People suffering from Sensory Integration Disorder, or similar disorders, such as autism, are sometimes victims of an acute state of sensory overload. This happens when they get too much stimulation, similar to a PC trying to process a large amount of data and overheating. Here's how to intervene.
Steps
Step 1. Learn to recognize the onset of overload
Overloading manifests itself differently from person to person. It may appear that the person is having a panic attack, is hyperactive, is not listening, or is having a tantrum. If you know that the person is disabled, it might be better to assume that overload is the opposite of intentional misconduct.
- In a calm moment, ask the person what the symptoms of sensory overload are for him.
- Many autistic people use different repetitive motor mannerisms when they are overloaded (such as swinging when they are happy, and clapping when they are in an overloaded state). They may use repetitive mannerisms to calm down or to deal with overload.
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If they seem to have lost control of the abilities they usually possess, for example if they are unable to communicate, this is often a sign of overload.
Reduce Sensory Overload Step 1
Step 2. Reduce Noise
Turn off the radio and ask those present to offer some space to the person. Offer to take her to a quieter place. Give her the time necessary to process your question and answer, because the overload tends to slow down processing.
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If she can't communicate, ask her closed questions that she can answer with thumbs up / down.
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Step 3. Don't touch her and don't hang on her
Many people with sensory disorders are hypersensitive to touch, and being touched or the simple thought of being touched could worsen the overload. Also don't overpower them. If they are seated, or they are small children, lower yourself to their level, instead of towering over them.
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Sometimes a hug can help you feel better because it is reassuring. Offer to hug them, but don't be angry if they refuse you.
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Step 4. Don't talk more than necessary
Ask questions, if they are necessary to help them, but don't try to say something reassuring or get them to talk about something else. Dialogue is sensory input, and could make the overload worse. The latter could also impoverish their communication skills, making speaking a huge effort for them.
Step 5. If they have a jacket, they probably want to put it on and put the hood on
This helps reduce stimulation, and many find relief in a heavy jacket. If the jacket is not close at hand, ask if they want you to take it for them. Even a blanket could have the same effect.
Step 6. Don't react to aggressive gestures
In rare cases, people with sensory overload become physically or verbally aggressive. Do not take this as personal, because their fight or flight response has been activated and therefore they cannot think clearly.
- More frequently, their physical aggression manifests itself when you try to touch them, hold them back, or block their escape. Never try to stop them or control their behavior.
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It is rare for someone who is overloaded to do serious harm, because they don't want to hurt you, they just want to drive you away.
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Step 7. Later they will feel tired and more vulnerable to overload
for some time. It may take hours or days to recover from an episode of sensory overload. If you can, try to reduce the sources of stress. A little time spent alone is the best way to recover.
Step 8. Listen
They know themselves and their overload. If they can communicate what they need to calm down, pay attention. Everyone has their own strategies. If their attempt to calm down requires behavior that seems odd to you, such as swinging or clapping, don't interfere. Sometimes the well-intentioned, who try to help a person with autism or a sensory integration disorder, involuntarily hinder a useful coping mechanism.
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If you are there when they implement a dangerous coping strategy, such as banging your head against the wall or biting your arms, ask a psychiatrist or an adult for help. They could attack you if you try to grab them and one of you could get hurt. Following the overload, a specialist may help them find a better coping mechanism.
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Advice
- Sensory overload does not necessarily involve the involvement of emotions. While they may appear terrified or upset, they may find themselves in extreme sensory overload without feeling any negative emotions. It is a cognitive rather than an emotional state.
- Occupational therapy can help reduce sensory sensitivity and decrease overload over time. It is preferable to intervene as soon as possible and seek help from a psychotherapist experienced in treating these disorders.
- Prevention is the best solution. If you are in direct contact with the subject, learn to identify what tends to overload him and avoid the triggering cause. If it is unavoidable, warn him in advance, and discuss strategies for coping with the overload, should it occur.
Warnings
- If they start hurting themselves, you usually shouldn't try to stop them. While it can be upsetting to see someone hitting themselves, trying to grab their hands makes the overload worse. Only intervene if they are doing something that could cause serious injury, such as biting or banging their head (risk of concussion or detachment of the retina). It is preferable to deal with self-harm indirectly, reducing the overload.
- If the person has never suffered from sensory overload before and is not in a situation where a normal person would feel overloaded, it could be a heart attack or a seizure. Learn to recognize the symptoms of heart attack.
