If you are a parent of a child that has difficulty processing sensory input, you may know all too well what a meltdown can look like and how difficult it can be to manage. Sensory meltdowns do not respond effectively to behavioral approaches. As parents, handling these meltdowns behaviorally may be the only strategy we know. If kids are having a sensory meltdown, they are likely not in control of their actions or words.
What can cause sensory meltdowns?
Some of the causes for kids to have a sensory meltdown could include the following:
Difficulty processing sensory input in any area-visual, auditory, tactile, movement
Inability to self-regulate
Lack of sleep or over tired from the day
Sleeping issues-snoring, sleep apnea, difficulty falling or staying asleep
Routines that change or are disrupted
Decreased water intake
Limited nutrition or sensitivities to foods
Coping difficulties
Difficulty communicating wants and needs
Difficulty transitioning
When sensory meltdowns occur, children are experiencing a “fight or flight” response which is a sympathetic nervous system response. This part of our nervous system is wired to keep us safe and react in dangerous situations. Rational thought and problem solving cannot occur at this time. Children that have difficulty processing sensory input can have “fight or flight” responses to stimuli that seems unnoticeable to others-a lost toy, shoes not feeling “right” or a push from a sibling.
Fight or Flight
Fight or Flight can look different for different kids, but some of the responses that may be observed are:
Withdrawing from social situation-lack of eye contact, not responding to questions
Covering eyes or ears
Hitting, kicking, biting
Crying or screaming
Rocking
Hiding
Running away
Repetitive yelling-“I hate you” or “leave me alone”
Making unsafe choices so parents feel they have to hug or hold them
Curling up into a ball and rocking
Reddened cheeks
Falling asleep
What do I do when my child is having a sensory meltdown?
When your child is exhibiting some of the above responses you may feel the need to tell them to “stop” or threaten to take things away. Disciplining a child at this point could exacerbate the meltdown and make the child feel bad about themselves. It is important to remember that your child does not want this meltdown to happen. The part of your child’s brain that uses thinking, judgment and rationale (cortical area) is not responding. Rather than talking to your child, you want to remove them from as much adverse stimuli as possible and provide them with sensory strategies that have been determined to be effective. Some of these might include: soft music, heavy blankets, pillows, fidgets, vibration etc.
Children often feel remorseful and bad about themselves afterward. It is important to love them through it and give them reassurance that they are good people and you love them.
If your child has been struggling with sensory meltdowns and you would like more information on how Leaps and Bounds can help, please call the office at 636-928-LEAP(5327) to set up a free consultation or click the link below to get started.
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