Nurturing emotional resilience: supporting children through sensory meltdowns
How you respond to your child will largely depend on their age, their cognitive and language abilities (keeping in mind that during a meltdown we lose the ability to communicate effectively), their sensory preferences and even their diagnosis, if they have one. With that in mind, here are some general tips to help lessen a meltdown.
Sensory Accommodations:
When I’m problem-solving to find sensory regulation activities for a child within an educational environment, I like to start with the end goal in mind. As a pediatric occupational therapist, I always start with a simple goal: to help each child be as independent and functional as possible. How we get to that goal can look very different, depending on the unique sensory system each child brings to the table.
The overarching truth surrounding sensory regulation is: Sensory regulation needs to match the situation and the environment.
Sensory Overwhelm: How to Spot it and What to Do About It
Sensory overwhelm refers to a condition where a child's sensory system becomes overloaded by environmental stimuli, such as sounds, lights, textures, smells, or even social interactions. This overload can cause distress, anxiety, and even meltdowns in children, making it essential for parents to be aware of the signs and respond with sensitivity and support.