Ever feel like your child is just super sensitive to everything? Maybe you’ve noticed them covering their ears at a birthday party or they’re constantly complaining about how uncomfortable their clothes feel. These are everyday moments that are supposed to feel easy and simple. But sensory sensitivities and sensory overload can cause them to turn into full on meltdowns and disasters. It’s not just your child being picky or dramatic - it’s their nervous system responding to the world in a way that feels too big, too fast, and too much.

Let’s explore what sensory overload and sensitivity really mean, how they show up in everyday life, and, most importantly, what you can do to support your child.

In this blog:

• What is sensory sensitivity
• What is sensory overload?
• How can sensory sensitivity lead to sensory overload?
• Recognizing the signs
• How to support your sensory sensitive child
     

Just so you know, this blog is based on my and my guests’ personal experiences, and research I’ve done as a pediatric occupational therapist. None of the below is medical, occupational therapy, or feeding therapy advice. When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission. Learn more about affiliate links.

What is sensory sensitivity?

Does your child seem to react to things that you, or other children barely notice? This heightened awareness of sensations is called sensory sensitivity, and it can make everyday experiences completely overwhelming for them.

Imagine if every sound, sight, or touch felt 10x more intense than it does to you right now. For example, if standing in Target felt as loud as standing in a rock concert. Or if a splash of water on your sleeve felt like someone poured an entire bucket on you. That’s what sensory sensitivity is all about! 

Now, think about feeling that way all the time — and in situations where others seem perfectly fine. That’s how it can feel for kids with sensory sensitivity. Their brain processes these sensations differently - and they have a hard time tuning them out.

Kids with sensory sensitivities often are seen as stubborn or controlling, but that’s not it at all. They’re actually trying to protect their body. 

Let’s take a look at how sensory sensitivity can affect some of the senses:

1. Noises: Everyday sounds, like a ticking clock or the hum of a refrigerator, can feel distracting or even painful to their eardrums.
   
   
2. Textures: Certain fabrics might feel itchy or uncomfortable, leading them to refuse to wear specific clothes.
   
   
3. Lights: Bright or flashing lights can be overwhelming, making them irritable.
   
   
4. Smells: Strong scents—like those from perfumes, food, or cleaning products—can trigger intense reactions like headaches or nausea.

Being aware of a child’s specific sensitivities helps us respond with more compassion and support them better. Instead of feeling frustrated when your child seems upset over a crowded space or a noisy restaurant, it helps you remember that they’re simply navigating a world that feels totally overwhelming to them.

What is sensory overload?

Imagine it’s a typical weekday afternoon, and you’ve just picked up your kids from school. You walk into the house, and the chaos begins. One child is bouncing off the walls, excited to tell you about their day, while the other is melting down over a broken banana. The TV is blaring in the background, and you feel yourself getting irritated as you listen to the Cocomelon theme song for the 3rd time today.

As you try to cook dinner, all you can smell is your kid's lunch leftovers that were left out. Your dog starts barking at people passing by outside, adding to the noise. Your phone is buzzing with notifications from the school, your friends, and work, and you feel pulled in a million directions.

Before you know it, your heart starts racing, and it all becomes too much to handle. You start feeling incredibly irritable and snap at your kids and husband. This is sensory overload, where too much sensory input from your environment leaves you feeling completely overstimulated and on the edge of a breakdown.

This happens to kids too. Sensory overload happens when a child’s brain receives more information that it can handle. 

When a child experiences sensory overload, they often react in really big ways like —crying, throwing a tantrum, or simply shutting down. This isn’t them acting out or being bad, it’s actually a huge cry for help that they need support.

How can sensory sensitivity lead to sensory overload?

Kids who are sensory sensitive, have a much lower tolerance for sensory input. While you or I might be able to brush the feeling of a slightly scratchy tag on our shirt, a child with sensory sensitivity likely wouldn’t be able to ignore it.

Think of it like this: imagine starting your day with a cup that's already half full. Every new sensation—whether it’s a loud noise, a bright light, or an itchy fabric—adds more water to that cup. Because that cup was already half full, their cup fills up a lot faster, meaning it doesn’t take much for it to overflow. When their cup is full, that’s when sensory overload hits, leading to meltdowns.

Because every small sensation is magnified, these kids appear to go from being “fine” to melting down in an instant. 

Recognizing the signs?

Recognizing the signs of sensory overload before your child hits a full-blown meltdown really makes all the difference. If you’re able to pick up on the early cues, you can work on emptying your child’s sensory cup before it overflows. Sometimes these cues are super subtle - like becoming quiet, fidgeting, or getting very excitable.

Often, we miss these cues, thinking a child is acting out, being stubborn, or doing something silly, but they’re actually important clues that your child is about to hit their limit.

When you start to see these little signs, it’s the perfect time to step in before things escalate. Whether that means helping them find a quieter space, giving them something that you know calms their body, or simply offering a break from whatever is causing the overload, being proactive is a game changer for avoiding the pop and meltdown.

Supporting your sensory sensitive child

Many parents struggle with understanding how to support their sensory sensitive child when everything feels too big or too much. But there is so much you can do as a parent to help your child feel more comfortable and confident throughout their day - making everyone’s day less chaotic and more enjoyable! 

Here’s a few of my favorite ways to support sensory sensitive children:

1. Learn their triggers: this is arguably the most important way to support your child. Start to really tune in to when your child begins to get overwhelmed and overstimulated. Notice the sounds, textures, lights, or situations that seem to set them off, so you can help them navigate around these triggers or prepare them when they’re unavoidable. (psttt make sure to get on my waitlist for Sensory Made Simple where I will help you identify and understand your child’s unique triggers & sensory preferences in less than 75-minutes!)
   
   
2. Respect those triggers: It can be tough when your child is sensitive to certain things. You might find yourself wishing they could just get over it or feeling the urge to encourage them to "push through it." However, respecting their triggers is essential for helping them feel secure and confident as they navigate challenges. For example, imagine being at a loud party and having someone insisting that you stay and enjoy yourself, even though the noise is overwhelming. You wouldn’t want that for yourself, so why would you want it for your child? By acknowledging their sensitivities, you’re teaching them how to connect with their body, and navigate their own sensory systems.
   
   
3. Simplify Your Communication: Too much talking, or speaking too fast, can add to the overload. Keep your instructions simple, take a breath.
   
   
4. Create a safe, quiet space: I love creating a safe space at home for kids where they can retreat to when they’re feeling overstimulated. Include cozy items that help your child calm down and regulate. Need ideas? Click here for a free download on what product ideas for your calming corner.
   
   
5. Simplify Routines: For a child sensitive to sensory input, transitions can be extra challenging. Try breaking tasks into smaller, simple steps, try using a visual schedule, and give them a warning before transitioning. This way, they know what to expect without feeling bombarded by too much information.
   
   
6. Offer modifications to help them participate: Rather than expecting them to "push through it," find ways to adjust activities or environments so they feel more manageable. For example, if loud sounds are overwhelming, try using noise canceling headphones. Or, if certain textures are uncomfortable, let them wear clothes that are comfortable so they  can enjoy the outing with you. Small modifications help them feel secure and show them that it’s okay to participate in a way that works for them.
   
   

Supporting a sensory-sensitive child can feel really challenging. There might be days when you wish the world would just slow down or quiet down for them, and you’re doing your best to make that happen. Every little adjustment you make—every moment you spend understanding what makes things feel too big or too loud for them—shows them that they’re safe, supported, and loved for exactly who they are.

At the end of the day, it’s not about trying to “fix” them; it’s about helping them feel at ease in a world that’s sometimes just too much. And while it’s a step-by-step process, you’re teaching them that they don’t have to face it alone. You’re their safe place. ❤️

You’re already doing amazing work supporting your child’s needs— but with the right tools, it can feel a lot easier. Imagine having a roadmap that helps you understand and confidently respond to your child’s sensory needs, bringing more calm to your days and confidence to your approach.

If this sounds like what you need, I’ve got something in the works for you. My new program Sensory Made Simple will be here soon! Join the waitlist to be the first to know when it opens, snag early bird discounts, and even be a part of building the course by telling me exactly what you need to help you succeed. All you have to do is go to www.drsamgoldman.com/sensorywaitlist and add in your email to join the list.   

You don’t have to navigate this journey alone—let’s make it easier, together. 🌟  

References: 

1. The Out of Sync Child by Carol Stock Kranowitz
2. Sensational Kids by Lucy Jane Miller

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