Strategies to Help Your Autistic Child Cope with Sensory Overload
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction. Children with Autism may experience sensory processing difficulties, which can lead to sensory overload and heightened stress levels. Parents of Autistic Children often face the challenge of managing sensory overload in their children.
In this blog, we will discuss coping strategies for parents of Autistic children to manage sensory overload.
Identify triggers
It is essential for parents to identify the specific triggers that cause sensory overload in their children. Sensory overload can be triggered by various stimuli, including loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, certain textures, and crowded places. Some children with Autism may also be sensitive to certain frequencies of sound or light. By identifying these triggers, parents can take steps to minimize or avoid them, which can help reduce sensory overload in their children. Parents can also work with their child to develop coping strategies to manage their response to triggers, such as breathing exercises or other relaxation techniques.
Create a sensory-friendly environment
Parents can create a sensory-friendly environment at home by providing a quiet, low-stimulation space for their Autistic child to go to when they are feeling overwhelmed. This space can have dim lighting, comfortable seating, and calming sensory objects such as weighted blankets or fidget toys. The environment can also include activities that stimulate the senses in a positive way, such as listening to calming music, using a sensory swing, or playing with a sensory bin. Creating a sensory-friendly environment can help children with Autism feel safe and secure, and reduce the likelihood of sensory overload.
Use visual supports
Visual supports can be helpful for children with Autism to understand and prepare for sensory experiences. Visual supports can include picture schedules, visual timers, and social stories. Picture schedules provide a visual representation of a sequence of events, which can help children understand what is going to happen next and reduce anxiety. Visual timers can help Autistic children understand how long an activity will last, which can reduce stress and increase motivation. Social stories can help children prepare for and understand social situations, which can be overwhelming for some children with Autism. By using visual supports, parents can help their children understand what to expect, which can reduce anxiety and improve their ability to cope with sensory experiences.
Teach coping strategies
Teaching coping strategies to children with Autism can be an effective way to help them manage sensory overload. Coping strategies can include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or using a calming sensory object. Parents can teach their children these strategies and encourage them to practice them when they are feeling overwhelmed. Deep breathing exercises involve taking slow, deep breaths to calm the body and mind. Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups to release tension and reduce stress. Calming sensory objects, such as a squishy ball or a weighted blanket, can provide a soothing tactile experience that can help children regulate their emotions.
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness exercises can help children with autism become more aware of their body and mind, and learn to regulate their emotions. Mindfulness exercises can include breathing exercises or mindful meditation. Parents can practice mindfulness exercises with their child and encourage them to practice them independently. Mindfulness exercises can help children develop a greater sense of self-awareness and improve their ability to manage their emotions.
Seek professional help from a play therapist
A Play Therapist can be particularly helpful for children with sensory overload, as play therapy provides a safe and non-threatening environment for children to explore their emotions and sensory experiences. Play therapists are trained to understand the sensory needs of children with Autism and can use various sensory-based interventions to help children regulate their emotions and manage sensory overload. For example, a Play Therapist may use sensory play activities, such as sand play or water play, to help children learn to self-regulate and manage their emotions. Additionally, play therapy can provide a positive and enjoyable experience for children with Autism, which can help build their self-esteem and confidence. By working with a Play Therapist, children with sensory overload can learn to develop coping strategies and improve their ability to manage sensory experiences in different environments.
In conclusion, managing sensory overload in Autistic children can be a challenge for parents. However, by identifying triggers, creating a sensory-friendly environment, using visual supports, teaching coping strategies, practicing mindfulness, and seeking professional help, parents can help their children manage sensory overload and reduce stress levels. With patience, understanding, and support, parents can help their child with Autism thrive and reach their full potential.
Janine Kelly, MSW, LCSW, RPT, CATP, ADHD-CCSP, CCATP-CA is a Registered Play Therapist, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Perinatal Mental Health Therapist in Middlesex, NJ. Janine specializes in childhood anxiety, childhood OCD, childhood trauma, and supporting children who experience neurodivergence such as ADHD and Autism. She also specializes in pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders such as anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, depression, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
*This blog is not a substitute for therapy. To schedule an appointment, please click below.
