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Autism – 5 Tips to Calm Anxiety Due to Sensory Overload

5 tips to calm overloadUse Earplugs or Noise Cancelling Headphones

Whether at home, school, or in a noisy supermarket the sounds coming at your child all at the same time can be an overwhelming experience. It is often difficult for the autistic individual with auditory processing issues (sensitivities to sounds) to filter out background noises that “normal” people do not even consciously register. This overwhelming assault of sounds can cause overload or meltdowns. Wearing earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, especially while out in public where there are many loud noises can help calm and ease anxiety, and help your child cope better with their surroundings. Another way that they can be helped with calming down their anxiety, is by using a low dose of CBD oil from businesses like Gold Bee to bring down the effects of a heightened stress level. This must first be discussed with their doctor to make sure they are able to take this.

Be Prepared with an Extra Pair of Sunglasses

Another common problem that children and adults with autism experience extreme sensitivities to lighting. Lighting that can be particularly bothersome includes fluorescent lights both because of the flickering pulses of light and humming sounds they emit. These are troublesome in large stores, supermarkets, and many school settings. The outdoors can also be a cause for concern. Many times the sunlight is too bright making it difficult to see and the world to appear hazy. Having a pair (or a spare pair) of sunglasses on hand that can be worn both in or outdoors can be particular useful in these situations. Research has shown that sunglasses with a rose-colored tint are the most useful to those on the Autism Spectrum, and coming in second are brown-tinted glasses.

Dress Your Child in Soft Clothing with the Tags

Removed Tactile sensitivities (sensitivity to touch) are often seen in autistic children. Washing all new clothing before wearing them, soaking them in fabric softener, and removing all the tags can go a long way in easing your child’s sensitivity to fabrics.

Use a Firm Touch

Children with Autism often do not like to be touched, more specifically, they cannot tolerate the sensation of a light touch on their skins. Using a firm touch, a tight squeeze (or hug), or purchasing weighted blankets can ease their discomfort.

Stimming “Toys”

When children with sensory issues get overloaded or stressed, they often participate in “stimming” behaviors, or self-stimulation behaviors. Traveling or giving them access to stimming toys, such as squeezy balls (similar to a stress ball), or their favorite toy, or piece of fabric to rub can calm much of their anxiety and provide a healthy, relaxing outlet for their stress.

 

Jeannie Davide-Rivera

Jeannie is an award-winning author, the Answers.com Autism Category Expert, contributes to Autism Parenting Magazine, and the Thinking Person's Guide to Autism. She lives in New York with her husband and four sons, on the autism spectrum.

4 Comments:

  1. I get overstimulated by smells the most frequently ( Perfumes, air freshener, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, febreez garbage bags ). Since for me it’s impossible to escape the smells at work I read up on essential oils for autism, many of which have a calming effect. I carry around a tiny bottle of lavender oil and smell it whenever my nose starts reacting. It works wonderfully. I stop reacting immediately, my nervous system settles down and the lavender makes me happy. Having green, unscented household products helps a lot too.

    Thanks so much for your blog! I’m 42 and just discovering that I’m autistic. It’s quite a time. All of these odd things about myself that I thought were just personality quirks turn out to be traits of female autism. It sure messes with my reality and sense of self. Now I just need to learn to stop feeling guilty and ashamed for what I now know are my neurological differences.

  2. Something I thought to add: noise cancelling headphones work fine with continuous sounds like lawn mowers, dishwashers and airplane engines. They don’t do a good job with blocking crying babies and dog barking. The technology isn’t built for that. I use passive sound blocking earmuffs, which help some, but am looking into something stronger. I would give you the name of a reputable supplier, but don’t want to risk being flagged for spam. If you ask, I will provide the link.

  3. I’m an autistic adult, and this helped remind me. I never leave home without my safe bag- a tote that carries earplugs, earmuffs and my chew necklace.

  4. Pingback: Autism – 5 Tips to Calm Anxiety Due to Sensory Overload. | Appalachian aspie part two.

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