{"id":59126,"date":"2017-09-07T11:19:12","date_gmt":"2017-09-07T18:19:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?page_id=59126"},"modified":"2025-03-14T08:32:09","modified_gmt":"2025-03-14T15:32:09","slug":"create-safe-space-in-home-kids-sensory-overload","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/create-safe-space-in-home-kids-sensory-overload\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Create a Safe Space in Your Home When Your Kids Reach Sensory Overload"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"safespace1\"<\/figure>\n

Photo by Pixabay<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

All children need a stimulating environment to learn, grow and achieve their healthy developmental milestones. But sometimes, too much stimuli during an activity can lead to <\/span>overstimulation, or sensory overload,<\/span><\/a> which might cause outbursts, tantrums, anxiety and even panic in your child. When a child is overwhelmed by more experiences, sensations, noise and activity than they can handle, overstimulation occurs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sensory overload can be a big challenge for <\/span>special needs children<\/span><\/a>, but in reality, all children deal with this, especially in our culture that is constantly pulsing with lights, sounds and smells that can overwhelm the senses. For example, an infant might seem uncomfortable or unable to settle down after a party where they have been held and cooed at by lots of adults. A toddler might have a tantrum after a big event like a trip to the zoo. An older child might be cranky if too much is packed into their day, like school, after-school care and then a music lesson. The first sign of an overstimulated child is tiredness, but with the inability to settle down and rest. When this happens, they need <\/span>dedicated quiet time<\/span><\/a> associated with a familiar, calm environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What does an overstimulated child look like? <\/b><\/p>\n

\"safespace2\"<\/figure>\n

Photo by Pixabay<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Sensory overload can present itself in different ways for different children. While one child might completely shut down, another child may grow restless, angry or even aggressive. Yet another child may catapult himself or herself all over the place, trying to get rid of <\/span>some of that excess stimulation<\/span><\/a>. Other children are so distraught and uncomfortable that they just start crying uncontrollably. Regardless of how sensory overload manifests itself, it can cause an overwhelming amount of chaos for everyone involved.<\/span><\/p>\n

If an infant or child is <\/span>experiencing sensory overload<\/span><\/a>, he or she might:<\/span><\/p>\n