📚 5 TIPS FOR SURVIVING BOOK WEEK SENSORY OVERLOAD

Book Week can be magical… but it can also be scratchy, noisy, hot, crowded, unpredictable and completely exhausting.

Here are five gentle ways to make it easier.

❤️ 1. Comfort before costume

Start with clothes their body already trusts.

Add one soft, removable clue like a foam letter, badge, cape, prop or simply their favourite book.

The best costume isn’t the most impressive one. It’s the one their nervous system can actually enjoy.

❤️ 2. Participation can look different

Do they really need to stand in a long line and walk around an entire loud parade?

Could they:

* Sit quietly in the shade?
* Join for the last lap or final 10 minutes?
* Walk beside a trusted friend?
* Have one photo with their mates?
* Share their book in class instead?
* Skip the costume, parade or photo completely?

Photos can be overwhelming too. Be guided by what feels right for them.

❤️ 3. Tune in before their body has to shout

A sudden refusal, unusual silliness, hiding, tears, anger, going very quiet—or a huge reaction to something seemingly unrelated—may all be signs of sensory overwhelm.

What looks like an “overreaction”, “underreaction” or “bad behaviour” may actually be their nervous system saying:

“This is already too much.”

Behaviour is communication. Pause to tune in.

❤️ 4. Use their familiar sensory shortcuts

Think about what already feels regulating for them:
* An ice cube or cold drink
* A familiar warm drink
* Their absolute favourite song
* Earmuffs or a fidget
* Jumping, pushing, crashing or stretching
* Quiet time beside someone they trust

It doesn’t need to be a complicated sensory routine. Use what you already know their body enjoys.

❤️ 5. Fuel the body and plan the recovery

Pack familiar food and drinks so hunger and thirst don’t quietly add to the sensory load.

Perhaps:
* Cold crunchy carrot sticks
* Cold crunchy apple pieces
* Favourite dry crunchy cereal
* A familiar cracker or safe snack
* Plenty of water

Because “hangry” might just be interoception turning up the volume! 😍

And after school? Leave room for recovery: fewer questions, familiar food, favourite music, movement, quiet or simply being left alone.

Most importantly…

Book Week participation is not all or nothing.

Trust your intuition. Tune in to their body language and communication, then help them join in… in the way that feels safe and right for them. ❤️

What helps your family survive sensory-heavy school events?