Stressful situations often causes your child to act out. And when he does act out, it is important that you figure out what is setting him off. Some children who have been diagnosed with autism crave for sensory input while others may tend to be overwhelmed with sensory input. There are also others who alternate between the two extremes. Observe him well and consider all the possible reasons why he could be acting out. Is he craving sensory input or is he experiencing a sensory overload?
What To Do When Your Child Craves for Sensory Input
When your child craves for some sensory input, you will notice that he tends to be more active. He won’t sit down with you for circle time and he would rather run around, climb walls or spin in circles.
If he is craving for sensory input, you can provide this by giving him bear hugs. You can play with him and roll him up in a blanket or you can even squeeze him in between cushions or pillows. A weighted vest or quilt also works well.
What To Do When Your Child Experiences Sensory Overload
Some autistic children feel uncomfortable when there are too much activities going on. They do not like noise and are uncomfortable when they are surrounded by many people.
The best thing to do is to avoid situations and places where your child is most likely to experience a sensory overload. Parades, theme parks and concerts are just some examples of the places that you need to avoid. It would be to your child’s advantage to avoid crowded places as well as long lines.
If these places cannot be avoided and you really must go, you can make it easier for your child by letting him know ahead of time what he should expect. Let him know where you are going, what you will do there and for how long you will stay there. Describe the place the best way you can and try to avoid any surprises.
On the day of your trip, do not forget to bring ear plugs as well as other distracting sensory toys. If he has an mp3 and likes to listen to it, you can bring that with you too.
