Perceptions of others

[Tara Prest]

How do you handle social situations when your child is having sensory overload/meltdown in public? I always feel the need to explain my daughter’s actions when we are in a store or restaurant. I am curious about how other sensory parents handle these situations.

[Julie]

That’s really hard! Strangers I don’t say anything to, but say we’re having a playdate with new friends, I like to kind of nip their judgement in the bud with something like “I bet this seems like a spoiled kid throwing a fit. Have you heard of sensory processing disorder?” I think it helps break the ice.

[Gerri Hamen]

As an outsider witnessing a meltdown I remind myself I don’t know that family or child and to not judge but rather be empathetic. If there is a small way to help I try to. As the one inside the meltdown I remind myself of the same thing. I don’t need to explain what’s happening to deflect the judging eyes. Once I start explaining it feels like I am assuming blame (or my child is) or it’s shameful somehow when it’s not. The only time I explain is for educational purposes and only in groups we frequent.

[Gerri Hamen]

I didn’t always have this rule but after many public meltdowns I decided this was the best way to handle it for my sake and my child’s.

[Author]

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