Content

• Steps
• Advice

People who have difficulty processing sensory information such as autistic people, people with a sensory disorder (SPD) or sensitive people sometimes experience sensory overload. This occurs when the person is confronted with too many sensory stimuli that cannot be controlled, as well as when the computer is receiving too much information and overloaded. Sensory overload occurs when many things are happening at the same time, such as listening to people talking while the TV is still booming, or seeing multiple bright screens or flashing lights. If you know someone who is experiencing this, there are a few steps you can take to help ease the impact.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Prevent Overloading

1. 

   
   
   Know the onset of overload. Overload occurs in each person in many different ways. It can be panicking, becoming "excited", exhausted or irritable.
   • During relaxation times, ask yourself for the signs of sensory overload. What triggered it? How do you (or a loved one) behave when you begin to feel overwhelmed? If you are a parent or caregiver, you can ask your child about the button that activates this state when they are comfortable.
   • Autistic people often have "self-stimulating behavior" of varying degrees or strange repetitive hand actions when their senses are overwhelmed (such as people trembling with joy and waving their hands when Overload). Think about what self-stimulation you use when you need to calm yourself or to deal with overload.
   • If you lose the ability to function normally like talking, this is a sign of serious overload. Caregivers and parents will easily find this in an overwhelmed child.

2. 

   
   
   Limit visual stimulation. A person with visual overload may need to wear sunglasses while indoors, not make eye contact, not look directly at the speaker, cover one eye, or touch people or objects. To do this, remove items that are hung from the ceiling or walls. Store small items in boxes, boxes, and carefully arrange and label them.
   • If the light is too strong, replace the fluorescent lamp with a desk lamp. You can use a lower light bulb. Use curtains to keep out light in the room.
   • If the indoor light is too strong you can use a sun visor.

3. 

   
   
   Noise reduction. The sound is so stimulating that you cannot get rid of the sound (for example, someone talking from a distance), affecting concentration. To minimize hearing irritation due to distracting noises, you should close all windows and open doors to keep sound from outside. Turn down or turn off music that distracts you, or go somewhere quiet. Restrict verbal and / or conversation navigation.
   • You can use earplugs or headphones, "white noise" can help us relax in case of noise overload.
   • If you are trying to communicate with someone with hearing impairment, it's best to ask questionable questions or not ask questions instead of open questions. Questioning questions make it easier for them to answer, sometimes just with finger movements.

4. 

   Reduce your exposure. Tactile overload, or is the feeling it is to touch, that is, it is unbearable to be touched or hugged. Many people have problems with their senses becoming too sensitive to touch or being touched, possibly thinking that being touched will make the feeling of overload worse. Tactile sensitivity is sensitivity to clothing (prefer soft fabrics) or to specific materials or temperatures. You need to determine which material makes you comfortable and vice versa. Make sure the new clothes match your touch.
   • If you are a caregiver or friend, listen to them when they say their touch hurts and pushes them away. Be aware of their pain and stop touching them.
   • When interacting with someone who is sensitive, don't forget to tell them in advance when you are about to touch them, approach from the front instead of the back.
   • Consult a therapist for a few additional approaches.

5. 

   Odor adjustment. Some odors or odors are too strong, unlike vision, you can't stop breathing so you don't have to smell it anymore. If the smell is too strong, you can use unscented shampoos, cleaning agents and cleaning products.
   • Remove as many unpleasant odors from the environment as possible. You can buy fragrance-free products or make your own toothpaste, soap and detergent.
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Part 2 of 4: Coping with Excessive Stimulation

1. 

   Let your senses rest. You feel overwhelmed when there are many people or children around. These situations are sometimes unavoidable, like family responsibilities or business meetings. Although you can't escape from this situation, you can take a break to gradually recover from your overload. Trying to "be strong" will only make things worse and take longer to recover. Taking a break for a while can help you regain energy and get rid of your previous overload.
   • The earlier you handle the situation, the easier it will be.
   • If you're in a public place, you can use the excuse of going to the restroom or "I want to take a breath" and go out for a few minutes.
   • If you are at home, find a position to recline and take a break.
   • Say "I need to be alone" if people try to follow you when you have no control.

2. 

   Find balance. It's important to know limits and set boundaries, but not limit yourself exceed make you bored. Be sure to meet your basic needs as the threshold of stimulation can affect hunger, fatigue, loneliness, and physical pain. At the same time, don't force yourself to try too hard.
   • Meeting essential needs is essential for everyone, and especially important for people who are sensitive or have SPD.

3. 

   Set limits. When dealing with situations that may overwhelm your senses, set some limits. If the noise is annoying, you can go to restaurants or shopping centers during less-than-crowded hours, avoid peak hours. You can set limits on the time you spend watching TV or using your computer, or communicating with friends and family. If there's a big event going to happen, be prepared to be in control of the situation as best you can.
   • You can set limits when chatting. If the conversation tire you down, give your reason politely.
   • If you are a caregiver or parent, you should monitor your child's activities and determine how much time is spent on TV or computer using your child.

4. 

   Give yourself time to recover. Recovery from sensory overload can take a few minutes to hours. If the "fight-run-or-freeze" mechanism is activated then you will be very tired. If possible, try to reduce your stress levels. Being alone is often the best way to recover.

5. 

   Consider coping with stress. Find ways to reduce stress and grow healthy to cope with stress and overstimulation helps limit awakening of the nervous system. Practicing yoga, mindfulness meditation and deep breathing are all the ways you can relieve stress, regain balance, even find a sense of security.
   • Use the coping mechanism you find most effective. Your instincts will let you know what you need, like messing around or finding a quiet place. Don't worry if it's a bit "weird", just focus on what works for you.

6. 

   Try mechanical therapy. For adults and children, occupational therapy can reduce sensory sensitivity, thereby reducing overload.The earlier you start treatment, the better the results. As a caregiver, you can find a therapist with experience solving sensory information problems. advertisement

Part 3 of 4: Helping Autistic People Coping with Overload

1. 

   Try creating "sensory add-on modes."’ The sensory supplementation mode is a way to help the nervous system operate in an orderly and effectively, the senses receive information in a regular and beneficial way. The sensory add-on mode is the input generated when interacting with people, the environment, a scheduled activity at a specific time of day or leisure activity.
   • Think of the sensory supplement as a healthy, balanced diet. With diet, you want the person to get the nutrients they need from multiple sources, but don't want too much or too little of a substance as it can impair development, health or function. of body. For sensory supplementation, you want the person to have a balance as their senses absorb different sources of information.
   • So if the person is overly stimulated by the sound, you can limit verbal communication and use gestures instead, choose a location with less noise and allow them to use headphones. However, hearing needs to be nourished, so give the person time to listen to their favorite songs.
   • Limit the intake of unnecessary sensory information by restricting audio and visual devices in the room, using headphones or earplugs, choosing comfortable clothes, using unscented detergents and soaps, etc.
   • The purpose of the sensory supplementation regime is to reassure the patient to normalize sensory reception, teach the patient how to manage impulses and emotions, and increase productivity.

2. 

   Limit overreaction that leads to aggression. In a few cases, people with overload often become aggressive in actions or words. You shouldn't blame yourself. This reaction is due to panic and they are not trying to target you.
   • Aggressive action happens when you try to touch them or stop them from running away, so they panic. Never try to capture or control someone's actions.
   • People experiencing overload rarely cause serious harm. They don't intentionally hurt you, they just want to get out of the situation. Pay attention to the reception. Autistic people who experience sensory overload may be more sensitive to balance or movement. They are prone to motion sickness, easily lose their balance, and have problems with hand / eye control.
   • If the person feels motion overload or is inactive, you can slow down the movement or practice the movement slowly and be careful when changing positions (switching from lying to standing, etc.).
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Part 4 of 4: Helping the sick person cope

1. 

   Early intervention. Sometimes, the sick person may not realize they are struggling or try to "be strong". This just made things worse. Intervene as soon as you realize they are stressed and reassure them in a quiet space

2. 

   Show compassion and understanding. Your loved one feels overwhelmed and frustrated, and it is your support that will help them relax and calm down. Love, sympathize and respond to their needs.
   • Remember they didn't do this on purpose. Criticism will only add stress to them.

3. 

   Get out of the way. The fastest way to end the overload is to free them from their current situation. You can take them outside or to a quiet location. Ask them to follow you or hold hands if they allow you to touch.

4. 

   Create a hospitable space. Lower the lights, turn off the music and give your loved one some space.
   • The person knows that others are watching and may feel embarrassed if he senses he is being stared at.

5. 

   Consult before touching them. In this state of overload, it is difficult for the patient to understand what is happening. If startled, they may mistake it for attack. Ask them first, and state your actions, before you do them so they have time to think. For example, "I want to hold your hand and get you out of here" or "Can I hug you?"
   • Sometimes people in overload get tired of a tight hug or a back rub. Sometimes being touched also makes things worse. Ask them, don't worry if they refuse; that is not your way.
   • Don't trap or block their way. They will panic and lash out at them, like pushing you out the door for a way out.

6. 

   Simple question, questionable question. Open-ended questions have a more complex processing process, when the patient's brain has difficulty processing information, they can hardly think of a meaningful answer. For questioning questions, they simply need to nod or raise their hands in response.

7. 

   Meet the needs. Patients need a glass of water, rest time, or switch to other activities. Think about the most useful thing at the time and do it.
   • As a caregiver, it's easy to respond but remember that they can't correct their behavior without your help.
   • If you see someone using a coping mechanism that hurts, tell someone who knows how to act (like a parent or therapist). Trying to capture them only freaks them out and lashes them and puts both of them at risk of harm. A therapist can help develop an alternative to harmful methods.

8. 

   Encourage self-reassurance, no matter what it means to them. Maybe they find it effective when swaying back and forth, hugging under a heavy blanket, singing lullabies or massaging. It sounds weird or "unsuitable for the age" but it's okay, just help them relax.
   • If you know something reassuring them (like your favorite stuffed animal, for example) bring it to them and place it in an easy-to-reach place. If they want, they can take it.
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Advice

• For adults and children, occupational therapy can help reduce sensory sensitivity, thus alleviating overload. Treatment at a young age will bring better results. As a caregiver, you can find a therapist with experience treating the problem of sensory information processing.