Overstimulation Meltdowns: What’s Happening and How to Help

Picture this: You’re at the park with your child, and everything seems to be going well—until suddenly, it’s not. A seemingly fun day spirals into tears, yelling, or a complete shutdown. This is what overstimulation can feel like for many children, especially those highly sensitive to their surroundings or neurodiverse.

So, what exactly is happening here?

What is Overstimulation?

Our world is full of sights, sounds, textures, and smells. For most of us, these are easy to filter out, but for children, especially those with ADHD, this barrage of sensory information can become overwhelming. Overstimulation occurs when the brain can no longer process everything at once. It’s like trying to carry too many shopping bags—eventually, something’s got to drop.

The Signs

Overstimulation meltdowns often happen fast. One minute, your child is delicate; the next, they may become irritable, anxious, or emotional. They might cover their ears, close their eyes, or retreat from people. They might even lash out verbally or physically, which is often mistaken as misbehaviour when, in fact, they’re trying to communicate their overwhelm.

How to Help

So, what can you do in the middle of an overstimulation meltdown? The key is creating a space where your child can feel safe and calm again. Here are a few strategies that have worked wonders for my son:

Find a Quiet Space: Guide your child to a quieter area when things escalate. Reducing the noise and distractions around them can help their brain reset.Deep Breathing Together: Encourage deep breathing by doing it with them. Breathing exercises help reduce the body’s stress response. A simple technique is to breathe in for four counts, hold for four, and exhale for four.Use Calming Toys: Sometimes, a small, familiar object can be incredibly grounding. I’ve found that sensory toys, such as liquid motion timers or soft fidget toys, are great tools to help my son calm down.Offer Comfort: Sometimes, they need to know you’re there. A hug or just sitting quietly beside them can make all the difference.Product Recommendations

If you’re looking for tools to help your child with overstimulation, here are a few calming products that have worked wonders for us:

Liquid Motion Bubbler Timer: A colourful, slow-dripping liquid toy that captures their attention and helps them focus on something soothing. You can find this here.Fidget Sensory Toys: Small, portable toys like fidget cubes or spinners can be lifesavers when your child feels overwhelmed. They give their hands something to do, which helps calm the mind. Check them out here.Weighted Blanket: For children who need more physical comfort, a weighted blanket can provide a soothing pressure that helps ease their anxiety. I recommend this affordable option.

Remember, meltdowns are not about bad behaviour—they are your child’s way of telling you that their world is too loud, bright, or fast. With patience and the right tools, we can help them navigate these moments more calmly and confidently.

Let’s Connect

Need Support?

Dealing with something similar and looking for support? I’m here to listen. Tap the link to schedule a personal 1:1 session with me. Let’s work together to create a calmer environment for you and your child.

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