Sensory dysregulation is something that anyone can experience, and most people probably have experienced a level of sensory dysregulation to some degree.Įveryone has sensory preferences, like how loud they listen to music, or if they enjoy lots of hugs.

In order to achieve self-regulation, one must also have good sensory regulation. There are many ways to define self-regulation, but generally, it is one’s ability to remain at an acceptable level of emotion, energy, behavior, and attention – given the demands of their environment. It’s the inability to regulate sensory input from ALL the sensory systems.Ī key component outcome of sensory dysregulation is self-regulation. It’s more than sensory touch and the input we receive through our skin. Sensory dysregulation is the result of either too much or too little stimulation for best functioning or self-regulation. Think about how sounds, textures, exercise, movement, smells, light, and other input can affect your mood. Sensory dysregulation refers to a mind or body state which occurs when the body is out of balance due to experiences in the sensory environment. To get started, here is an article about sensory processing red flags. A great first step in determining whether unwanted behaviors are based on sensory experiences, is to learn about what sensory dysregulation is. The OT Toolbox is here to do our best to answer your sensory-related questions. How many toddlers (or teenagers!) temper tantrums may actually be related to their sensory experience? If it really is sensory-based, then what are the solutions? One ongoing debate in the pediatric therapy world is discussing what behaviors are due to sensory-related reactions, and what behaviors are due to something else. Deciphering the difference between a tantrum and sensory meltdown is a must. Remember your last temper tantrum? Do you remember what it felt like to be suddenly so sad, mad, and completely out of control? Most of us probably had our last true temper tantrum more recently than we care to admit.Ī majority of those emotional outbursts were probably exacerbated due to a number of reasons lack of sleep, poor diet, undesirable environment, discomfort, or pain.

Fatigue after sensory meltdown