Stimuli, stimuli and more stimuli: they come in all day long through our senses

Unfortunately, not every child can process these stimuli equally well.

As a result, you are extra sensitive to stimuli and do not know how to respond to them.

In this article, we at HappyKido explain how a child can deal with stimuli to reduce sensory sensitivity.

What is sensory sensitivity?

Sensory sensitivity is the result of poor stimulus processing. Stimuli enter via our sensory system, also called the sensory system. Via the senses, these stimuli are sent to the brain where the stimuli are then processed. The extent to which you respond to these stimuli determines whether you have good or poor stimulus processing.

Good stimulus processing

Good stimulus processing is very important for a child to be able to learn, play and for the general daily functioning. With good stimulus processing:

• For example, do you go to the toilet when you feel a full bladder;
• Ignore the radio in the background when you're reading something.

What are the consequences of sensory sensitivity?

When you suffer from sensory sensitivity, you have poor stimulus processing. The result of poor stimulus processing can cause a child to be oversensitive to stimuli (overstimulation) or undersensitive to stimuli (understimulation). Below you can read the consequences of overstimulation and understimulation.

The result of overstimulation

Overstimulation means that your brain can no longer process stimuli. You are then oversensitive to stimuli, which can manifest itself in a lot of stress, difficulty concentrating and eventually a burn-out. From the outside it is not visible whether a child is overstimulated or not. A child who is overstimulated often shows the following characteristics:

• Get tired quickly after light exertion
• Exhausted after social interaction
• Retreats to the classroom
• Quick to get going
• Easily distracted
• Feels threatened quickly
• Often arguing and fighting

The result of under-stimulation

In case of understimulation, a child is undersensitive to stimuli, which means they cannot process certain information that comes in through the senses properly. Children who are understimulated often show the following characteristics:

Difficulty perceiving changes in gravity (are you hanging upside down, standing still, or in a car?)

• Not interested
• Takes little initiative
• No friends
• Awkward
• Often tired

How can you reduce sensory sensitivity?

The consequences of sensory sensitivity are not pleasant. Fortunately, you can apply simple tips to counteract this. Below you can read our 5 tips to reduce sensory sensitivity:

Tip 1: Eating textures

Is your child a picky eater? Prepare the meal in a different way. For example, puree the vegetables. It is important that your child gets to know as many different textures as possible while eating.

Tip 2: Tickling and massaging

Scratch your child's back or give him or her a massage, this helps them understand and process sensory stimuli.

Tip 3: Physically strenuous activities

Let your child do physically demanding activities. Think of helping with carrying groceries or helping in the garden.

Tip 4: Crafting

Crafting is a great way to let your child feel different types of textures. Think of crafting with clay, pieces of fabric, different types of paper, foam or foam, beads, glue, etc.

Let us know what you think of our tips and if they helped!