Understanding Sensory Processing Challenges
Sensory processing refers to how the brain receives, organizes and responds to information from the senses — touch, sound, sight, smell, taste, movement, and internal body cues. For most children, this process happens naturally, helping them learn, move and interact with the world around them. But for some kids, the brain interprets these signals differently, which can lead to sensory processing challenges that can impact a child’s ability to navigate their world.
Children with sensory processing struggles may be overly sensitive to certain stimuli, or they may seek out more sensory input than usual. They might cover their ears at everyday sounds, avoid clothing with certain textures or seek out intense movement that impacts safety and participation in daily activities. These reactions can affect a child’s comfort, behavior and ability to engage in day-to-day life.
Why Occupational Therapy Matters
Occupational therapy helps children better process sensory input and feel more at ease in their environments through sensory integrative techniques. Using play-based and engaging activities, therapists support each child’s development individually, helping them build confidence when navigating their world.
Occupational therapy provides a bridge between what a child is experiencing internally and how they engage with the environment around them. Sensory processing challenges can impact everything from a child’s ability to get dressed in the morning to how they learn in school, play with friends or fall asleep at night.
Whether a child is overwhelmed by noise, avoids touch, struggles with balance or constantly seeks movement, therapy sessions are designed to support their sensory systems and growth. Over time, these occupational therapy sessions help the nervous system become more organized and regulated.
Occupational therapists empower families to learn about their child’s individual sensory systems, how to respond effectively, and determine strategies to carryover outside of therapy sessions to facilitate regulation. This support helps reduce family stress and builds stronger routines at home, school and in the community.
In short, OT is not just about helping children tolerate sensory input. It’s about helping them grow and flourish.
How OT Supports Children with Sensory Challenges
Occupational therapy is very helpful for children with sensory processing difficulties. It allows them to better understand, process, and respond to sensory information. Here’s how:
- Sensory integration techniques: Sensory-rich activities that help the brain better understand and respond to sensory input. These activities are engaging for kids while supporting their specific needs.
- Self-regulation strategies: Children learn ways to calm their bodies and minds when sensory input becomes overwhelming. OTs teach individualized coping tools to help kids stay grounded and regulated.
- Motor coordination and body awareness: Some children with sensory challenges also struggle with balance, posture or spatial awareness. Therapists use fun games and activities to help kids feel more confident and coordinated in how they move.
- Sensory-friendly environments: Occupational therapists offer recommendations to make home or school settings more supportive for a child’s sensory preferences. This might include noise-reducing headphones, a quiet corner, special seating or fidget tools to help children feel regulated and ready to learn or participate in daily activities.
- Tailored home programming: Each therapy plan includes activities and strategies parents can try at home. Practicing skills during everyday routines — like getting dressed or transitioning between tasks — helps reinforce progress made in sessions.
Recognizing the Signs
Sensory processing challenges can look different in every child. Some signs are easy to spot, while others may be harder to link to sensory needs. Parents might notice things like:
- Avoiding messy play like finger painting or playing with sand
- Meltdowns during loud events like birthday parties or assemblies
- Refusing certain clothing, especially socks, shoes or tags
- Constantly seeking movement — jumping, climbing or running into people or objects
- Trouble sitting still in a classroom or at the dinner table
- Frequent complaints about noise, light or smells
- Appearing clumsy or uncoordinated during play
These behaviors may be misunderstood as defiance, hyperactivity or moodiness, when in fact they could be a sign that a child’s sensory system is not regulated.
One parent might describe how their child “melts down” every morning getting dressed because of scratchy fabrics or tight socks. Another may share that their child constantly moves and crashes into furniture but gets overwhelmed in crowded spaces. These everyday moments often point to a deeper need for support, and a pediatric OT can help decode what’s going on beneath the surface.
What to Expect During OT Sessions
Every child’s journey through occupational therapy is different but they all begin with an initial evaluation, where we build a full picture of your child’s strengths and areas for support, if applicable. After that, the process usually follows this thoughtful, step-by-step approach:
- Goal setting: If your child qualifies for occupational therapy services after the evaluation, the therapist creates a plan with specific, measurable goals tailored to your child. Goals might include exploring new textures, using calming strategies during times of dysregulation, improving coordination for school tasks like writing or gym class, attending to tasks for longer durations, and more!
- Consistent, individualized sessions: Therapy at More to Say is hands-on, child-led, and play-based, to keep kids engaged while building new skills. A session might include obstacle courses, tactile play, or learning calming activities. Therapists can adjust each session based on how the child is feeling that day and their response to the activity.
- Parent collaboration: OT is most effective when families are part of the process. Therapists share feedback during and after each session to offer tools, strategies, and activities families can use between visits to keep progress going at home and in the community.
- Progress monitoring: As your child grows and gains new skills, the therapy plan will evolve. Regular progress checks ensure that goals stay relevant and build on each other, supporting lasting change.
Early Intervention Makes a Difference
Many sensory-related behaviors become noticeable in early childhood. This is largely because it’s a period of rapid development, increasing exposure to new experiences, expectations, and environments. Addressing these needs early can significantly boost a child’s self-esteem, preventing feelings of frustration from taking hold. This early intervention can also lead to less stress for the child and those around them, both at home and in social settings. Ultimately, it gives children the chance to build the essential skills they need for school, friendships, and everyday routines.
Expert Help at More to Say
At More to Say Pediatric Development & Therapy, we specialize in helping children navigate sensory challenges with compassion and expertise. Our occupational therapists work closely with families to build customized therapy plans that meet each child’s unique needs.
If your child struggles with sensory sensitivities that impact daily life, we’re here to help. Call (203) 828-6790 to schedule an occupational therapy evaluation or free phone consultation today.
