Imagine if simple, everyday experiences—like clothing textures, sounds, or social gatherings—could trigger intense stress and meltdowns in your child.

Many families live with this reality, and in this episode, Camilla McGill dives into the hidden world of sensory processing with expert occupational therapist Vicky Robinson.

Together, they unpack three common triggers behind children’s sensory overwhelm: struggles with attention, noise sensitivity, and clothing discomfort.

Vicky shares compassionate, practical strategies to help kids manage these challenges, from increasing movement breaks to using noise-reducing tools and selecting comfortable clothing options.

Camilla and Vicky emphasize understanding these behaviors as sensory needs rather than problems to "fix," offering insights that can transform both your child's well-being and your parenting approach.

Camilla also answers a crucial question: How do we handle skepticism from others about this approach? Tune in for tips on how to address judgmental comments and support your child’s unique needs with confidence.

📘 Camilla’s Free Guide
10 Tried & Tested Ways to Handle Tantrums and Mood Swings:
https://myparentingsolutions.com/tantrums

Time Stamps:

00:00 Understanding Sensory Overwhelm in Children

00:30 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

01:01 Hidden Triggers Behind Children's Emotional Outbursts

02:00 Addressing Poor Attention in Children

08:03 Strategies for Noise Sensitivity

15:34 Dealing with Clothing Sensitivity

24:36 Resources and Final Thoughts

26:17 Question of the Week: Handling Skeptical Adults

Episode Transcript:

Podcast Episode 12: Understanding Sensory Overload – with Vicky Robinson

Imagine that you discovered that everyday sensations—like the feeling of clothing, background noises, smells or social interactions—were the cause of frequent meltdowns and anxiety because they're overwhelming for your child.

This is a reality for many families. In today’s episode, we’re exploring triggers for sensory overwhelm and how to help our kids.

I’m joined by Vicky Robinson, an exceptional occupational therapist specialising in sensory processing. Together, we uncover three hidden triggers behind children’s emotional outbursts and explore practical, compassionate strategies to help them find calm in the chaos.

1. Poor Attention

Many children struggle with attention in class, and what’s often seen as “poor behaviour” might actually be a sign of sensory processing difficulties. These children might fidget, get up frequently, or struggle to follow instructions—not because they’re being difficult, but because their brains and bodies are having trouble processing what’s going on.

These behaviours can harm self-esteem as children internalise negative labels like “naughty.” But attention issues linked to sensory processing are neurological, not a choice.

Vicky's top tip:

Incorporate regular movement breaks. The younger the child, the more they need to move. Movement boosts blood flow to the brain, helping them focus and follow instructions. It’s a simple shift: instead of “sit still and listen,” try “move to listen better.”

2. Noise Sensitivity

Noise sensitivity is incredibly common, especially in autistic children, though it’s not exclusive to them. Sensory sensitivities trigger a fight, flight, or freeze response—what may seem like overreaction is actually a survival instinct.

Signs to look for:

Covering ears, running away, aggressive behaviour, or freezing and zoning out.

Supportive strategies:

• Use headphones or earplugs in noisy places
  • Prepare with regulating activities (e.g. movement, sunglasses, calming techniques) to “empty their cup” before entering challenging environments

3. Clothing Sensitivity

This is one of the most common challenges. Some children can’t tolerate certain materials, refuse underwear or socks, or only wear one specific outfit. For some, this leads to school refusal—not from defiance, but because getting dressed is overwhelming.

In-the-moment help:

• Try seamless clothing or soft fabrics (Marks & Spencer and Asda have sensory-friendly options)
  • Remove tags or adjust uniforms (e.g. using a sports shirt instead of a regular one)

Longer-term approach:

Use regulatory strategies like rocking, bouncing, or deep pressure hugs to calm the nervous system and reduce anticipatory anxiety.

Vicky’s Mantra: “See behaviour, think sensory.”
Put on your sensory goggles and ask: what’s really going on beneath the surface?

Question of the Week

What if someone says, “They’re just doing it for attention—they need a good telling off”?

When a child has a tantrum, they’re overwhelmed—not making a choice to misbehave. Telling them off can escalate things. It’s like throwing petrol on a fire.

Suggested response:
“Maybe that approach works for some children. For ours, it tends to make things worse. We’re working on emotional regulation—it takes time, and we’re not there yet.”

Vicky adds: Children who are neurodivergent experience the world differently. This isn't manipulation—it's neurological. Even many neurotypical kids aren’t being difficult; they’re overwhelmed by the environment or expectations placed on them.

Trust your gut—you know your child best.

Free Resources

📘 Vicky’s Free Sensory Handbook
Get it via her Instagram: @sensoryoccupationaltherapist

📘 Camilla’s Free Guide
10 Tried & Tested Ways to Handle Tantrums and Mood Swings:
https://myparentingsolutions.com/tantrums