06/01/2026
Not every challenging behavior is a choice.
When a child is experiencing sensory overload, their nervous system may be overwhelmed by sounds, lights, movement, touch, or other sensory input. What looks like defiance on the outside may actually be a child struggling to cope on the inside.
Understanding the difference between sensory overload and behavioral defiance can help us respond with empathy, support, and strategies that meet the child's needs.
Behavior is communication. The key is learning what the child is trying to tell us. What questions do you have?