory overload symptoms when they emerge.
Anoccupational therapisthelps children with sensory sensitivities by creating a sensory “diet.”
A sensory diet is a schedule of sensory activities tailored to your child’s needs.
Its designed to help your child manage their sensory inputs and cope with triggers that might overwhelm their senses.
A pediatrician can help provide ideas if your child is having a particularly difficult time coping with sensory stimuli.
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