Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 4: Preventing overload
• Part 2 of 4: Dealing with overstimulation
• Part 3 of 4: Help an autistic person deal with overload
• Part 4 of 4: Helping someone cope
• Tips

People who have problems processing sensory information, such as autistic people, people with sensory processing disorder (SPD), or highly sensitive people can sometimes become sensory overload. Overload occurs when a person has and can't handle too much sensory stimulation, like a computer trying to process too much data and overheating. This can happen when there is a lot going on at the same time - people talking with a TV on in the background, a busy crowd or lots of flashing screens and lights. If you or someone you know is experiencing sensory overload, there are a number of things you can do to lessen its effect.

To step

Part 1 of 4: Preventing overload

1. Recognize the first signs of overload. Overload can be experienced in different ways by different people. It can look like a panic attack, become "hyper", shut down or collapse (which is like a tantrum, but unintentionally).
   • During a moment of relaxation, ask yourself what the characteristics of your sensory overload are. What causes it? How do you or your friend behave when overwhelmed by this feeling? If you are a parent or caregiver, you can ask the child who is experiencing sensory overload about triggers in a relaxed moment.
   • Many autistic people use self-stimulation when overloaded, or repeated motor ways than at other times (such as rocking when they feel happy and fluttering with their hands when overloaded). Think about whether you are only using self-stimulation to calm yourself or to deal with overload.
   • Losing normal physical functions, such as speaking, is often a sign of severe overload. Caregivers and parents may notice this especially in young children who become overloaded.
2. Limit visual stimulation. A person experiencing visual overload may wear sunglasses in the house, refuse eye contact, turn away from people speaking, cover their eyes, and bump into people or things. To limit visual stimulation, hang as few items as possible from the ceiling or walls. Store small items in crates or boxes, and organize and label them.
   • If the lighting is overwhelming, use a bulb instead of fluorescent lighting. You can also use less bright lights. Use blackout curtains to make the house less bright.
   • If the interior lighting is too bright, umbrellas may be a solution.
3. Limit the noise level. Being oversensitive to noise may mean not being able to block out ambient noise (such as someone having a conversation down the road), which can negatively affect your ability to concentrate. Some sounds can be perceived as excruciatingly loud and disturbing. First close doors and windows so that less noise comes in. Turn music down or off if it distracts you, or go somewhere quieter. Limit verbal distractions and / or conversations as much as possible.
   • Earplugs, headphones, and white noise can come in handy when sounds are too overwhelming.
   • If you're trying to communicate with someone who has sensory overload for sounds, ask yes or no questions instead of open-ended questions. These are easier to respond to and can be answered without words (with the thumbs up or down).
4. Reduce tactile input. Tactile overload refers to touch, may include inability to cope with being touched or embraced. Many people who experience problems with sensory processing are hypersensitive to touch, and being touched, and the thought of that can make the overload worse. Tactile sensitivity can include sensitivity to clothing (soft fabrics are preferred) or touching certain structures or temperatures. Recognize which substances are perceived as pleasant and which are not. Make sure all new clothing is kind to the senses.
   • If you are a caregiver or friend, listen when someone says touch hurts and / or recoils. Acknowledge the pain and don't keep trying to touch the person.
   • When dealing with someone who suffers from tactile sensitivity, always warn them when you intend to touch them, always approach them from the front and never from behind.
   • Refer to an occupational therapist for more ideas about sensory integration.
5. Pay attention to smells. Some scents or smells are overwhelming, and unlike sight, it is not possible to close yourself off from a scent. If scents are overpowering, consider using unscented shampoo, detergents, and cleaning products.
   • Remove as many unpleasant odors from the environment as possible. You can buy unscented products, or get creative and make your own unscented toothpaste, soap, and laundry detergent.

Part 2 of 4: Dealing with overstimulation

1. Taking a sensory break. You may feel overwhelmed when surrounded by large groups of people or many children. These situations are sometimes unavoidable, just like at a family event or a business meeting. While it is not possible to completely escape from such situations, you can take a break to recover from overload. Trying to be "hard on yourself" will only make things worse and make it take longer to recover. Taking a break can help you discharge and get yourself out of the situation before it gets unbearable.
   • Respond to your needs in time so that you can deal with them more easily.
   • If you are in a public place, you can apologize for going to the bathroom or say, "I'm going to get some fresh air," and then go outside for a while.
   • If you are in a house, find a place to lie down and rest.
   • Respond with, "I need some time," if people want to come after you if you can't handle it.
2. Find a balance. It is important for you to know your limits and set limits, but it is not necessary for yourself too much so that you get bored. Make sure your basic needs are met as the threshold of your stimulation can be affected by things like hunger, exhaustion, loneliness, and physical pain. At the same time, make sure you don't push yourself too hard.
   • Meeting these basic needs is important for everyone, but it is especially important for highly sensitive people or those with SPD.
3. Set your boundaries. Establish some boundaries when dealing with situations that can lead to sensory overload. Noise is a nuisance, so consider going to restaurants or shopping centers at quieter times of the day, and not during rush hour. You can set limits on how much time you spend in front of the television or at the computer, or socializing with friends and family. If a major event is coming up, prepare for it throughout the day to handle the situation to the best of your ability.
   • You may need to set limits on conversations. If you get tired of long conversations, politely excuse yourself.
   • If you are a caregiver or parent, pay attention to the child's activities and for patterns that indicate that TV or the computer is starting to become too much of a burden.
4. Give yourself time to recover. It can take minutes to hours to fully recover from sensory overload. If the "fight-flight-or-paralyze" mechanisms are activated, it is likely that you will be very tired afterwards. If you can, try to reduce stress as it can come on. Time for yourself is often the best way to recover.
5. Consider some coping techniques for dealing with stress. Working on reducing stress and developing healthy ways to deal with stress and overstimulation can help reduce the arousal of your nervous system. Yoga, meditation and deep breathing are all ways to reduce stress, find balance and even develop a sense of security over time.
   • Use coping mechanisms that best help you. You may instinctively know what you need, such as rocking or sitting still somewhere. Don't worry whether it's "weird" or not; focus on what can help you.
6. Try occupational therapy. For adults and children, occupational therapy can help reduce sensory sensitivities and thus reduce overload over time. The result of the treatment is stronger if it is started at a young age. If you are a caregiver, look for a therapist who is experienced in dealing with sensory processing problems.

Part 3 of 4: Help an autistic person deal with overload

1. Create a "sensory diet". A sensory diet is a way of making a person's nervous system organized and efficient, providing sensory input in a nourishing and familiar way. For example, a sensory diet may include sensory input through interaction with other people, the environment, activities scheduled at specific times of the day, and recreational activities.
   • Think about a sensory diet as you would a healthy, balanced diet. You want the person to get all the necessary nutrients from a variety of sources, but you don't want them to get too much or too little of anything, as this would be bad for the growth of a healthy, functioning body. The purpose of a sensory diet is for the person to have a balanced experience of different sensory impressions.
   • So, if someone is easily overloaded by auditory stimulation (or noise), you can minimize verbal cues and instead use more visuals and spend time in places with minimal background noise or allow those to use earplugs. However, the hearing needs nutrition, so you should also give the person time to listen to their favorite music.
   • Minimize unnecessary sensory impressions by limiting the footage in the room, allowing the use of headphones or earplugs, finding comfortable clothing, using fragrance-free cleaning products and soaps, and so on.
   • The hope is that the sensory diet can calm the person and eventually normalize sensory impressions, teach the person to deal with impulses and emotions, and increase productivity.
2. Try not to overreact to aggression. In some cases, overburdened people can become physically or verbally aggressive. As a caregiver, it is difficult not to take this personally. This reaction has more to do with panic than with yourself.
   • Physical aggression occurs because you tried to touch or restrain the person, or try to prevent an escape, causing them to panic. Never try to grab or control a person.
   • It is rare for someone who is overloaded to actually cause harm. The other person doesn't want to hurt you at all, but just wants to get out of the situation.
3. Watch for omens. A person with autism who suffers from sensory overload may be sensitive to perceptions of balance or movement. The person may be particularly prone to motion sickness, lose balance easily, or have difficulty with hand / eye coordination.
   • If the person seems overwhelmed with movement or is inactive, you can try to slow down your own movements or move slowly and carefully to other positions (from a lying to a standing position, etc.).

Part 4 of 4: Helping someone cope

1. Intervene as soon as possible. Sometimes individuals don't realize they are struggling with something, and stay longer than they can handle, or try to "be tough." This will only make things worse. Then intervene for them as soon as you notice they are getting stressed, and help them take a moment to calm down.
2. Be compassionate and understanding. Your loved one feels overwhelmed and upset, and your support can reassure and help calm the other person. Be loving, empathetic, and responsive to someone's needs.
   • Remember, people don't do all of this on purpose. Criticizing will only increase their stress level.
3. Offer a way out. The fastest way to stop the overload is often to get these people out of the situation. See if you can take them outside or to a quieter place. Ask them to follow you, or take them by the hand if they can handle being touched.
4. Make the environment more hospitable. Dim bright lights, turn off music, and encourage others to give your friend a little more space.
   • The person knows when people are looking at them and may become embarrassed or embarrassed if they feel like they are being stared at.
5. Warn briefly before touching the person. During the overload, the person may have trouble understanding what is happening, and if startled, it could be misinterpreted as an attack. Offer it first and talk about what you want to do before doing it so that the other person has time to decline. For example, "I'd like to shake your hand and lead you out of here" or "Would you like a hug?"
   • Sometimes overburdened people can be calmed with a firm hug or a little rub on the back. At other times, touch can only make matters worse. Offer it and don't worry if they say no; it is not personal.
   • Do not trap them or get in the way. They may then panic and react aggressively, such as pushing you away from the door so they can leave.
6. Ask simple yes or no questions. Open questions are more difficult to process, and if someone's brain is already struggling to hold its own, they may not be able to formulate a meaningful answer. If it's a yes or no question, they can nod their head or give a thumbs up / down to respond.
7. Respond to needs. The person may want to take another drink of water, take a break, or do something else. Think about what might be most helpful right now, and do it.
   • As a caregiver, it is all too easy to react frustrated, but remind yourself that they cannot help their behavior and needs your support.
   • If you notice someone using a harmful coping mechanism, warn someone who knows what to do (for example, a parent or a therapist). Trying to grab them can cause panic, putting both of you at risk for injury. A therapist can help develop a plan to replace the harmful coping mechanism.
8. Encourage them to calm themselves down, whatever that means. They may like to rock around and rock, curl up under a heavy blanket, hum, or get a massage from you. It's okay if it looks weird or doesn't "age appropriate". All that matters is that it helps to relax.
   • If you know of them usually calms down (e.g., a favorite stuffed animal), give this to them and put it within reach. If they want, they can grab it.

Tips

• In adults and children, occupational therapy can help reduce sensory sensitivity and therefore reduce strain over time. The result of the treatment is stronger if it is started young. As a caregiver, you should seek out a therapist who is experienced in dealing with sensory processing problems.