Sensory Overload in Children – Why So Many Are Struggling Today
Sensory overload is becoming increasingly common among children in Sweden. More parents describe their child as “shutting down,” becoming easily stressed, or reacting strongly to sounds, light, clothing, or social environments.
At Brain Body Balance in Västerås, we meet families every day who wonder why their child is so sensitive — and what they can do about it.
Here we explain what sensory overload is, why it is increasing, and how you can help the nervous system find balance in a calm, safe, and non-medical way.
What is Sensory Overload?
Sensory Overload in Children – Why So Many Are Struggling Today
Sensory overload occurs when the brain receives more information than it can process.
It is not about disobedience, lack of discipline, or a bad attitude — it is about neurological overload.
Children may react strongly to:
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Loud sounds
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Sudden movements
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Bright environments
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Tight clothing
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School/after-school settings with a lot of stimuli
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Crowds and social activities
The nervous system reaches its limit and goes into fight, flight, or freeze.
Why So Many Children Are Struggling Today
It’s no secret that the world has changed rapidly. Today children face more stress factors than any previous generation.
Some of the most common causes are:
• Overstimulating environments
Constant noise, screens, lights, movement, and demands.
• Too little movement
Children sit more and move less than ever.
• A fast pace at school and at home
Little time for recovery and free play.
• Too much screen time before age 6
Research clearly shows an impact on sensory development.
• Insufficient physical & neurological development
If primary reflexes remain, the brain receives too much “background noise.”
• Nutrient deficiency and poorer diet
Easy to eat — but hard to get what the brain needs.
• Social pressure and increasing mental health issues
Even very young children feel this.
It is not your child’s fault — or your fault.
It is the environment that has changed faster than children’s physiology.
Common Signs of Sensory Overload
You can recognize sensory overload through one or more of these behaviors:
• The child reacts strongly to sounds or becomes easily startled
• Difficulty handling clothes, socks, seams
• Quickly becomes tired or angry in social environments
• Easily overwhelmed by everyday situations
• Often “on edge” or easily stressed
• Needs to move constantly – or, on the contrary, “shuts down”
• Sensitive to light, sound, touch, or temperature
What Parents Can Do at Home
Many small changes can reduce overload:
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Reduce screen time, especially before school age
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Introduce calm morning and evening routines
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More movement — ideally crawling, climbing, balance, play
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Less multitasking, more one thing at a time
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Breathing that calms the nervous system (5 seconds in – 5 seconds out)
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Quiet play and sensory breaks between activities
How We Work at Brain Body Balance (Västerås)
At Brain Body Balance, we support children by helping the brain process information more calmly and effectively.
We use tools such as:
• Neuromotor training
• Reflex integration
• Breathing training
• Cognitive vision training
• Red light / Photobiomodulation
• PEMF
• HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy)
(Always safe, calm, and individually adapted.)
We help children in Västerås, but also families from other cities — and our vision is to create more Brain Body Balance centers across Sweden in the future.
When Should You Seek Support?
If you as a parent recognize your child in several of the points above, or if everyday life feels difficult — then support is available.
It’s not about diagnoses or labels, but about giving the brain tools to find balance.
Help for Children with Sensory Sensitivity in Västerås
We offer:
• 1-to-1 sessions
• The Little Brain program
• CHAMPS for children who need movement & focus
• Tests for reflexes, balance, visual integration and more
We work without medical claims — always safely, calmly, playfully, and inspired by research.
When Should You Seek Support?
We offer:
• 1-to-1 sessions
• The Little Brain program
• CHAMPS for children who need movement & focus
• Tests for reflexes, balance, visual integration and more
We work without medical claims — always safe, calm, playful, and research-inspired.