Why Does My Child Get Overwhelmed by Small Changes?
Have you ever noticed that your child becomes overwhelmed by seemingly minor changes in routine or environment? For parents, understanding why this happens can be challenging. However, research into brain development provides valuable insights into why some children, particularly those with autism and ADHD, may experience heightened sensitivity to change. One key process that may help explain this phenomenon is called synaptic pruning.
What is Synaptic Pruning?
Synaptic pruning is a natural process that occurs in the developing brain. As children grow, their brains form countless neural connections. Over time, the brain identifies which connections are necessary and which are redundant. The unnecessary connections are 'pruned' or removed, allowing the brain to focus on strengthening the most important pathways.
This process can be likened to tending a garden. Initially, the garden is filled with an abundance of plants, including weeds and excess growth. Over time, careful pruning removes the unnecessary growth, making space for the healthiest plants to thrive. In a similar way, synaptic pruning helps the brain filter out irrelevant information, improving focus and efficiency.
How Does Synaptic Pruning Differ in Neurodivergent Children?
In children with autism or ADHD, research suggests that synaptic pruning may occur differently. Rather than removing unnecessary connections, their brains may retain a greater number of these connections. As a result, they process more information from their environment than neurotypical children. While this can sometimes lead to heightened abilities in certain areas, it can also result in increased sensitivity to sensory input and difficulty filtering out irrelevant stimuli.
Imagine experiencing every sound, sight, and sensation in your environment without the ability to ignore what is unimportant. This constant influx of information can be overwhelming and may explain why small, unexpected changes can feel disproportionately significant to some children. The heightened sensitivity caused by reduced synaptic pruning is one reason why routines and predictability are often comforting to children with autism and ADHD.
How Does This Relate to Behaviour?
When a child’s brain processes more information than it can comfortably manage, small disruptions can cause a significant emotional response. This heightened sensitivity can manifest as meltdowns, rigid adherence to routines, or an intense need for sameness. By understanding the underlying neurological differences, we can approach these behaviours with empathy and develop strategies to support children in managing their environment more effectively.
What Conditions Are Associated with Reduced Synaptic Pruning?
While reduced synaptic pruning is most commonly associated with autism, studies also indicate that it may occur in children with ADHD. Both conditions involve differences in how the brain processes and responds to information. Recognising this shared characteristic can help parents and educators better understand and support neurodivergent children.
Supporting Neurodivergent Children
Understanding that a lack of synaptic pruning can lead to heightened sensitivity and overwhelm is the first step in providing effective support. In future articles, we will explore practical strategies, such as establishing routines, creating predictable environments, and teaching coping mechanisms, to help neurodivergent children navigate their world more comfortably.
If you would like to learn more about how to support children with autism or ADHD, stay tuned for our next blog post, where we will delve deeper into specific strategies for promoting emotional well-being and resilience.
By gaining a deeper understanding of synaptic pruning and how it impacts brain development, we can foster greater empathy and provide more effective support for children who experience heightened sensitivity. This knowledge helps parents, educators, and therapists alike to better address the unique needs of neurodivergent children, creating an environment where they can thrive.