### Helping Your Child Through Sensory Overloads
#### Introduction
As a parent of a child with Sensory Processing Disorder, you’ve likely experienced the emotional and physical toll of witnessing a sensory meltdown. These moments can be incredibly challenging, as your child might show behaviors like flailing, kicking, screaming, and thrashing. It’s tough to watch and support your child through these intense periods.
#### Understanding Sensory Meltdowns
If you’ve done some reading on Sensory Processing Disorder, you know that meltdowns aren’t behavioral. They’re not under the child’s control, even though they might sometimes be misunderstood as intentional actions. When kids struggle with sensory input, their body’s “fight or flight” response is triggered. During these times, the best thing you can do is to remain calm.
It’s crucial to be the steady, calm presence your child needs. While this might sound simple, it’s genuinely difficult. Even with the knowledge that these behaviors are involuntary, they can still be incredibly frustrating. Your child may act out in ways that are challenging to handle, and it takes preparation and strategy to remain neutral and composed.
#### Staying Calm and Collected
Remember, during a sensory meltdown, your child is reacting from the emotional center of their brain and can’t process logic or reason. Keeping them safe and staying calm is key. You can’t change what your child is experiencing, but you can manage your response. Save discussions about expressing emotions for a later time when things are calm.
Focus on your breathing to help calm your body and mind. A few slow, deep breaths can help you stay in the logical part of your brain, rather than getting swept up in emotions. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth, counting at least three seconds for each inhale and exhale.
#### Emotional Resilience as a Parent
Seeing your child in distress can be heartbreaking, and it’s natural to feel emotional. However, staying present and composed is important for maintaining a calming influence. If you find your emotions taking over, try to mentally step back or “zone out,” as long as your child is safe.
When tension rises, don’t hesitate to take a break if needed. While your child may prefer having you nearby, taking a moment for yourself is better than risking losing your temper. Responding effectively to sensory meltdowns takes practice, so be patient with yourself.
#### Acknowledging Your Efforts
It’s not easy raising a child with sensory challenges, and your efforts to support them make you a great parent. After a particularly intense meltdown, allow yourself some time to unwind. Recognize the hard work you’re doing to help your child and give yourself credit for it.
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