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You know that overloaded feeling you get when you're in a really busy shop, or when everyone's talking far too loudly?

Well imagine that feeling multiplied thousands of times. That's what having a sensory meltdown can feel like for a child.

But what is a sensory meltdown and what can parents do when they happen?

The video on this page has some great tips for parents to help them help their children if a sensory meltdown happens.

What is a sensory meltdown?

Although it can look like a temper tantrum, a sensory meltdown is when a child reacts to overstimulation through sights, sounds, tastes, textures and sounds.

It鈥檚 not behaviour that can be controlled or stopped through better understanding of their feelings and emotions, instead it鈥檚 a reaction to the environment around them.

A good way to understand it is to think of times when you鈥檝e felt overwhelmed by a busy, loud, bright, smelly environment. Imagine what that is like but far, far more intense, as you experience these things for the very first time and are still trying to make sense of the world around you. This is how it feels for a child having a sensory meltdown.

Where do sensory meltdowns happen?

All sorts of situations can lead to sensory meltdowns: parties, fireworks displays, changes of routine or even just too many changes of activity in a short space of time.

What do sensory meltdowns look like?

All children react differently, but behaviour you might see during a sensory meltdown includes children covering their eyes or ears or shutting down and refusing to move.

A little boy lies face down on the floor under a table, while a woman comforts him - stock photo
Image caption,
All children react differently, but behaviour you might see during a sensory meltdown includes children covering their eyes or ears or shutting down and refusing to move.

3 top tips for helping children cope with sensory meltdowns

1. Stay calm

  • You being calm can help your child calm down.

  • Encourage them and show them how to breathe in and out slowly.

2. Move your child to somewhere comfortable

  • Can you find somewhere gentler on their ears, eyes and other senses?

3. Prepare for difficult situations

  • Plan for environments that might be overstimulating, like trips to the shopping centre.

  • Tell your child in advance that it might be noisy, ask them to say if it鈥檚 getting too much and bring along their favourite cuddle toy.

A little boy lies face down on the floor under a table, while a woman comforts him - stock photo
Image caption,
All children react differently, but behaviour you might see during a sensory meltdown includes children covering their eyes or ears or shutting down and refusing to move.

Check out our article on looking out for your child's mental health for more information on this subject.

If you are concerned about your child's mental health, you could try speaking to your GP or health visitor. You could also visit the 91热爆 Action Line page to find organisations that can offer more information and advice.

Created with help from child psychologist Dr Claire Halsey and child development researcher Dr Michelle Lowe.

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