What Your Doctor Might Not Tell You About Overstimulation
Ever feel like your kid’s just too much sometimes? Like they freak out in noisy restaurants, have total meltdowns at the grocery store, or get super bothered by clothing tags? It’s rough, right? You might’ve been told they’re just acting out or that they’ll grow out of it. But what if there’s more to the story?
The Deal with Sensory Stuff
If this rings a bell, you’re probably no stranger to the heartache of seeing your kid struggle with sensory overload. And you’re definitely not alone. Turns out, lots of kids – like, maybe even 40% of school-aged kids, according to the CDC – deal with this kind of thing.
Overstimulation: It’s Not Just Bad Behavior
So, what’s actually going on when your child gets overwhelmed? Imagine a traffic jam in their brain. Too much sensory info is coming in, and their brain can’t handle it all at once. It’s not about them being naughty; it’s about how their brain and nervous system work.
Nervous System 101
Your kid’s nervous system has two main parts:
- The Sympathetic System (the “fight or flight” one)
- The Parasympathetic System (the “rest and digest” one)
When things get overwhelming, kids can get stuck in “fight or flight” mode. Their body’s alert system is constantly on, which can lead to:
- Trouble sleeping
- Tummy troubles
- Big emotions
- Being super sensitive to everything
The “Perfect Storm” of Sensory Challenges
Sensory stuff often comes from a combo of things:
- What happened before birth: Stress during pregnancy can affect how a baby’s brain processes sensory info.
- Birth itself: Things like C-sections or assisted deliveries can put stress on a baby’s nervous system.
- Early childhood: Stressful environments and developmental hiccups can also play a role.
Spotting Overstimulation
Here are some signs your child might be overloaded:
- Physical: Headaches, nausea, super tired
- Emotional: Extra irritable, anxious, sudden outbursts
- Behavioral: Trouble focusing, meltdowns, wanting to be alone
A Different Way to Help
Instead of just avoiding triggers or dealing with the symptoms, there’s another approach. Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care looks at the root of the problem, not just what you see on the surface.
At Health From Within, located in Orland Park, IL, we use cool tech called INSiGHT Scans to pinpoint exactly where your child’s nervous system needs some love. These scans are painless and can even be done while your child sits on your lap. They give us tons of info about how their sensory system is handling the world. Then, we use gentle adjustments to release tension and get things back in balance.
Moving Forward
Remember, your child isn’t choosing to be overwhelmed. Their nervous system is genuinely struggling. The good news is, there’s help!
You’re not alone in this. Lots of families are going through the same thing, and there’s hope. We can help! Give Health From Within, in Orland Park, IL, a call to chat. Not local? Check out the PX Docs directory to find a doc near you.
Your child’s sensitivity isn’t a bad thing – it’s part of who they are. With the right support, they can learn to navigate their sensory world with more confidence and ease.