Recognising the signs of sensory overload

Spotting the early signs of sensory overload can make all the difference. It gives you the chance to step in before things reach meltdown, helping your child feel safer, calmer, and more understood.

Sensory overload happens when the world becomes just too much. It  could be too loud, too bright, too busy, or too unpredictable. Unlike a thermometer, there’s no clear line that tells us when our child has reached their limit. That’s why learning their unique warning signs is so important.

You might notice things like:

• More intense stimming (like hand flapping, rocking, or pacing)

• Covering ears or squinting at lights

• Going unusually quiet or becoming withdrawn

• Showing irritability, frustration or confusion

• Struggling to follow instructions or respond to questions

  
  

Sometimes the signs are physical such as pale skin, rapid breathing, sweating, or even saying they feel sick. But more often, it’s a subtle shift in behaviour. Maybe your bubbly child goes quiet, or your usually calm one becomes agitated or overactive.

Some children become hyper-alert, scanning the room for things that might feel threatening. Others shut down completely, unable to speak, move, or respond.

The triggers aren’t always obvious. It could be a crowded room, flickering lights, a strong smell, or even a much-anticipated birthday party with just too much happening at once. For many autistic and/or ADHD children, it’s not just one thing, but a build-up of too many sensory inputs all at the same time.

So, what can you do if your child starts overloading? The first step is always the same. Reduce the sensory input. That might mean moving to a quieter space, dimming the lights, offering noise-cancelling headphones, or simply giving them a break from demands. A comfort item or calming routine can help reconnect them to a sense of safety.

And perhaps the most powerful tool? Prevention. Learning your child’s early cues and keeping a sensory diary can help you spot patterns and avoid overload before it begins. What sets them off? What helps them recover? Over time, you’ll become an expert in your child’s unique sensory profile.

It’s not about avoiding every challenging situation, life doesn’t work that way. But with the right support, your child can build confidence in navigating the world, knowing they have you in their corner.

Check out our FREE sensory profile builder! Answer some questions, input your scores and get a free downloadable PDF with clear info on how your child copes with different sensory issues. Hand it out to school, professionals, clubs, friends and family!

Use our FREE sensory profile builder now!