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Sensory processing challenges are not uncommon for autistic kids. Common triggers can include anything from scratchy clothing to loud noises or bright lights. These triggers can create a sensory overload that makes your child feel overwhelmed or upset. They might avoid trying new things and consistently seek out quiet places to be alone. 

As a parent or caregiver, it’s essential to recognize sensory overload symptoms and to know what to do to reduce potential dangers both at home and in educational settings. By recognizing how sensory overload affects your child, you can take active steps toward helping them manage their senses safely.  

How to Recognize Sensory Overload Symptoms 

Have you ever noticed your child become extremely upset when they feel overwhelmed with their surroundings? The stress response completely takes over when a child is overstimulated, making behavioral and emotional regulation feel nearly impossible. It becomes easier for them to hurt themselves or put themselves in harm’s way. Some of the common symptoms of sensory overload include:  

• Stimming; 
• A wave of fatigue; 
• The desire to cover their eyes or ears; 
• Panic; 
• The desire to escape; 
• Discomfort; 
• Restlessness; 
• Irritability.

Understanding some of your child’s triggers is a great place to start. When you know what overstimulates them, you can create a home environment that helps them feel safe and secure. You can even create a sensory room in your home with things like weighted blankets, tactile pillows, and mood lighting that can help your child feel calm and comfortable.  

Creating a Safety Plan 

Unfortunately, even understanding your child’s triggers doesn’t mean they’ll always be protected from sensory overload. Having a safety plan in place can help to keep them protected when those moments occur. 

Start at home by improving your security. Make sure there are locks on doors and windows that your child can’t access to protect them from any potential accidents. It’s not uncommon for children with autism to become overwhelmed at times, and they might not take their surroundings into account, making them more susceptible to things like tripping over items or running into the street without looking. It’s also important to teach your child safety skills to use at home. Let them know where they can go and what they can use to calm down. Keep things organized and clearly labeled so they have easy access to the things that can help them. Practice a safety plan with them several times, the same way you might with a family fire drill. When it becomes muscle memory for them, they will have an easier time making safe, healthy choices that will provide them comfort.

Of course, keeping your child safe at home is only half the battle. What happens when you’re at a local park or playground and they become overstimulated? It’s just as important to have a safety plan in place by choosing safe play areas. Scope out your local parks and choose one that isn’t overly crowded and doesn’t have a lot of noise. Choosing a park that is somewhat secluded, fenced in, or doesn’t have a lot of nearby traffic can also help your child stay safe if they get overwhelmed and want to hide. Parks with a lot of clear signage can also be a comfort for your child, helping them to follow directions safely and effectively. If, for some reason, your child’s favorite spot seems to be busy and loud one day, consider bringing headphones along, or suggesting a different area for a while.

Working with your child’s school will also help to ensure they stay safe when they’re away from home. Encourage their teachers to have sensory tools in the classroom, like alternative seating options and fidget toys that help to keep autistic kids more grounded. Additionally, make sure your child’s educators understand basic first-aid skills. 

If your child does get overwhelmed and starts to panic, or even ends up harming themselves, you should have confidence that their teachers know how to provide assistance. It’s even worthwhile to encourage teaching first-aid in the classroom. Not only will it help your child with self-regulation if they’re starting to feel overwhelmed, but they might end up getting the help they need from a fellow classmate. Teaching first aid in schools can be incredibly useful for mitigating risks as children spend more time on their own. Kids as young as five can learn basic life-saving skills, so don’t hesitate to encourage their teachers to prioritize these techniques.

Sensory overload doesn’t have to be disastrous or dangerous. By having a safety plan in place and understanding what most upsets your child, you can protect them no matter where they are. 

Indiana Lee is a writer from the Pacific Northwest with a personal commitment to shedding light on important issues surrounding autism. Outside of writing, she enjoys the outdoors, reading, and jigsaw puzzles. Connect with her on LinkedIn.