After-school restraint collapse is a common but often misunderstood experience where children release built-up stress after holding themselves together during the school day. This article explains the key causes behind these emotional meltdowns, the signs parents may notice at home, and why they happen even when a child appears “fine” at school. Most importantly, it shares five practical, parent-friendly strategies to help children feel safe, regulated, and supported after school—turning overwhelming moments into opportunities for connection and emotional growth.

 

Does planning a birthday feel less like a celebration and more like walking through a minefield? You are not alone. For neurodiverse families, the fear of sensory overload is real. But it doesn't have to be this way. This guide reveals 10 practical, OT-inspired strategies—from the magic of "Social Story" invites to the peace of Parallel Play—to help you flip the script. Whether you are a parent or a host, learn how to swap anxiety for joy and create a sensory-safe memory for every child.

Table of Contents What is a Sensory Room? What is a Sensory Room Used for?  Who Can Benefit From a Sensory Room  Types of Sensory Rooms How to Build a Sensory Space at Home? Kill the "Big Light" (Lighting Control) Install a "Reset Button" (Vestibular Input) Create a "Nest" (Proprioception & Squeeze) The "Yes" Environment     Introduc...