Sensory Processing Meltdowns 

I have avoided bringing my children to different events or putting them in many situations in fear that they would have a meltdown. I remember being so consumed with how embarrassed I would feel if everyone was staring, judging and talking about us.

For us parents, it can be absolutely heartbreaking to see your child having a sensory meltdown. You have no reason to feel ashamed and you don't have anything to be embarrassed about.

When a child has sensory processing disorder they can get overwhelmed and have sensory meltdowns. Sensory meltdowns can be causes from being overstimulated and having reactions to sensory overload. These meltdowns can be overwhelming for the child and for their parents too. There are many sensory strategies that can help de-escalate these sensory meltdowns.

If you are trying to help a child through a sensory meltdown you need to be able to recognize their sensory triggers that are causing them. All children have different reactions to sensory input so what causes one child to meltdown could be different for another child. When a child has a sensory meltdown they will possibly try to run away, cry, yell or When your child is doing this and reacting to the sensory input in their environment, they are not doing this on purpose.

They are overwhelmed and having a difficult time. it is important to know and understand your child's sensory triggers. They are different for each child but some could be loud noises and for other children it could be from overwhelming smells or being around too many people.

When you know what causes your child to have sensory meltdowns then you can try to avoid exposure or minimize it. It can be difficult learning a child's sensory triggers at first and knowing what to do for them but I promise you it does and will get easier over time. 

Learning how to avoid your child from having meltdowns takes time. It doesn't happen in one day but we learn our child's sensory triggers over time. As parents, we will learn ways to cope when we are in these situations and what sensory tools we need to bring while on an outing. I promise you, it gets a lot easier over time. 

Sensory overload is when one of our senses or more are overwhelmed. This happens if a child smells something strong or in a noisy crowded place. It can happen for many reasons and it is different for each child. 

Being calm and supportive during a meltdown will help our children learn how to calm. If we are getting angry and raising our voices then they will think that is how they should act too. Validate your child's feelings and your child will have better self control skills and learn to self-regulate. 

Therapy is really beneficial for children who are having a difficult time with sensory overload. An Occupational Therapist can help you learn your child's triggers and set up a sensory diet for your child too. They can show you many ways to keep your child regulated so they have less meltdowns. 

Calming activities like breathing techniques, meditation, mindfulness and yoga can be extremely helpful for your child and for you too. 

Explain your child's sensory needs to your family and friends ahead of going to family events. This way, they are aware and able to help you and your child. When you are attending family events there are different strategies you can use to make the event more sensory friendly for your child.

You can ask them to dim lights, lower music, have smaller gatherings with less people and have a calm down quiet space for your child that they can go too when they are feeling overwhelmed. 

Children who are struggling with sensory processing disorder need a calm environment. If your child does have a sensory meltdown, it is important to create a safe and calm environment for your child. This can be a room that is quiet and away from others or a space that is comfortable and familiar for your child. Keeping things calm, reducing sensory input in the environment can help your child feel calm and safe. 

When you are making plans to go out with your child, you should always have a plan B which is your back up plan. You want to do this just in case things don't work out and you need to leave. If you plan your outing ahead of time then you can see where the bathrooms and closest exits are to where you and your child will be seated. 

It is important to take your child's sensory tools with you when you leave. Having a calm down kit for outings can be helpful and reduce meltdowns too. If your child tends to have sensory meltdowns from noise then you won't want to forget their noise reduction headphones and if your child doesn't like how bright the sun is or bright lights then you can bring along their sunglasses or a hat with a brim. Sensory tools and toys can be so helpful when planning trips outside of your home. 

Using deep pressure can be very calming for a child who has sensory differences. You can press on their skin or massage them. Another option would be using a weighted lap pad or weighted blanket for deep pressure. 

We cannot wait until they are dysregulated and having a sensory meltdown to provide sensory activities for their sensory diet. We need to provide these activities all throughout the day to keep them regulated. 

When your child is having a meltdown, it is important to stay calm for them. In that moment your child needs reassurance from you that they are safe and okay. It is important to take away or reduce sensory stimulation in their environment that could be causing their sensory over load.

If possible, take your child to a place where it is calm and always remove items that could harm them during their sensory meltdown. 

Social stories can be a great way to explain to your child where you are going and what to expect because when a child knows what to expect they are far less likely to meltdown from unexpected situations. 

If your child has predictability then it will make them feel a lot less anxious. Visual schedules for all events and a count down to the day of the event will help them reduce any stress and anxiety about the outing that they may be having. If your child known what is happening and when, they will have a lot less anxiety and less chance of having a sensory meltdown too. Children who have sensory processing disorder thrive on predictability. 

Give them warnings when it is time to leave and how much longer they have. Using a visual timer can be helpful so they see when it will be time to transition. An OT can provide some sensory strategies to help your child when they are going out for an outing or event. An occupational therapist can work with you to create a sensory diet for your child, this will help your child get regulated and have less sensory meltdowns. 

We have to talk calming to our child during a sensory meltdown and validate their feelings.  Talking to your child during a sensory meltdown can be challenging for you and your child. This can help them feel understood. loved and supported. When your child feels supported and understood this may help them de-escalate.  Remember, it is so important to be respectful of your child's needs and what they are wanting from you during this time. 

Sensory meltdowns can be very difficult and challenging for children who struggle with sensory processing disorder and for those around them too. It is so important to always seek professional help if sensory meltdowns are happening daily and are significantly impacting your child's life. 
Occupational therapists trained in sensory integration can provide sensory strategies to help your child manage their sensory meltdowns. 

An occupational therapist can help you create a sensory diet for your child too. Sensory diets can be so beneficial in managing sensory processing difficulties. If your child has the right professional support and sensory tools, you can help your child overcome the challenges of their sensory meltdowns.

DISCLAIMER: I have learned a lot over the years but I am still learning. Always do your own research and exercise sound judgment. I am not an occupational therapist or a physician. I am an adult who has sensory processing disorder, a sensory parent and a Grandma. The information on this website is not medical advice and does not replace the information that your child's therapists or medical professionals give you. These are just ideas that I have learned myself over the years of being a parent and an adult living with SPD. If you are concerned for your child, please always seek medical attention through a family doctor, pediatrician or therapist. This website is for awareness and support purposes only. Each child is different and what works for one child may not for another because all children have different sensory needs. Please always consult with a professional. 

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