Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support

Managing Sensory Overload During Christmas Holidays

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Managing Sensory Overload During Christmas Holidays

Jeanette Loftus

The Christmas holidays are a time for celebration but for many who struggle with sensory processing disorder, the holiday season can be very overwhelming with sights and sounds and this can lead to sensory overload and sensory meltdowns. Understanding sensory processing, knowing the signs of sensory overload or knowing how to avoid sensory overload can make a very big difference in ensuring a sensory inclusive Christmas season for everyone.

Sensory overload happens when our brain is overloaded with too much sensory information. This can make it difficult to sort through and process. Sensory overload happens when our brains are unable to effectively filter and process the incoming sensory information. This can be due to many different reasons.

Some children are naturally more sensitive to different sensory input than other children. Someone with heightened sensitivities to different sounds may find everyday noises to be extremely overwhelming. Loud noises, bright lights or strong smells can overwhelm a child's sensory system, leading to them experiencing sensory overload and sensory meltdowns.

Sensory Processing Disorder affects how the brain processes sensory input. Children who struggle with sensory differences can often have difficulties regulating their responses to sensory input which can lead to a heightened sensitivity, avoiding sensory input or unusual responses to certain sensory sensations.

Sensory overload can have a significant impact on a child's life each day. There are many different ways that a child can cope with sensory overload and sensory meltdowns. Sensory overload can be challenging but there are strategies and coping that can help a child manage their sensory overload.

Identify your child's sensory triggers and become aware of which sensory inputs trigger them to experience sensory overload. Creating a sensory friendly environments for your child to reduce the sensory stimulation around them. Provide sensory tools such as using noise reduction headphones because they can make a significant difference in your child's life.

How to help your child Avoid Sensory Overload During Christmas Holidays

- Include sensory diet breaks throughout each day to keep them regulated
- Minimize sensory input with less noise, decorations and lights
- Limit gift opening and gradually open
- Let child know what to expect each day and no surprises
- Provide calming sensory tools
- Limit company and large crowds
- maintain routine/schedule
- Offer safe foods and sensory snacks
- Reduce demands for events and expectations
- Include heavy work activities daily
- Provide a safe sensory calming space
- Allow your child to choose their clothing
- Use visual schedules and social stories

There are a lot of different sensory regulation techniques and sensory activities to try like deep breathing and sensory movement breaks that can help regulate your child's nervous system and reduce their anxiety. Occupational therapists can provide you with a tailored intervention and sensory strategies to help your child develop coping skills and manage sensory processing difficulties.

Sensory overload can often lead to sensory meltdowns. It's very important to remember that sensory meltdowns are not tantrums or attempts to manipulate parents, caregivers or teachers. They are the brain's inability to cope with excessive sensory input.

When we understand sensory processing disorder and know the signs to look for with sensory overload, we can create a more inclusive holiday season for everyone. With some awareness, compassion and sensory strategies, we can help children who are experiencing sensory overload to have a more enjoyable Christmas holiday season.