Sensory overload is presented through an iceberg model, showing the small signs people may notice on the outside and the much larger experience underneath. The poster explains that sensory overload happens when the brain gets more input than it can process, making it a clear visual aid for children, teenagers and adults who need a simple way to talk about overwhelm.
The visible section, labelled On the Outside, includes behaviours such as looking calm but struggling, trying to cope, doing their best, seeming uninterested and following routines. These points are helpful for challenging quick judgements, particularly when a child appears quiet, compliant or detached while actually working hard to manage sensory stress.
The underwater sections show common triggers and internal experiences, including too much noise, bright lights, strong smells, unexpected touch and busy or chaotic spaces. Deeper down, the poster names feelings and reactions such as being overwhelmed and anxious, irritability, shutting down to cope, difficulty thinking or focusing, and needing to escape.
The deepest part of the iceberg highlights longer-term impact, including emotional exhaustion, avoiding places or activities, physical tension, withdrawing from others and feeling misunderstood. Parents, carers, teachers, SEND staff, social workers and therapists could use the poster as a printable discussion prompt with autistic children, ADHD children, neurodivergent young people or any child who experiences sensory processing difficulties.
The wording is brief and accessible, with colourful sea-themed illustrations that make the message feel gentle rather than clinical. It can be displayed in a classroom, therapy room, family support setting or calm space to encourage kindness, reduce blame and help adults respond with curiosity instead of judgement. The credit line names Edita Stiborova.
