The struggle to maintain balance while coordinating steps and reaches can be wholly overwhelming and could initially culminate in refusal or a meltdown. For some children, this task alone can take weeks to master or even longer. At first, an occupational therapist might hold the child's hands during the trek, before moving to a one-handed assist, and closing with no assistance at all. The presence of both auditory and visual stimuli can be overwhelming but going at a gentle pace and with a guiding hand can eliminate some of the difficulties.Ĭhildren might also be encouraged to walk across difficult terrain to help create more balance and safety within the . Children might be encouraged to listen to music, for instance, while working to solve a puzzle. Senses can be divided during treatment but will more likely be treated as a unit, at least in part. can work on any of the eight sensory systems to eliminate some of the systems of sensory overload. Practicing these challenging activities in a safe setting allows clients to develop tools and strategies to manage the symptoms of discomfort in a practical, hands-on way with someone there with you to guide you and offer some assistance. Occupational therapy works to engage children and adults in some of the activities that cause the greatest amount of fear or discomfort in a controlled, safe setting. Just as individuals with ADHD may benefit from enlisting the help of an occupational therapist, many with SPD or general sensory overload concerns find immense relief when working with an occupational therapist. Treating ADHD and SPD or non-diagnosed sensory overload may often overlap. Adding the struggles of ADHD to the struggles of sensory issues can mean the difference between successfully navigating overwhelming situations and requiring substantial help in getting through a single school or workday. Children with SPD or other sensory issues can find it tough to concentrate and control impulses without the addition of a co-diagnosis with ADHD. This is especially true for individuals who have ADHD and sensory overload.ĪDHD is characterized by difficulty to concentrate and a lack of impulse control – both of which can be negatively impacted by sensory overwhelm. There are so many uncontrollable, unknowable factors, and the slightest hint of overload can make concentration impossible. Understandably, many children with sensory disorders might have difficulty with communication, , and academic work. Very little control is to be had over outside stimuli, particularly in settings outside of one's home, in school, or in a busy grocery store or parking lot. Overwhelming sensitivity in any one of the eight senses can make it very difficult for those managing ADHD to function with ease. It might seem like further overwhelming a bodily system, but it is taking back control of that sensation. However, some people might find comfort and peace in being able to control the loud pitch of their voice or the tactile sensation of banging their fists on the ground. Meltdowns might look like they are creating more problems. This can look like rocking, humming, smashing hands against ears, or even a meltdown. All your energy and attention are focused on keeping calm and shutting out the overwhelming stimulus. When even one of these systems is (by the noise of a large crowd, for instance), your body and brain can both begin what is essentially a "shutdown" sequence. Sensory overload can influence one of these senses, a handful of these senses, or all eight at once. Your proprioception system identifies where your limbs are in relation to the rest of your body, and your interoception system identifies internal cues, such as hunger and toileting needs. The vestibular system determines where your body is in space. There are actually identified within the human nervous system, including the five typical senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell) as well as the vestibular system, interoception system, and proprioception system. Sensory overload is typically used to describe the sensation of becoming overwhelmed or underwhelmed by one's sensory system. Sensory overload can refer to a condition called (SPD) or may describe a person who is particularly sensitive to external stimuli, such as sounds, sights, and smells. Sensory processing disorder and similar processing problems are also thrown into the mix, making things that may seem simple or mundane overwhelming. For some, though, ADHD is not the only condition at play. It impacts the way you work through everyday situations, including school, work, and relationships. The are difficult for both children and adults.
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