The Impact on Children's Development: Socialization and Sensory Overload

Post-pandemic, many school teachers reported that children appeared stunted in their development, lacking proper socialization. Socialization is a higher-order function of the autonomic nervous system, dealing with primitive reactions related to social engagement. The trauma of not attending school during formative years was significant, but the greater trauma was the sensory overload from excessive screen time before their brains were ready.[1] As I mentioned, the brain will begin to ignore and then diminish afferent sensory pathways in an attempt to reduce sensory input. A developing child has not finished their limbic or emotional regulation, which is part of the educational process. In an attempt to reduce their own overwhelm, children will first resist and then refuse subjects that overwhelm their autonomic nervous system (ANS). While it looks like defiant behavior, many times it is self-preservation.