#329 - The Connection Between Sensory Over-Responsiveness and Anxiety

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The Connection Between Sensory Over-Responsiveness and Anxiety

Today we’re talking about sensory over-responsivity (what is it? What does it look like? Who can it impact?) and the connection to anxiety. 

We dive into 2 different research articles (linked below) as well as provide 3 tips:

1. Develop individualized sensory diet routines and environmental modifications 
2. Look into retained primitive reflexes, specifically the Moro Reflex
3. Find simple ways to decompress and regulate the nervous system

Check out all of the links below! 

Free Sensory Diet Webinar https://harkla.co/pages/sensory-diet-webinar-opt-in

We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form ->https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 

Links

All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram 

Harkla YouTube Channel

Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!

Harkla Instagram

Free Primitive Reflex Webinar https://harkla.co/pages/register-primitive-reflex-webinar-2023

Motion Sickness Toolkit https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/178-motion-sickness-toolkit?_pos=1&_sid=7ed041778&_ss=r

Gravitational Insecurity https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/127-gravitational-insecurity?_pos=1&_sid=2ef95245b&_ss=r

What is Sensory Overload? https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/237-sensory-overload-what-it-can-look-like-and-how-you-can-help?_pos=4&_sid=9ffc748d1&_ss=r

Tactile Processing and Clothing Textures https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/171-tactile-processing?_pos=1&_sid=0286be9dc&_ss=r

Picky Eating Strategies https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/132-picky-eating-strategies-with-mckenzie-from-playingatyourplate?_pos=2&_sid=df36eafea&_ss=r

Bean with Bacon Soup https://www.campbells.com/products/condensed/bean-with-bacon-soup/

Research Article #1 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10802-018-0502-y

Research Article #2 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01942638.2016.1185504

The Anxious Generation  https://a.co/d/djFiHkc 

The Connection Between Sensory Over-Responsiveness And Anxiety

Have you ever noticed your child getting overwhelmed in noisy places like grocery stores, becoming extremely fussy when trying on new clothes, refusing to use hand dryers, or covering their ears when the toilet flushes? These reactions could indicate sensory over-responsivity (SOR), a type of sensory processing disorder closely associated with anxiety.

 In this article, we'll explain sensory over-responsivity, explore its connection to anxiety, and provide practical strategies for parents and professionals to help children feel more calm, confident, and in control of their sensory experiences.

What Is Sensory Over-Responsivity?

Sensory over-responsivity (SOR) happens when a child’s nervous system is *overly sensitive* to sensory input. This means they respond more intensely to certain sensations compared to their peers. 

SOR is one type of sensory processing disorder (SPD), and children with SOR may show strong adverse reactions to touch, sounds, sights, smells, or even the feeling of movement. For example, they might:

• Cover their ears at the sound of a vacuum or hand dryer.
• Refuse to wear clothing with certain textures.
• Get dizzy easily during play.
• Struggle to focus in visually busy environments like classrooms.
• Feel overwhelmed in noisy or crowded places like school assemblies or shopping centers.

How Does SOR Lead To Anxiety?

Children with SOR are constantly on high alert because everyday sensations can feel threatening. When a child repeatedly experiences this heightened sensitivity, it can create a feedback loop that leads to anxiety.

For example, if a child feels overwhelmed every time they enter a noisy cafeteria, they may worry long before lunchtime. This worry then turns into anxiety, creating a cycle where the anticipation of a sensory experience is just as distressing as the experience itself.

In some cases, children may begin to use coping mechanisms—like avoiding certain places or controlling their environment through repetitive behaviors (e.g., rituals or routines)—to manage their anxiety. While these behaviors may offer temporary relief, they can also limit the child’s participation in daily activities, further increasing their anxiety.

Tips For Parents And Professionals To Support Children With SOR And Anxiety

If this sounds like your child or your client, don’t worry! There are practical strategies you can use to help them feel more comfortable and manage their anxiety. 

Create A Sensory Plan

Identify what types of sensory input your child is sensitive to and develop a *sensory plan* that includes proactive strategies to reduce sensory overload. For example:

• For Auditory Sensitivity: Use noise-canceling headphones or earmuffs during loud events or in noisy environments.
• For Tactile Sensitivity: Remove tags from clothing and choose soft, seamless options.
• For Visual Sensitivity: Reduce clutter in their space and use soft lighting.

Creating a plan can help your child feel prepared and safe in different situations.

Use Sensory Breaks Throughout The Day.

Incorporating sensory breaks into your child’s routine can help prevent meltdowns and keep them feeling regulated. Sensory activities like jumping on a trampoline, deep-pressure hugs, crawling, or chewing gum can provide calming proprioceptive input that organizes the nervous system.

Therapists should consider implementing a sensory diet tailored to the child’s specific needs. This diet may include structured activities that use proprioceptive and vestibular input, such as pushing a weighted cart or swinging, to support the sensory system and reduce anxiety.

Address Primitive Reflex Integration

Research has shown a link between a retained Moro reflex (a startle response seen in infants) and anxiety in older children. If a child’s reflexes are not integrated, they may have a heightened fight-or-flight response, making everyday situations feel more threatening.

Working with a trained professional to integrate retained reflexes can help lower anxiety and improve self-regulation. For those looking for more information, online courses are available that teach parents and therapists how to assess and integrate primitive reflexes at home.

When To Seek Professional Help

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to support your child, consider contacting an occupational therapist (OT) specializing in sensory processing. A trained OT can evaluate your child’s unique needs and create a customized treatment plan.

For our OT readers, remember that providing a supportive and structured sensory environment can significantly reduce anxiety in children with SOR. Using evidence-based practices like sensory integration therapy and reflex integration can empower parents and help children develop coping skills for lifelong success.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a parent or an OT, understanding the relationship between sensory over-responsivity and anxiety is the first step in providing effective support. Remember, creating a sensory-friendly environment, using consistent sensory strategies, and addressing underlying issues like primitive reflex retention can make a difference for these children.

BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS

While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.

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This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.