Sensory Meltdowns: Strategies to Support Your Child

Summer has ended, and school is starting up again. Gone are the days of summer—the camps, the open space, the freedom. Lots of kids love summer because of the lack of demands, expectations, and the opportunity for relaxation. Both kids and parents often have mixed feelings about the return to school. Some kids crave routine and find summer challenging, while others are excited to return to friendships and learning. Others might feel a bit stressed. Traditional classrooms, where kids are expected to listen closely, follow the rules, watch the teacher, keep their bodies still, keep hands in laps, and deal with all of the unexpected sensations of the classroom—such as noise from classmates—can be tough, especially for those who are sensory sensitive. For these children, it might lead to sensory meltdowns, making the back-to-school transition even harder.

Sensory Meltdown Mode 2.0

It’s pretty natural for a 2-year-old or even a 5-year-old to have a major meltdown. Tantrums can range from a brief 1-2 minute episode to a full-blown outburst.  Tantrums are often triggered by internal issues such as being tired, hungry, sleepy, or bored. (If you’re interested in learning more about the science behind tantrums, I’ve linked to an excellent article from the New York Times here.)

But what if the tantrum isn’t caused by these usual triggers?  Maybe you’ve tried all of the standard suggestions. You’ve tried a schedule; they go to bed early; they get a good breakfast; you’ve warned them ahead of time of a transition. Maybe you’ve even tried rewards. Stickers, behavior charts, a promise of a new toy. Yet, still your child is having meltdowns every single morning.  

As Dr. Ross Green says, “Children do well when they can”. Every child is different, for those with developmental differences, their profile presents more challenges to the day to day routines. Perhaps their sensory processing difficulties lead to more anxiety, fear, stress which in turn makes it harder for them to manage the day to day churn. Every new sensory experience is a stressful one and may result in more upset. These sensory meltdowns this can be very stressful for the whole family. 

Sensory Strategies to Support Your Child

Getting to the underlying sensory difficulties is essential to dealing with sensory meltdowns. Sensory strategies help children learn to deal with frustration, manage their sensory differences, and allow parents and caregivers to support them effectively. In some cases, children may need a more intensive program to help their nervous system relax and calm down. This is because the buildup of stress hormones in their body can cause sensory meltdowns to occur over and over again.  A pediatric occupational therapist with specialized training in sensory processing can help and provide valuable support.

A Few Sensory Strategies That May Help

1. Deep Pressure Touch
   • Gently press a pillow over your child’s body as they lie on the floor, applying pressure to their trunk, arms, hands, legs, feet. This deep pressure touch can help to soothe and calm their nervous system. Remember to avoid their face, and watch your child’s cues. If they do not like it, wait and try again and later. Be gentle and patient. This back and forth dance of your attuned signaling and their acceptance of the sensation will change their nervous system response.
2. “Squish Box”
   • A squish box is a small, cozy space that provides a feeling of being hugged without being touched by another person. This can be a cardboard box stuffed with pillows or a closet decorated with twinkle lights and a bean bag chair. Giving your child time and space to relax is key. If they want your company, then join them in a quiet way. Be persistent but respectful as some kids need alone time, but not too much. Make sure they know you’re available when they’re ready.
3. Fidget Tools
   • Fidget tools or stress balls can help your child focus and calm themselves down. For some kids, having something in their hands is essential. Many children have attachment objects, such as teddy bears, dolls, or blankies, which serve as transitional comfort items. Similarly, some kids may choose to hold blocks, toy cars, or other small objects. As children get older, they might choose choose fidget cubes, click beads, or squishables. All of these items are soothing and help regulate their emotions.
4. Heavy Work Activities
   • Incorporate natural heavy work activities into their day that provide resistance and proprioceptive input. Natural heavy work may include carrying groceries, pushing a cart, pulling a wagon, or digging in sand. Encourage heavy work every 2 hours during the day, because this can help your child to feel more grounded and calm. Here is a link to more heavy work ideas for home.
5. Routine and Structure
   • Establish a predictable routine with visual supports. This can be at the object level, photo level, or symbol level. For instance, kids who can read may benefit from both pictures and words, while older kids might manage with just words. Additionally, a “to-do list” or schedule can help anyone feel more secure. These tools assist children who struggle with a poor sense of time continuum by reducing anxiety and preparing them for any changes in their routine.
6. Sensory accommodations
   • Allow unrestricted access to sensory breaks, such as their cozy corner.
   • Allow the child unrestricted access to individualized and beneficial sensory breaks, such as leaving the classroom with the teacher, pacing, using a rocking chair, engaging in a movement routine, receiving vestibular input, performing heavy work, or using intellectual fidgets, among other options.
   • Allow unimpeded access to sensory supports to optimize the child’s emotional regulation, such as noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, scents, oral chewies, compression garments, lap pads, weighted vests, etc.

If meltdowns persist despite these strategies, consider working with an occupational therapist who specializes in sensory processing. At Therapeeps Pediatric Occupational Therapy our goal is to help your child (and you!) feel confident in navigating sensory challenges. Give us a call or complete our intake form here.