We all get overwhelmed sometimes. There can be timers going off, Messenger pings on your screen, and Calendar notifications shaking your desk, all at the same time. Some kids shrug off the chaos. However, children with autism often experience intense sensory overload. In the case of neurodivergence, their brains receive more sensory input than they can comfortably process. A sonic, visual, and vibrational outburst can lead to distress, anxiety, and behavioural challenges. At Monarch House, we recognize and address sensory issues in children with autism. Part of our autism therapy in Burlington is helping them manage sensory overload. We do this with psychotherapy, occupational therapy, behavioural therapy, and speech therapy. This is crucial to their well-being and development. 

Here are nine strategies designed to support children with autism Burlington.

1. Practicing Deep Breathing and Relaxation Techniques

One of the behavioural therapy techniques that we employ at Monarch House is breath control. We can teach your child simple deep breathing exercises which can be highly effective during moments of sensory overload. We work with your child to help them practice these techniques regularly. In this way, your child knows how to use them when feeling overwhelmed. Tools like visual breathing guides or apps with calming sounds can also support relaxation.

2. Creating A Sensory-Friendly Space

Part of our occupational therapy is finding calming environments for your child. We can help you designate a quiet, peaceful area in your home or classroom where your child can retreat during moments of sensory overload. This space should be free of overwhelming visual stimuli like harsh lighting, loud noises, and abrasive textures. Dimmer switches, sunglasses and blankets are your friend. Soft textures, dim lighting, and soothing colours can make this space a haven for the child.

3. Using Sensory Tools

There are a few items that you should stock your sensory room with, as well as have at the ready around the home. At Monarch House, we keep sensory tools stashed in every nook and cranny. Never be short of weighted blankets, sunglasses, fidget toys, and noise-canceling headphones. These items can help children manage overwhelming sensory input. Sensory tools provide calming, predictable sensory input that can help the child feel grounded and secure.

4. Monitoring And Limiting Sensory Triggers

One of the types of autism therapy Burlington we offer is psychotherapy. Here we look at some of the sensory stimulation that may act as a trigger on your child. If bright lights set your child off—let’s explore that. (Also, invest in a dimmer switch.) Loud noises? Let’s take note. (Also, look into headphones.) We help you to identify and minimize common sensory triggers for your child. For instance, if certain loud noises are overwhelming, we can look into how your child handles the sensory overstimulation, and how they can find their own solutions before reacting. Being proactive about reducing exposure to overwhelming stimuli can prevent overload before it starts.

5. Using Visual Supports

Sometimes the easiest way to spell something out is with a picture. A lot of our speech therapy is done with visual aids. Pictographs, schedules, social stories, visual cues, and other visual supports can help children with autism understand what to expect, reducing anxiety and sensory overload. Visual supports provide a clear structure, helping the child feel more in control of their environment.

6. Incorporating Movement Breaks

They have the seventh inning stretch in baseball for a reason. Everyone stands up, reaches for the sky, sings a little, maybe does a chicken dance or two, and reboots their body. Regular movement breaks can help a child release pent-up energy and reset their sensory system. Activities like running, swimming, skipping, jumping on a trampoline, swinging, or doing yoga can provide the proprioceptive input many children with autism find calming.

7. Teaching Self-Advocacy

Don’t let your child suffer in silence. Encourage them to communicate when they are feeling overwhelmed. This could be through words, sign language, or using a picture exchange communication system (PECS). Teaching self-advocacy helps a child with autism gain a sense of control and empowers them to manage their sensory needs.

8. Using Predictable Routines

Your child probably finds some relief in being in control of their environment. Especially amidst what they must construe as total chaos at times. A consistent, predictable routine helps reduce anxiety by providing the child with a sense of what will happen next. Knowing what to expect can help prevent sensory overload, as unexpected changes or transitions can be overwhelming. If they know this particular room is going to be bright like this, or this certain seat belt is going to scratch like that, they can brace themselves mentally and ready the appropriate sensory toys to absorb the impact.

9. Engaging In Calming Activities

Maybe you start with five seconds of meditation in the morning. Little daily rituals can slowly transform into habits, and these tiny healthy habits can gradually lead to small but productive routines. The next thing you know, you have constructive little lifestyle choices that ultimately develop and grow into improved health and well-being overall (not to mention independence). Start small. Incorporate subtle calming activities into your child’s daily routine, such as reading here, listening to soothing music there, or doing a little art each day. It can do wonders. Drawing can be soothing. Clay is tactile and good for the nerves. Singing in the bath is a work in progress. These activities can serve as a reset for the child’s sensory system, helping them regain balance after a period of overload.

Your child won’t be able to stroll through the chaos of an arcade or busy supermarket without batting an eye overnight. It will take some work to help them regulate their acute sensory sensitivities. But Monarch House is here to help with an interdisciplinary team of professionals including occupational, behavioural, speech, and psychotherapy. This is all a part of our autism therapy in Burlington. Managing sensory overload in children with autism requires a thoughtful, individualized approach. By creating a supportive environment, using sensory tools, and teaching self-regulation techniques, you can help your child navigate overwhelming sensory experiences with greater ease and confidence. These strategies, when used consistently, can significantly enhance a child’s ability to manage sensory overload and improve their overall quality of life.