Understanding Sensory Overload in Children

Have you ever seen your child suddenly shut down or act out in a busy environment? For children with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing difficulties, this could be a sign of sensory overload. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we help families recognize and manage sensory triggers through therapy and personalized strategies that support emotional regulation and daily functioning.

In the image above, a young girl looks overwhelmed—an expression many parents of neurodiverse children may recognize. Sensory overload is real, and learning how to manage it can make a world of difference.

What Is Sensory Overload?
Sensory overload happens when a child’s brain receives too much sensory information at once—loud sounds, bright lights, strong smells, or crowded spaces. It can cause the child to feel stressed, anxious, or shut down.

Common signs include:

• Covering ears or eyes

• Avoiding or fleeing noisy environments

• Becoming irritable or nonverbal

• Fidgeting or stimming behaviors

• Refusing to participate in activities

Children with sensory processing disorder (SPD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or ADHD are more prone to these reactions.

How OrbRom Helps Children Regulate Sensory Input
At OrbRom Center, we offer occupational therapy that focuses on sensory integration—teaching the brain how to process input in a more balanced way. Through structured play, movement-based therapy, and calming routines, we help children:

• Tolerate different textures, sounds, or lights

• Learn calming strategies (deep pressure, movement breaks, breathing)

• Improve focus and body awareness

• Develop coping tools for overstimulating environments

Every program begins with a developmental assessment to identify specific sensory sensitivities and create a tailored therapy plan.

Tips for Parents: Managing Overload at Home or in Public

• Create a quiet space: Use a tent, headphones, or soft lighting at home

• Use visual schedules: Prepare your child for what’s coming

• Practice transitions: Gradually build tolerance to new environments

• Offer breaks: Give your child time to reset during outings

• Watch for triggers: Crowds, loud music, or unexpected changes

Understanding your child’s sensory profile can reduce stress—for both of you.

Conclusion
Sensory overload is often misunderstood, but for many children, it’s a daily challenge. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we help families navigate these challenges with compassion and proven therapeutic approaches. If your child struggles with sensory input, book a developmental assessment or explore our occupational therapy services to find support that works.