Imagine a typical day in the life of a child: waking up to the blaring sound of an alarm, the bright lights of a busy classroom, the chatter of classmates during lunch, the overwhelming sights and sounds of afterschool activities, and the constant buzz of screens and devices at home. For many children, this daily barrage of sensory input can lead to a state of overstimulation—a feeling of being overwhelmed, frazzled, and unable to cope.
Overstimulation, also known as sensory overload, is a common but often misunderstood issue that can significantly affect a child’s well-being, behavior, and development. While most children experience occasional bouts of overstimulation, for some, it can be a chronic struggle that interferes with their ability to learn, socialize, and thrive.
Fortunately, there is a path forward. In this article, we’ll explore the world of overstimulation through a neurological lens. We’ll delve into what causes sensory overload, how to recognize the signs in your child, and most importantly, what you can do to help them find calm amid the sensory storm.
What is Overstimulation?
Overstimulation, or sensory overload, occurs when the brain receives more sensory input than it can effectively process and respond to. It’s like a traffic jam in the nervous system—too many signals come in at once, leading to feeling overwhelmed and frazzled.
For children, this can happen when they are exposed to too much sensory information at once, such as:
- Bright or flickering lights
- Loud or sudden noises
- Strong smells
- Crowded or chaotic environments
- Certain textures or tactile sensations
When the brain is flooded with this sensory overload, it can struggle to filter out the irrelevant information and focus on what’s important. This can lead to physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms.
It’s important to note that while anyone can experience overstimulation occasionally, it tends to be more common and intense for children with specific neurological differences or conditions. These may include Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), and others.
For these children, the threshold for sensory overload may be lower, meaning that even seemingly minor triggers can lead to overstimulation. Additionally, they may have difficulty regulating their response to sensory input, leading to more frequent and severe episodes of sensory overload.
What Are the Symptoms of Being Overstimulated?
When a child experiences sensory overload, it can manifest in various ways. Some signs may be more obvious, such as covering their ears or having a meltdown, while others may be more subtle, like withdrawing from social interactions or appearing restless.
As a parent, knowing the range of characteristics indicating your child is feeling overstimulated is essential.
Physical signs of being overstimulated may include:
- Headaches or migraines
- Nausea or digestive discomfort
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Muscle tension or pain
- Rapid heartbeat or breathing
- Sweating or feeling overheated
Emotional signs of being overstimulated can include:
- Irritability or agitation
- Anxiety or feeling overwhelmed
- Distress or emotional outbursts
- Difficulty regulating emotions
- Feeling “out of control” or helpless
Behavioral signs of being overstimulated may manifest as:
- Difficulty focusing or completing tasks
- Restlessness or hyperactivity
- Avoiding or withdrawing from certain situations or activities
- Seeking out quiet, solitary spaces
- Meltdowns or tantrums
- Difficulty with transitions or changes in routine
In children, overstimulation may present differently than in adults. They may exhibit unique sensory issues such as:
- Covering their ears or eyes
- Hiding or retreating to a “safe space”
- Rocking, spinning, or other repetitive movements (stimming)
- Refusing to wear certain clothing or textures
- Having intense reactions to certain sounds, lights, or smells
It’s important to remember that while these symptoms can be indicators of overstimulation, they may also be related to other underlying conditions or challenges. Children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, or anxiety may be more prone to experiencing sensory overload and may exhibit these traits more frequently or intensely.
If you notice your child regularly displaying signs of overstimulation, it may be worth exploring further with a pediatrician or occupational therapist specializing in sensory processing. They can help you determine if any underlying issues are contributing to your child’s sensory challenges and develop a plan to support their unique needs.
The Neurological Basis of Overstimulation
To truly understand overstimulation, we must explore the intricate world of the nervous system. Our brains and bodies constantly process a stream of sensory information from the environment, and the nervous system filters, prioritizes and responds to these inputs in a way that keeps us safe and functioning optimally.
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is at the heart of sensory processing. This complex network of nerves regulates many of our body’s automatic functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. The ANS consists of two main branches:
- The sympathetic nervous system (SNS): Often referred to as the “fight or flight” response, the SNS is activated when we perceive a threat or stressor. It prepares the body for action by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension, while diverting energy away from functions like digestion.
- The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS): Known as the “rest, regulate, and digest” response, the PNS helps the body conserve energy and recover after periods of stress. It slows the heart rate, promotes digestion, and facilitates a state of relaxation and calm.
In a well-regulated nervous system, the SNS and PNS work together in a delicate balance, allowing us to respond appropriately to our environment and return to a state of calm when the threat has passed. However, in children with sensory processing challenges, this balance may be disrupted, leading to a state of chronic overarousal and difficulty regulating responses to sensory input.
Fortunately, by understanding the neurological basis of nervous system dysregulation and overstimulation, we can appreciate the complex interplay of factors contributing to a child’s sensory experiences. This knowledge can also inform our approach to supporting children with sensory processing challenges, which we’ll explore in more detail later in this article.
“The Perfect Storm” of Factors Contributing to Overstimulation
While the neurological basis of overstimulation is complex, there are certain risk factors that can make a child more susceptible to sensory processing challenges. At PX Docs, we refer to this combination of factors as “The Perfect Storm.”
One key component of “The Perfect Storm” is prenatal stress and maternal health. Studies have shown that maternal stress during pregnancy can impact fetal brain development, particularly in areas involved in sensory processing and emotion regulation. This means that a child’s nervous system may be “primed” for overstimulation before they even enter the world.
Birth interventions and trauma can also play a role in setting the stage for sensory challenges. Procedures such as C-sections, forceps deliveries, and vacuum extractions can cause physical stress and compression on a baby’s delicate nervous system, potentially leading to subluxations and imbalances that negatively affect sensory processing.
Finally, early childhood stressors and environmental factors can further contribute to overstimulation. Exposure to toxins, chaotic or unpredictable environments, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can all impact a child’s developing nervous system and make them more prone to sensory overload.
Overstimulation and Co-occurring Health Conditions
For some children, overstimulation may be a sign of an underlying neurodevelopmental or mental health condition. In fact, sensory processing challenges are common in children with:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
In children with autism, for example, overstimulation may be related to differences in how their brains process sensory information. They may be more sensitive to certain stimuli, such as bright lights or loud noises, and have difficulty filtering out background sensations. This can lead to frequent experiences of sensory overload and related characteristics such as meltdowns, shutdowns, or repetitive behaviors (stimming).
Similarly, children with ADHD may struggle with overstimulation due to challenges with attention regulation and impulse control. They may find it difficult to filter out irrelevant sensory input, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed or “flooded” by their environment.
For children with PTSD, overstimulation may be triggered by sensory experiences that remind them of past traumas. Loud noises, certain smells, or physical sensations may cause a child to feel unsafe and activate their “fight or flight” response, leading to intense emotional and physiological reactions.
How to Deal With Overstimulation: A Holistic Approach
So, what can parents do to help their child navigate the challenges of overstimulation? At PX Docs, we believe in a holistic approach that addresses both the immediate symptoms of sensory overload and the underlying imbalances in the nervous system.
One of the first steps is to identify your child’s unique triggers and create a sensory-friendly environment whenever possible. This may involve:
- Reducing visual clutter and providing calming, organized spaces
- Using dimmer switches or natural lighting instead of harsh fluorescent bulbs
- Incorporating calming colors and textures into your child’s surroundings
- Providing noise-canceling headphones or quiet retreat spaces
- Establishing predictable routines and preparing your child for transitions
In addition to modifying the environment, it’s important to help your child develop coping strategies and self-regulation skills. This may include:
- Teaching deep breathing exercises or mindfulness techniques
- Encouraging regular exercise and movement breaks
- Practicing progressive muscle relaxation or yoga
- Providing sensory tools such as fidgets, weighted blankets, or chewing gum
When You’ve Already Tried Everything
For many parents whose children are frequently overstimulated and struggling with sensory overload and autism spectrum disorder, it’s likely you’ve already done nearly everything in the section above, but it still has not been enough to help your child calm and regulate their nervous system. If this is the case for your family, as it is for so many, it’s time to explore the benefits of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care to help address the root cause of overstimulation.
Nervous system-focused chiropractors understand the role that subluxation, sympathetic dominance, and nervous system dysregulation play in creating overstimulation in kids and can provide safe, gentle, and precise adjustments that help “release” stuck sympathetic stress from the body and stimulate and activate the parasympathetic calming and regulating response.
Over time our unique and specialized clinical approach can help restore balance and regulation to the nervous system, leading to less sensory overload and overstimulation.
Finding the Root Cause of Overstimulation with the INSiGHT Scans
Nothing is more exciting and validating for a patient than getting into a PX Docs office and being able to see the root cause of their child’s overstimulation and sensory processing difficulties via the Neurological INSiGHT Scans. This incredible technology, especially the EMG Scans, offer a “window” into nervous system dysregulation, dysautonomia, and subluxation that doesn’t exist anywhere else in healthcare.
These scans are able to pinpoint the location of subluxation and measure the total amount of sympathetic dominance and dysregulation pent up within your child’s nervous system, often originally triggered by the Perfect Storm elements like birth trauma and other childhood stressors.
The images below represent EMG Scans of a pediatric patient struggling with sensory overload and overstimulation. The scan on the left shows a sympathetic dominant and overloaded sensory system the patient struggled with before starting care, and then the scan on the right shows how the nervous system becomes much more calm and regulated as our Neuro-Tonal adjustments help release stuck tension and stimulate the parasympathetic system and vagus nerve.
Empowering Families on the Journey to Sensory Resilience
Navigating the world of overstimulation and sensory processing can be overwhelming for many families. It’s easy to feel isolated, frustrated, or even helpless in the face of your child’s struggles. But at PX Docs, we want you to know that there is a way to address the root cause of overstimulation in a safe, drug-free way!
By understanding the neurological foundation of overstimulation and the factors that contribute to sensory challenges, you are already taking a crucial step towards empowering yourself and your child. When we reframe overstimulation as a neurological issue rather than a behavioral one, we can approach it with compassion and a commitment to finding drug-free solutions that work for your unique family.
Remember, you are the expert on your child. Trust your instincts, advocate for their needs, and surround yourself with a supportive team of professionals who understand the complexities of sensory processing. Our directory of experienced practitioners is here to provide the guidance, support, and expertise you need to navigate the challenges of overstimulation with confidence and grace.
