Skip to content

Varying energy levels

Some children and young people can experience energy levels that fluctuate more noticeably than their peers. These changes can affect their ability to learn, interact socially, concentrate, and manage their emotions throughout the day.

More information from Family Assist. 

This section explains why energy levels vary, what this might look like, and how parents and carers can support their child.

 

Sensory processing differences

Sensory input can either drain or boost energy depending on the child:

  • Noisy, bright or crowded spaces can be exhausting
  • Certain sensory activities (movement, deep pressure, fidgeting) can help re‑energise
  • Sensory overload may lead to shutdowns, meltdowns, or fatigue

Emotional regulation needs

If a child is working hard to manage their emotions, this can use a lot of cognitive and physical energy. After an emotional incident, children might:

  • Feel tired
  • Withdraw
  • Need more time to recover

Cognitive load

Tasks such as reading, writing, following instructions, or social interaction may require significantly more effort for some children. This “hidden effort” can drain energy quickly.

Physical or medical needs

Some children may have:

  • Sleep difficulties (common in ADHD and autism)
  • Physical health needs
  • Medication side effects
  • Dietary or nutritional factors
  • Difficulties with movement or muscle tone

These can all influence day‑to‑day energy.

Sensory processing differences

Sensory input can either drain or boost energy depending on the child:

  • Noisy, bright or crowded spaces can be exhausting
  • Certain sensory activities (movement, deep pressure, fidgeting) can help re‑energise
  • Sensory overload may lead to shutdowns, meltdowns, or fatigue

Emotional regulation needs

If a child is working hard to manage their emotions, this can use a lot of cognitive and physical energy. After an emotional incident, children might:

  • Feel tired
  • Withdraw
  • Need more time to recover

Cognitive load

Tasks such as reading, writing, following instructions, or social interaction may require significantly more effort for some children. This “hidden effort” can drain energy quickly.

Physical or medical needs

Some children may have:

  • Sleep difficulties (common in ADHD and autism)
  • Physical health needs
  • Medication side effects
  • Dietary or nutritional factors
  • Difficulties with movement or muscle tone

These can all influence day‑to‑day energy.

Energy differences can present differently from child to child. Common signs include:

High energy periods

  • Constant movement or fidgeting
  • Difficulty sitting still
  • Talking quickly or impulsively
  • Jumping from one task to another
  • Excitability or restlessness

Low energy periods

  • Tiredness or yawning
  • Reduced focus or slower responses
  • Wanting to withdraw or be quiet
  • Avoiding tasks that require effort
  • Appearing overwhelmed or “shutting down”

Energy differences can present differently from child to child. Common signs include:

High energy periods

  • Constant movement or fidgeting
  • Difficulty sitting still
  • Talking quickly or impulsively
  • Jumping from one task to another
  • Excitability or restlessness

Low energy periods

  • Tiredness or yawning
  • Reduced focus or slower responses
  • Wanting to withdraw or be quiet
  • Avoiding tasks that require effort
  • Appearing overwhelmed or “shutting down”

Create routines that support energy needs

  • Establish predictable morning, school, and bedtime routines
  • Build in breaks between demanding activities
  • Include calming time after busy or stimulating events

Support sensory needs

  • Provide access to sensory tools (fidgets, ear defenders, weighted items)
  • Offer movement breaks
  • Create quiet, low‑stimulus spaces for rest
  • Use sensory circuits or activities at times of low energy

Break tasks into manageable chunks

  • Use short, timed activities
  • Alternate between high‑energy and low‑energy tasks
  • Include rewards or positive reinforcement
  • Support sleep and rest

Create a calming bedtime routine

  • Reduce screens before bed
  • Offer comfort items or sensory supports to relax
  • Check for sleep difficulties and seek advice if needed

Monitor signs of overload or burnout

Look for patterns:

  • After school exhaustion
  • Behaviour changes
  • Emotional outbursts
  • Frequent illness or headaches
  • Withdrawal or reluctance to engage

These can signal that your child’s energy demands exceed their capacity.

Celebrate strengths and differences

Help your child understand:

  • Everyone’s energy levels are different
  • Needing breaks is okay
  • Knowing your body’s needs is a strength

Create routines that support energy needs

  • Establish predictable morning, school, and bedtime routines
  • Build in breaks between demanding activities
  • Include calming time after busy or stimulating events

Support sensory needs

  • Provide access to sensory tools (fidgets, ear defenders, weighted items)
  • Offer movement breaks
  • Create quiet, low‑stimulus spaces for rest
  • Use sensory circuits or activities at times of low energy

Break tasks into manageable chunks

  • Use short, timed activities
  • Alternate between high‑energy and low‑energy tasks
  • Include rewards or positive reinforcement
  • Support sleep and rest

Create a calming bedtime routine

  • Reduce screens before bed
  • Offer comfort items or sensory supports to relax
  • Check for sleep difficulties and seek advice if needed

Monitor signs of overload or burnout

Look for patterns:

  • After school exhaustion
  • Behaviour changes
  • Emotional outbursts
  • Frequent illness or headaches
  • Withdrawal or reluctance to engage

These can signal that your child’s energy demands exceed their capacity.

Celebrate strengths and differences

Help your child understand:

  • Everyone’s energy levels are different
  • Needing breaks is okay
  • Knowing your body’s needs is a strength