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I'm pretty sure my 3 year old son is very sensitive visually. The reason I've started to think this is because he melts down every time we go to a store. He does this at the mall, grocery store, and especially crowded stores like Wal-Mart. I did some research online, and considering some of the behaviors he had when he was younger, visual sensory overload seems like a logical conclusion.

I'm trying to find ways to help him stay calm in this type of environment. When we go to a specific Safeway store (across town) that is more dimly lit and smaller, he does better. Last time, I was able to get him to focus on the grocery list, and he didn't melt down, just got a little grumpy. Unfortunetly, we can't get all the essentials from that store... gonk



So, I'm trying to find something therapeudic I can do for him while we are at the store, just to keep him calm. Has anyone had this problem, or can recommend some reading material? (If you have experienced this yourself, I would greatly appreciate you sharing your experience.)

I read that a lot of kids that wiggle their fingers in front of their face are visually sensitive. That made me think back and consider some of his mysterious behaviors when he was younger. He used to cry at our baby einstein tape after 15 minutes, didn't like movies, and would spend a lot of time doing things like wiggling his fingers in front of his face.

He doesn't seem to respond to noises much, but I know that doesn't neccesarily mean that it isn't a factor. Even I can get tense in a crowded, noisy store.

Currently he's not recieving any services because we moved out of county and his case is taking FOREVER to process. He was seeing a speech therapist and going to a special ed prescool.

I think sunglasses and/or bribing might work. He's pretty big on goldfish crackers. Thanks for the advice, I'll let you know how it goes!

So, the sunglasses thing has kind of fallen through. He won't wear the glasses regularly or he will lose them. However, the thought of buying one of his favorite snacks seems to help. I try to remind him that we are going to pick up a certain treat and he does better behaving himself. I've also started shopping at stores that have the car type shopping carts, which keeps BOTH boys entertained hee hee. 3nodding Thanks for all the support and advice, it sure helps! sweatdrop

Just wanted everyone to know that I remembered this post this week while dealing with some behavioral trouble my son Damon had on the bus. I guess the sunlight glaring in the windows on the ride to school has been bothering him.

Now that he's old enough and can keep track of them, I allow him to take his sunglasses on the bus in the morning! I'm so glad we found a solution. Thanks again for the suggestions everyone!