For me, the strategy would be to not go to the mall on such a busy day. PCS does not tolerate such over-stimulation and even a bit of conflict. The important part to this scenario is learning to recognize the early stage of over-stimulation then leave the over-stim environment.

Your family needs to be willing to accommodate you when you say, "I've had enough and I need to leave right now." But, you also need to learn to recognize the need to say so.

It is a hard situation but many of us have been through it.

Try being over-stimulated at the airport and try to get through the security checkpoint. Then, try to maintain composure while two or more TSA agents are barking orders at the same time. I now get an escort through the check point. Just too much going on.