2.5 year old having sensory meltdowns

[Natasha198]

Hi, I have noticed my son is having sensory meltdowns (rather than tantrums) as he will not listen or calm down when he is given what he wants.it usually only happens when he is in a overwhelming situation, such as loud playgroup with lots of children. I usually avoid going and went today for the first time in a while. He was inconsolable at the end, I couldn't do anything to calm him down. It was awful and I ended up getting upset because of trying to hold it together for him.

I know he's only 2.5 years old, but he's very shy around other kids and sometimes takes a long time to warm up around people he hasn't seen for a while. I thought it was just his personality (still could be!),but the meltdown today has concerned me.

Has anyone else experienced the same? Any advice?

It just sounds like a typical 2.5 year old behaviour to me.

Yes, DC was exactly like this at toddler groups. Giant inconsolable meltdowns. The health visitor did a questionnaire - M-Chat I think it is - and referred onto the autism pathway, DC was subsequently diagnosed at 4 after two years of assessments from different specialists.

The overwhelm without more could just be toddler behaviour but I would say speak to your health visitor who will either be able to reassure you or refer you if there is anything they think is worth considering. Not all sensory difficulties are autism either - it can be something they grow out of, it can be sensory processing disorder, it can be all sorts of things. Our health visitor was wonderful so I hope yours is as good!

Things you can do whether he has any additional needs or not, if he is struggling with sensory overwhelm at playgroup:
Teach him the sign for "home" and if he signs "home" then take him out no questions asked and praise him for being able to tell you what he needs.
Visual timetable for the day - you can use PECS cards or just a notepad - so he knows it's playgroup, home time, lunch, park (or whatever).
Learn when a meltdown is coming, does he shake his hands at all, or start to get a bit manic, or shut down into himself? If you can see the early signs, leave before it happens.
Have a sensory space at home where he can have some quiet time and give him plenty of recharging time between activities.