Stimuli, Stimuli, and More Stimuli: How to Manage Sensory Sensitivity

All day long, stimuli enter through our senses.
Unfortunately, not every child can process these stimuli equally well.
As a result, some children become extra sensitive to sensory input and may struggle to respond appropriately.

In this article, we at HappyKido explain how children can manage sensory sensitivity and improve their ability to process stimuli.

 

What is Sensory Sensitivity?

Sensory sensitivity occurs when the brain has difficulty processing stimuli. Stimuli enter our body through the sensory system (also known as the sensory processing system). The senses send these stimuli to the brain, where they are interpreted and processed. The way an individual responds to these stimuli determines whether they have good or poor sensory processing.

Good Sensory Processing

Good sensory processing is essential for a child’s ability to learn, play, and function in daily life. With good sensory processing:

• You recognize when you need to go to the toilet when your bladder is full.
• You can ignore background noise (like a radio) while focusing on reading.

What Are the Consequences of Sensory Sensitivity?

Children with sensory sensitivity experience poor sensory processing, which can lead to either overstimulation (being overly sensitive to stimuli) or understimulation (being less responsive to stimuli).

The Effects of Overstimulation

Overstimulation occurs when the brain becomes overwhelmed by too many stimuli. A child who is overly sensitive to stimuli may experience high levels of stress, difficulty concentrating, and even burnout. Since overstimulation is not always visible from the outside, it can be difficult to recognize. However, overstimulated children often display the following behaviors:

• Fatigue after even mild physical exertion
• Exhaustion after social interactions
• Frequently withdrawing from group settings (e.g., retreating to a quiet corner in the classroom)
• Becoming overstimulated easily
• Difficulty maintaining focus
• Feeling threatened or overwhelmed quickly
• Frequent arguments or conflicts with others

The Effects of Understimulation

Understimulation happens when the brain does not register or properly process sensory input. This can cause children to miss important sensory cues, leading to difficulties in responding appropriately to their environment. Children who are understimulated may show the following behaviors:

• Difficulty perceiving changes in movement and gravity (e.g., struggling to sense whether they are hanging upside down, standing still, or riding in a car)
• Lack of interest in activities
• Low initiative
• Difficulty making friends
• Social awkwardness
• Frequent tiredness

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How Can You Reduce Sensory Sensitivity?

Sensory sensitivity can have a significant impact on a child’s daily life. Fortunately, there are simple strategies to help manage and reduce these effects. Below are five effective tips to support children with sensory sensitivity:

Tip 1: Introduce Different Food Textures

Is your child a picky eater? Try preparing meals in different ways. For example, puree vegetables or experiment with different textures. It is important for children to experience a variety of textures while eating to help them become more comfortable with different sensory inputs.

Tip 2: Gentle Touch and Massage

Light touch, such as back scratching or massage, can help children understand and process sensory stimuli more effectively. This can be calming and help them feel more connected to their own body.

Tip 3: Engage in Physically Demanding Activities

Encourage your child to participate in physical activities that involve movement and effort. Examples include:

• Carrying groceries
• Helping in the garden
• Playing on playground equipment

These activities provide deep pressure input, which can help regulate sensory sensitivity.

Tip 4: Sensory Crafting Activities

Crafting is an excellent way for children to explore different textures in a fun and creative way. Try using materials like:

• Clay
• Fabric scraps
• Various types of paper
• Foam
• Beads
• Glue

Let Us Know What You Think!

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Did these tips help? Let us know in the comments!