What’s Behind an Emotional Outburst?

As parents, caregivers, or educators, it can be challenging to understand why a child suddenly has an emotional outburst. Is it because they’re overwhelmed by their feelings—or could it be a sensory response? Knowing the difference between emotional dysregulation and sensory dysregulation is key to offering the right support.

Emotional Dysregulation

This occurs when a child struggles to manage strong feelings in response to everyday events. For example, becoming upset when told “no,” reacting strongly to a sibling’s actions, or throwing toys when asked to clean up. These behaviors are often tied to frustration, fear, or anxiety.

Sensory Dysregulation

This happens when the brain has difficulty processing sensory input. A child may react to environmental stimuli (like loud noises or bright lights), feel discomfort within their body, or struggle to communicate what’s bothering them. Sometimes, outbursts may appear to come “out of nowhere,” when in fact they are triggered by sensory overload.

Why It Matters

Recognizing the difference helps caregivers respond with empathy and the right strategies. For emotional dysregulation, calming techniques and consistent routines can be helpful. For sensory dysregulation, accommodations such as noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, or sensory breaks may reduce overwhelm.

Both types of dysregulation are valid and important to address. With patience and understanding, we can help children develop tools to regulate their emotions and manage their sensory needs.

For More Information

To access further details and explore resources concerning applied behavior analysis, contact us, Elevate Health & Therapeutic Services, at (856) 492-1355 to get your questions answered, or email us at info@elevatehealthnj.com!

Reference

National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (2020). Understanding and Addressing Behavior. Retrieved from https://challengingbehavior.org