Sensory Overwhelm to Calm Connection
📅 Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 🕒 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 KidsAbility Paediatric Therapy Clinic
Presenter: Grainne Houlihan, Occupational Therapist
Children who experience sensory overwhelm can often appear “big” in their emotions or behaviors, yet underneath these moments is usually a nervous system that feels overloaded, unsafe, or dysregulated. This practical and compassionate presentation will help parents, educators, and professionals better understand sensory processing and regulation and how to support children in moving from overwhelm toward calm connection.
Through a neurodiversity-affirming and relationship-based approach, this session will explore how sensory needs impact regulation, emotional responses, attention, learning, and everyday functioning.
Participants will leave with practical tools and strategies to better support children who experience sensory sensitivities, meltdowns, shutdowns, or difficulty coping in busy environments.
Learning Objectives
Participants will gain an understanding of:
• What sensory processing and sensory overwhelm look like in everyday life
• How sensory systems influence emotional regulation, behavior, and attention
• Common signs that a child may be experiencing sensory dysregulation.
• The difference between dysregulation, overwhelm, and “behavior”
• How to create calming, supportive sensory environments at home and school
• Practical co-regulation and sensory support strategies for children of different ages
• Ways to support connection and reduce stress during challenging moments
Who Should Attend
• Parents and caregivers
• Teachers and school leaders
• SENCOs and learning support staff
• Professionals working with children and adolescents
Key Takeaways Attendees will leave with:
• A deeper understanding of sensory processing and nervous system regulation
• Practical sensory strategies that can be implemented immediately
• Increased confidence in supporting children during moments of overwhelm
• Tools to help foster calm, connection, and emotional safety
Details:
Bring your curiosity and your questions! This is a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with other parents, fellow educators, and professionals while gaining practical tools that can have a lasting impact on children’s regulation, wellbeing, and participation in daily life. We look forward to seeing you there!
This workshop is sponsored by KidsAbility and free for all to attend. All attendees will receive a certificate of attendance.
