Sensory overloaded = too much information
Sensory overload is a term which describes the experience an individual with sensory differences may have when they receive too much sensory information. The brain is unable to process all of the information effectively. It becomes overloaded. The behaviour response will vary but it usually triggers either a fight, flight or freeze response. In this post I will explore:
Sensory overloaded = too much information
Sensory overload is a term which describes the experience an individual with sensory differences may have when they receive too much sensory information. The brain is unable to process all of the information effectively. It becomes overloaded. The behaviour response will vary but it usually triggers either a fight, flight or freeze response. In this post we will explore:
What does sensory overload look like?
Sensory overload can occur when a student’s brain has had so much sensory input that it cannot process any more. This can lead to a meltdown, the child trying to remove themselves from the situation or may result in shut down. Otherwise known as a fight, flight or freeze response. This is the brain’s way of coping with the excess information it can’t process.
Sensory overload and autism
Sensory overload is frequently reported autisic individuals. This video from the National Autism Society shows just how much information we process day to day. The first example is going out with friends. The second is at a home.
Sensory overload – described by an autistic adult
In these videos, sensory overload and meltdowns are eloquently described by Agony Autie. She is autistic and shares a lot of her experiences on YouTube so that others can understand and learn. The first video explains what happens to the body (and brain!) during a sensory overload. The second is an example of stimming strategies that help her to regulate.
“Stimming, tapping, rocking & being quiet and zoning out like in this video, has helped me with my breathing, racing negative thoughts, not hitting my head and overall anxiety.”
Sensory overload and meltdowns
These two videos explore sensory overload and meltdowns through the eyes of autistic adults.
Sensory overload and the washing machine
A washing machine can be a good example to demonstrate the impact of overload. If too many clothes are put into the machine, it doesn’t work as well. It doesn’t clean the clothing as well. Sometimes it may stop mid-cycle. New machines might not even start if there’s too much weight. The overloaded washing machine can’t do its job properly. It’s the same when the brain is overloaded. However, instead of too much clothing, the brain has received too much sensory information. This reduces the individual’s ability to participate.
Some signs of sensory overload
Signs of sensory overload are different for every pupil. Some indicators can include:
What causes sensory overload?
Sensory overload occurs because the brain has received too much information. There is a part of the brain called the amygdala which is responsible for directing information to where it needs to go. The amygdala is a bit like an air traffic controller. However, instead of directing planes, it directs sensations. All of the information the brain receives comes from the senses.
When sensory overload occurs, the amygdala struggles to prioritise and organise the information. It’s a bit like the air traffic controller trying to land three planes onto two runways at the same time. The air traffic controller would need to make some very quick decision to avoid a disaster. And they would be extremely stressed throughout.
During sensory overload, the complexity of sensory information is too much for the brain to process. This leads to a stress response. As already mentioned, the response will be different for different individuals.
Consider all of the sensations that might contribute to sensory overload
It is important to consider all of the sensory inputs that the individual is processing. The videos above give some good examples. People who experience sensory overload typically notice more information than others. And their brains may not ignore irrelevant sensory information as readily. This means they are already processing a lot more information from the environment.
If you talk, that is more information to process. When you change a plan, there is extra information to process. Think about what sensations are happening in the background. And, don’t forget they are also processing the internal inputs from their own body as well.
Remember sensory inputs are cumulative
Sensory inputs are cumulative. So, each builds on the next and the brain needs to process them all. Individuals with sensory sensitivities are typically the ones that experience overload and shutdown. This is because their brains have lower thresholds for the amount of sensory inputs they can tolerate.
It’s important to consider what the individual may have done before they arrived. It might have been a stressful trip to school because there were road works, so they had to take a different route. This will add to their sensory inputs.
So will any interactions the individual has had earlier on in the day. This might be that they had run out of their usual breakfast cereal. They may have had a disagreement with a friend on the playground. Or, the music class might have been really loud because they were practising drumming. All of these sensory inputs can add to sensory overload.
Jessica’s story
The sense that leads to sensory overload for Jessica is sound. She is very sensitive to extra noise in the environment. In the past she has run away from drums as they are just too loud. Or, she will put her hands up over her ears. Sometimes, she will start to make sounds herself to try to block out the noises. Wearing headphones has been a big help when she is in noisier environments. Her parents and teachers also only ask one question at a time and give her longer to respond.
Sensory overload – how to help in the moment
Here are some ideas you can use to help to support individuals in the moment if they are experiencing sensory overload.
One of the most helpful things to remember when an individual is experiencing sensory overload is to reduce or remove the inputs that are causing the overload. Also, make sure you stop talking as well!
How you can help individuals to avoid sensory overload?
Here are some other ideas to consider throughout the week and day to help the individuals to avoid overload.
In summary
Overall, it is important to be aware of the triggers that might lead to sensory overload. And, the supports that you can put in place to help the individual to avoid overload. These will be different for every individual.
If you would like more understanding of the senses, all eight of them, you can join my free introduction to the senses here. The full course, explores the strategies discussed above in much further depth. Thanks for reading and good luck using the ideas in this post.
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