Understanding Sensory Sensitivities, Big Feelings, and Emotional Shutdowns
Some kids explode. Some shut down. Some ping-pong between the two in the time it takes you to heat up a chicken nugget.
If your child flips out at loud noises, refuses to wear 90% of the clothes you buy, or hides under the table when things get too overwhelming—you’re probably parenting a kid with sensory sensitivities.
At Sunburst Psychology, we work with families across Bellevue, Redmond, and the greater Eastside who feel like they’re constantly walking on eggshells—or Legos. You’re not alone, and you’re not imagining it.
Let’s unpack what’s actually happening, and what you can do to support your child without losing your mind.
What Sensory Sensitivity Actually Is
It’s not misbehavior.
It’s your child’s nervous system reacting to regular stimuli like:
Fabric textures or tags
Sudden or repetitive sounds
Bright lights or visual clutter
Too much movement or touch
Or even internal sensations like hunger, tiredness, or needing the bathroom
This isn’t them being “dramatic.” It’s them being overstimulated, and their brain can’t sort through the noise fast enough.
Signs It Might Be Sensory-Related (Not Just “Behavior”)
Meltdowns in crowded or noisy places
Refusing to wear certain clothes or shoes
Hitting or collapsing when overwhelmed
Freezing, shutting down, or going nonverbal under stress
“Hyper” behavior followed by sudden crashes
If your child can’t seem to bounce back after a tantrum—or if small issues consistently become battles—it might be a sensory processing issue.
Tips for Parents of Sensory-Sensitive Kids
Here’s how you can start helping, right now, while you’re Googling this blog post on two hours of sleep:
1. Create a Sensory-Safe “Calm Down” Space
Have a designated area where your child can go to regulate.
Think soft lighting, weighted blankets, fidget toys, headphones, or calming scents. Don’t make it a punishment space—it’s their sanctuary.
Pro tip: Let them help set it up. Ownership = cooperation.
2. Use Predictable Routines (With Gentle Transitions)
Sensory kids thrive on rhythm.
Warn them before transitions, use timers or visual schedules, and offer choices to give them some control.
Try saying:
“In five minutes, we’ll be getting in the car. Do you want to bring your headphones or your chewy necklace?”
3. Watch for Shutdown, Not Just Meltdown
If your child starts zoning out, gets quiet, or stops responding—don’t escalate.
Lower your voice, reduce stimulation, and just sit nearby. Wait for them to re-regulate before trying to “talk it out.”
4. Don’t Force It. Validate It.
Saying “It’s not that loud” or “Just wear the shirt” makes your child feel misunderstood.
Try instead:
“That sound feels too much for your ears right now. Let’s find a quiet place.”
“That tag is scratchy—let’s see if we can cut it off or try something else.”
Validation leads to cooperation. Dismissal leads to more firestorms.
5. Know When to Get Professional Support
If the sensitivities are affecting daily life—school, friendships, routines—it may be time to bring in a professional.
At Sunburst Psychology, our child therapists in Bellevue and Redmond specialize in emotional regulation, sensory issues, and helping kids who don’t fit the typical mold.
We work with both kids and their parents to:
Understand triggers
Teach coping strategies
Build self-awareness
And create sustainable change—not just quick fixes
Therapy for Sensory-Sensitive Kids in Bellevue
Your child isn’t broken. Their brain is doing what it thinks it needs to do to survive.
With the right support, they can learn to navigate their environment with more confidence, calm, and connection.
At Sunburst Psychology, we offer therapy for kids and families across Bellevue, Redmond, and the greater Eastside. Let’s figure this out together.
