Why do I get overstimulated in busy places?
Sensory overload occurs when one or more of the body’s senses of touch, sight, hearing, smell, or ta Read More
How do you deal with sensory overload in crowds?
Meredith Homenick
2025-06-23 15:19:12
Count answers
: 16
To deal with sensory overload in crowds, notice spaces that your child is drawn to or avoids to see where they feel most comfortable and create calm spaces for them to retreat to. Consider sounds, colours, surfaces and textures that fill these spaces. Plan regular sensory breaks to help your child escape any sensory overload and stay regulated. Provide your child with ear defenders or noise-cancelling headphones so that your child can control what sounds they listen to and the amount of sound they take in. When going to events, make sure to pack any sensory tools your child may need, ear defenders, fidget and comfort toys. Visit the location before the event, taking note of the busiest times and quieter spaces available. Think about potential triggers, safe spaces you could go to if your child becomes overwhelmed, the likely number of people and potential noises they may encounter. Talk to your child about the event, how busy it is likely to be, and the sounds they may experience, taking time to answer any questions or concerns giving them time to process this information.
Amira Willms
2025-06-23 15:18:33
Count answers
: 16
So what can help. If possible, you can leave the environment. You can also try to change the environment itself. For example, you might ask to change tables at a restaurant to move away from speakers playing loud music. But you can prepare for what’s coming and brainstorm ways to manage. You can also try out strategies at home with your child. These include a sensory diet or a sensory-friendly chair. They may help improve your child’s self-regulation and make the overload feel less intense.
Read also
How to deal with being overstimulated in public?
Learn to recognize when sensory overload is occurring and either take a break by finding a quiet spa Read More
Presley Larson
2025-06-23 12:47:59
Count answers
: 30
Keep a journal of situations where you experience sensory overload. Learn to recognize when sensory overload is occurring and either take a break by finding a quiet space or remove yourself from the environment. Whenever possible, ask others for assistance such as turning down the TV or music, dimming bright lights, or opening a window when strong odors are present. Wear a ball cap or sunglasses to decrease the harshness of lighting. Wear earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to block out sounds. Avoid chaotic places where there are crowds and lots of stimuli. Shop during off-hours when the stores aren’t as busy. Shop in smaller, less busy stores when possible. Do your regular shopping in the same store, so you know where everything is. Plan with a list so your shopping trip can be as short as possible. Be well rested prior to an outing or event. Resting prior to a potentially overwhelming situation helps to give you the stamina you need to cope. Experiment with, and practice breathing and calming techniques that can be utilized when anxiety starts to build.