More stimuli are coming in than your brain can process, this probably means that you are suffering from overstimulation. This often occurs in people and children with autism or adhd. Overstimulation can have a major limiting effect on yourself or your child. It is therefore important to be able to recognize overstimulation and to know what you can do about it.

In this article we explain what overstimulation is and what you can do about it.

What is overstimulation?

A stimulus is a piece of information that comes in through your senses. Overstimulation means that your brain can no longer process these stimuli. More stimuli come in than your brain can process. The result of this is that you can become overstimulated. You are then oversensitive to stimuli, which can manifest itself in a burn-out or you are overstrained. From the outside, it is not visible whether someone is overstimulated or not. Someone who is overstimulated, for example, is tired immediately after light exertion, quickly becomes exhausted during social interactions or withdraws in the classroom.

How do you recognize overstimulation in children?

Overstimulation in children can be divided into two types: active and passive. An active, overstimulated child tries to avoid stimuli. A passive, overstimulated child is easily distracted and allows himself to be overwhelmed by stimuli, resulting in overstimulation. Whether a child is actively or passively overstimulated can be recognized by the following characteristics:

Symptoms of overstimulation in children

Overstimulation: active

• Attached to routine
• Picky eater
• Likes to play at home
• Prefers to meet with one person
• Has difficulty feeling certain textures
• Has difficulty falling asleep, is bothered by noise and light
• Wake up easily
• Likes to be in control in a situation

Overstimulation: passive

• Unable to save overview
• Is wide awake in the morning
• Eats all types of foods, but can be easily 'shocked' by certain unfamiliar tastes
• Makes arrangements with several children at the same time, while this quickly becomes too busy
• Suffering from strong odors and flavors
• Difficulty when game rules are not followed

What does overstimulation feel like with ADHD?

In ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), overstimulation can manifest itself in more intense symptoms than in people without ADHD. Symptoms can include:

1. Increased impulsivity: Overstimulation can lead to increased impulsivity and difficulty controlling impulses.

2. Difficulty concentrating: Concentration problems can worsen when someone with ADHD is overstimulated.

3. Increased hyperactivity: Overstimulation can lead to an increase in hyperactive behavior and restlessness.

4. Emotional outbursts: Stronger emotional reactions, such as outbursts of anger or frustration, may occur.

It is important to understand that ADHD overstimulation can vary from person to person, and what works for one person may not work for someone else. Finding personal strategies and coping mechanisms is therefore essential. A professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can also provide valuable support in dealing with ADHD overstimulation.

What to do in case of overstimulation?

In both cases, active or passive, there are useful tips that you can apply when your child is overstimulated.

• Fussy eater? Prepare the meal in a different way. For example, puree the vegetables.
• Scratch your child's back or give him or her a massage, this helps them understand and process sensory stimuli.
• Let your child do physically demanding activities. Think of helping with carrying groceries or helping in the garden.
• Is your child sensitive to certain textures? Let your child get to know special materials or textures by feeling them.

In short

If your child suffers from overstimulation, it is important that you introduce your child to all kinds of different stimuli in a controlled manner. This will help your child understand these stimuli better and therefore process them faster.