top of page

Navigating Sensory Overload: 4 Practical Strategies for Autism and ADHD

Writer's picture: Coach Patty, HealthSmart! KidsCoach Patty, HealthSmart! Kids

Updated: Jul 28, 2024



This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, HealthSmart! Kids earns from qualifying purchases.


Navigating the world can be tough for anyone, but for people with autism and ADHD, sensory overload can make it especially challenging.


From loud noises to bright lights and strong smells, everyday experiences can trigger a range of reactions, leading to anxiety, frustration, and even meltdowns. If you have a child with sensory issues, you know all too well what we're talking about.

Luckily, there are some practical strategies that can help those with autism and ADHD manage their sensory overload and thrive in their daily lives. Whether it's creating a sensory-friendly environment, using weighted blankets, or practicing mindfulness techniques, there are many ways to ease the sensory overload and help find a sense of calm.


In today's post, we'll explore some of these strategies, offer practical advice, and share some favorite sensory products for those with autism and ADHD. So, let's dive in and discover how to make the world a more manageable place for our loved ones who experience sensory overload.



Understanding Sensory Overload


Sensory overload happens when someone is bombarded with too much sensory information for their brain to handle. This can lead to various physical, emotional, and behavioral reactions, depending on how the person processes sensory input. Any sense—sight, sound, touch, taste, or smell—can trigger sensory overload.

For kids and adults with autism and ADHD, sensory overload can be a common occurrence due to their unique sensory processing differences. They may experience hypersensitivity to certain sensory stimuli, such as loud noises or bright lights, or hyposensitivity, where they may not register certain sensory information, such as pain or temperature changes.


It's important to know that sensory overload can affect anyone, not just people with autism or ADHD. Those with anxiety or PTSD can experience it too. No matter the cause, sensory overload can be very distressing and make it hard for someone to carry out daily activities.


A little girl playing alongside another girl on a rug

Types of Sensory Overload


People can experience various types of sensory overload. Here are some common examples:


  • Auditory overload: This occurs when an individual is bombarded with loud or unexpected noises, such as a fire alarm or a car horn.

  • Visual overload: This occurs when an individual is exposed to bright or flashing lights, crowded spaces, or moving objects.

  • Tactile overload: This occurs when an individual is overwhelmed by touch sensations, such as certain fabrics or textures, or physical contact.

  • Olfactory overload: This occurs when an individual is exposed to strong or unpleasant smells, such as cigarette smoke or cleaning products.

  • Gustatory overload: This occurs when an individual is overwhelmed by certain tastes or textures, such as spicy or crunchy foods.


Understanding the specific types of sensory overload someone faces is key to developing effective strategies for meeting their sensory needs.


Sensory Overload in Autism and ADHD


Sensory overload is something many people with autism and ADHD deal with. It's pretty common: about 90% of those with autism have sensory processing differences, and up to 70% of people with ADHD are sensitive to sensory input.


People with autism can find sensory overload particularly challenging because they often struggle with social communication and interaction. Expressing their sensory needs might be tough, and places with lots of sensory input, like crowded shopping malls or noisy classrooms, can easily overwhelm them.


For people with ADHD, sensory overload can make it hard to focus and control their emotions. They might get easily distracted or irritated by things like a flickering light or a strong smell.


Symptoms of Sensory Overload


The symptoms of sensory overload vary from person to person and depend on the type of sensory input that triggers it. Common symptoms might include:


  • Physical: headaches, nausea, or dizziness

  • Emotional: anxiety, frustration, or irritability

  • Behavioral: avoidance, withdrawal, or aggression

  • Cognitive: trouble concentrating or processing information

It's important to identify both the types of sensory overload that affect your child and their specific symptoms. This awareness will help you develop effective strategies to manage their unique sensory needs.


A male instructor teaching kids while sitting on bouncy balls

Sensory Overload Strategies for Autism and ADHD


There are plenty of strategies out there to help those with autism and ADHD manage sensory overload and feel calmer. Here are some effective strategies to consider:



Sensory Diets


A sensory diet is like a customized plan that gives someone the sensory input they need to keep their nervous system balanced and lower sensory overload. It might involve activities that offer calming or energizing sensory experiences, like getting a deep pressure massage, swinging, or using a chewy sensory toy.


It's best to create a sensory diet with the help of a sensory integration therapist, usually an occupational therapist with training in sensory integration, or another qualified healthcare professional. They can evaluate your child's sensory needs and create a personalized plan.


Sensory-Friendly Environments


Making a sensory-friendly environment can be a big help for kids and adults with autism and ADHD dealing with sensory overload. This might mean cutting down on sensory input, like dimming lights or playing soothing music, or offering sensory-friendly tools, like noise-cancelling headphones or fidget toys.


Plus, having a regular routine and structure in place can really help. It makes sensory input less unpredictable and gives them a feeling of control and familiarity.



Sensory Tools and Equipment


Lots of tools and gear can assist individuals with autism and ADHD in handling their sensory needs. Things like weighted blankets, compression vests, or sensory toys can really make a difference.


Weighted blankets, for example, provide deep pressure input that can help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety. We love this convenient and reasonably priced weighted lap blankets for kids and adults alike.


Special compression vests like this one provide similar benefits by applying pressure to the body.


Sensory toys or handheld fidget objects like these provide a variety of textures and sensations that can help regulate the individual's sensory system.



Sensory Integration Therapy


Sensory integration therapy is a special kind of therapy that helps people get better at handling sensory info and calming their nervous system. It might mean doing activities like swinging, jumping, or playing with sensory toys to get certain kinds of sensory input.


Sensory integration therapy should be done by a healthcare pro who knows about sensory processing differences, like an occupational therapist. They can make a personalized plan for your child.

More Sensory-Friendly Indoor Equipment That We Love:






Living with Sensory Overload


Coping with sensory overload can be tough for people with autism and ADHD, but with the right strategies and support, they can find ways to navigate the world that works best for them.


Understanding the different types of sensory overload, spotting the signs, and using helpful strategies can bring your child with autism or ADHD a sense of calm, easing their anxiety and frustration. Whether it's with sensory diets, creating sensory-friendly spaces, using tools and gear, or trying sensory integration therapy, there are plenty of ways to support individuals with sensory processing differences in their everyday routines.


You May Also Like These Related Posts:




Kids inside of a bouncy house

All blog content shared through HealthSmart! Kids is for informational purposes only and not to be construed as medical advice. Always talk with your qualified health care provider for managing your health care needs.

40 views0 comments

留言


                Privacy Policy

Disclaimer:  The information provided by HealthSmart! Kids is intended for information and education purposes only. It is not intended to be construed as medical advice. Please see your qualified health care provider if you require medical advice. This site contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase from one of our affiliate partners, HealthSmart! Kids may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

 

©2025 by HealthSmart! Kids

bottom of page