Sensory Overload
What does Sensory Overload mean?
Sensory overload happens when sounds, lights, textures, smells, movement, crowds, or other input become too much for a child’s nervous system to process. It can lead to distress, meltdowns, shutdowns, escape behaviours, or a need for quiet recovery time.
Why this term matters
Recognizing the signs of sensory overload can help families, educators, and support workers respond with understanding rather than frustration, and put proactive strategies in place before a child reaches their limit. In Canadian school and community settings, documenting a child's sensory triggers can support requests for accommodations, such as a quieter workspace or adjusted lighting.
Canadian context
Sensory supports and accommodations may be written into a child's Individual Education Plan or safety plan at school, and occupational therapists funded through provincial programs or school boards can help identify strategies. What supports are available and how they are accessed varies by province or territory.
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