When the World Feels Too Loud: Helping Your Child With Sensory Overload

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Most parents have experienced scenarios in public with their children that they’d rather not happen in front of others. Whether your child is screaming and throwing a tantrum (which happens!) or a small minor annoyance, such as the tag in your child’s shirt or an unfamiliar and loud noise, sets them off, it can be both frustrating and confusing. While most brush these off with a simple “they’ll grow out of it,” there could be more going on—especially if this becomes a common occurrence.

So, what if there’s more to it? What if their nervous system is actually working overtime, struggling to process the world around them? In this article, we explore what this means and how chiropractic care can help.

What is Overstimulation? Why Does It Happen?

If you’ve ever watched your child struggle with sensory overload, you know how heartbreaking it can be. You’re not alone. In fact, research from the CDC suggests that up to 40% of school-aged children experience at least one chronic health condition, with sensory processing challenges becoming more common.

So, what’s actually happening when your child feels overwhelmed? Their nervous system is working overtime, taking in more sensory input than it can handle at once. Instead of smoothly processing sounds, lights, textures, and movement, everything piles up too quickly, making it hard for them to stay regulated. This isn’t just a behavior issue—it’s a sign that their nervous system is struggling to keep up.

The autonomic nervous system plays a key role in how your child responds to sensory input. It has two main branches:

  1. The Sympathetic System—also known as “fight or flight,” which kicks in during stress or danger.
  2. The Parasympathetic System—often called “rest and digest,” which helps the body relax and recover.

When a child experiences frequent overstimulation, their system can get stuck in sympathetic dominance, meaning their stress response stays switched on. This can lead to:

  • Trouble sleeping
  • Digestive discomfort
  • Emotional ups and downs
  • Heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, textures, and other sensory input

The good news? There are ways to support their nervous system and create a calmer, more regulated experience for them.

Can a Chiropractor Help With Sensory Issues?

Sensory processing challenges don’t just appear out of nowhere—they often develop due to a combination of factors, including:

  • Prenatal Influences: Stress during pregnancy can shape how a baby’s nervous system develops, making them more sensitive to sensory input.
  • Birth Experiences: Interventions like C-sections, forceps, or vacuum extractions can put a strain on the developing nervous system, potentially affecting sensory processing.
  • Early Childhood Factors: Environmental stressors and developmental challenges can further impact how the nervous system regulates sensory input.

When a child’s nervous system is overwhelmed, it can also impact their overall well-being. Many parents notice the following signs of sensory overload in their child:

  • Frequent headaches
  • Nausea or digestive discomfort
  • Unusual fatigue
  • Increased irritability
  • Heightened anxiety
  • Sudden mood swings or emotional outbursts
  • Trouble focusing
  • Seeking quiet, dark spaces to escape sensory input
  • Meltdowns triggered by loud noises, bright lights, or unexpected touch

While traditional approaches focus on avoiding triggers or managing symptoms, neurologically-focused chiropractic care takes a different approach—addressing the nervous system itself.

At Highest Health Chiropractic, we use advanced technology to assess how well your child’s nervous system is functioning. Gentle, non-invasive scans can reveal areas where the nervous system is under stress, helping us determine the best way to support your child.

Through precise, gentle chiropractic adjustments, we can help release stuck sympathetic stress—the state where the body stays in high alert mode, making it harder for your child to regulate sensory input. By activating the parasympathetic system (the “rest and digest” response), chiropractic care can encourage better nervous system balance—helping your child feel calmer and more in control of their sensory experiences.

Your Sioux Falls Chiropractor is ready to help. If your child struggles with sensory overload, know that you’re not alone. With the right support, their nervous system can become more adaptable, making everyday environments feel less overwhelming. Book your appointment with us today!