Vision
Signs your child is overstimulated by vision
Some people can be overstimulated by visual input. This might look like:
- avoiding light such as sunlight, fluorescent lights
- wanting curtains closed
- keeping a hood up when outside
- getting overwhelmed in busy places like supermarkets and classrooms
Supporting a child who’s overstimulated by vision
You can support someone who gets overstimulated by visual input by:
- warning them about any changes to lighting that are about to happen, such as entering a supermarket
- doing calming movements such as stretching or chair push-ups before going into visually busy settings
- building up time spent in busy place gradually, such as starting with a short supermarket trip, and gradually increasing next time
- using sensory supports such as sunglasses, hats, umbrellas, desk screens
Where possible, make your home a visually calming environment. This might include:
- avoiding busy-looking wall decoration
- keeping lights low and consistent
- replacing bright lights with warm glow lights
Signs your child is under stimulated by visuals
Some people are under stimulated by visual input. You might see them engaging in the following behaviours:
- seeking out light such as sunlight, flashing lights
- enjoying bright patterns and busy backgrounds
- exploring coloured lights
- flicking fingers or toys near eyes
Supporting someone under stimulated by visuals
You can support someone under stimulated by visuals by:
- giving them light up toys to use during sensory breaks
- doing calming movement-based activities such as stretching or chair push-ups
- increasing the level of light in a room, such as by adding a table lamp
- giving them pictures to look at and coloured pens to use