When Clothes Overwhelm: Understanding Sensory Overload in Children and How to Help

Clothes can be overwhelming to children (and adults!) with sensory processing issues. As a father of neuro-diverse children (and someone who struggles with sensory processing myself), I know this all too well. When a child becomes overwhelmed by their clothes, it can trigger a sensory overload response in their brain. Seemingly out of nowhere, your child may start to scream, cry or get angry.

For some children, certain fabrics or textures can be especially triggering. The sensation of scratchy clothing, for example, may cause them to feel uncomfortable or even in pain. Similarly, tags, seams, or other features of clothing can create pressure or friction against their skin. Sensitivity can be worse in hot weather, or when it’s unusually dry or humid. And children can be more sensitive to their clothing when they’re overwhelmed by seemingly unrelated stimuli, such as background noise, allergies, indigestion, or even flickering lights.

When a child experiences sensory overload, their brain may respond with a fight-or-flight response. This can cause them to feel anxious, irritable, and physically uncomfortable. You may notice your child becoming agitated, fidgety, or experiencing a meltdown.

It’s important for parents to understand that this response is not the child’s fault, and it’s not a behavior that they can simply “snap out of”. Rather, it’s a real physiological response that is beyond their control.

Fortunately, there are steps that parents can take to help their children manage sensory overload. This includes finding clothing that is made from soft, comfortable materials, or choosing clothes that don’t have tags, exposed zippers, or other features that could cause discomfort. It may also involve working with a therapist or occupational therapist who can help the child develop strategies for managing sensory overload in a variety of settings.

Ultimately, the key to helping a child manage sensory overload is to be patient, supportive, and understanding. By working together to find solutions and provide a safe, supportive environment, parents can help their children thrive and reach their full potential.