Understanding Sensory Processing: Activities to Help Your Child Thrive

Navigating the World of Sensory Processing

In everyday life, every sound, light, texture, smell and movement is processed by our nervous system. For most people, these signals blend smoothly into a background that allows us to focus on what matters — a friend’s voice, a favorite song, the warmth of sunlight on our skin. For some children, though, the way the brain interprets these sensory inputs can be overwhelming or underwhelming. These children may have difficulty modulating their responses, leading to behaviors that puzzle parents and educators.

Sensory processing refers to the way the nervous system receives, organizes, and uses information from the senses. This includes the traditional senses — sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell — as well as the vestibular (sense of balance and movement) and proprioceptive (sense of body position and movement) systems. When the brain properly integrates these inputs, a child can move, learn, and interact effectively with the world. When integration is disrupted, it can manifest as sensory processing difficulties or disorder.

Understanding Sensory Processing Difficulties and Disorders

Sensory processing difficulties fall on a spectrum. Some children may be hypersensitive, reacting strongly to ordinary stimuli — a scratchy clothing label may feel unbearable, or the hum of fluorescent lights may cause distress. Others may be hyposensitive and seek additional sensory input, constantly touching objects, spinning, or making loud noises to feel grounded. Some children display a mix of both, depending on the sense involved.

While many children experience occasional sensory sensitivities, sensory processing disorder (SPD) refers to a pattern of chronic, significant impairment that interferes with daily life. Although SPD is not formally included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), researchers and clinicians recognize that sensory processing challenges can be linked to developmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety disorders. Children without a formal diagnosis can also have SPD.

Common signs of sensory processing difficulties include:

• Tactile sensitivities: Avoiding certain textures (e.g., certain fabrics, sticky substances), resisting hugs or seeking deep pressure, refusing to walk barefoot on grass or sand.
• Auditory sensitivities: Covering ears at everyday noises, reacting negatively to loud environments, having trouble concentrating in a noisy classroom.
• Visual sensitivities: Being bothered by bright lights, flickering screens or chaotic visual environments.
• Vestibular challenges: Becoming dizzy easily, avoiding swings and slides, or — conversely — craving intense movement like spinning or jumping.
• Proprioceptive issues: Bumping into people or objects, seeking tight squeezes, difficulty judging the force needed for tasks like holding a pencil or playing catch.

Some children are slow to respond to sensory input, while others respond quickly and intensely. The key is recognizing how these patterns affect a child’s daily activities, from dressing and eating to playing and learning. Early identification and support can help children develop adaptive strategies and prevent secondary problems such as anxiety, low self-esteem or social withdrawal.

Assessing Your Child’s Sensory Profile

If you suspect your child has sensory processing challenges, begin by observing when and where difficulties arise. Keep a journal of situations that provoke strong reactions and note the sensory qualities involved (noise level, lighting, texture, temperature, movement). Consider the time of day, the child’s mood and any patterns you notice.

Questions to ask yourself include:

• Does my child overreact to certain sensory experiences? Which senses are involved?
• Does my child seek out unusual sensory stimulation? Does she constantly move, chew on objects or touch everything within reach?
• Is my child’s ability to participate in daily routines (getting dressed, brushing teeth, eating, sleeping) affected by sensory sensitivities?
• How does my child respond in noisy, crowded or brightly lit environments, such as grocery stores or playgrounds?
• Are there tasks or times of day when my child seems unusually calm or regulated? What sensory factors are present?

These observations provide valuable information for healthcare professionals. If concerns persist, consult your pediatrician. They may refer you to an occupational therapist trained in sensory integration who can perform standardized assessments, such as the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) or the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM), to determine your child’s sensory profile and needs.

Activities to Support Sensory Regulation

Sensory integration therapy is a type of occupational therapy that helps children process and respond to sensory information more effectively. But many supportive activities can be incorporated into everyday routines at home. Here are some ideas organized by sensory system:

Tactile Activities

• Sensory bins: Fill bins with rice, beans, pasta, sand or water. Add small toys or objects for your child to find, encouraging them to bury and retrieve items with their hands. For children who dislike messy play, provide tools like scoops and spoons to allow participation at their comfort level.
• Textured art: Use finger paints, modeling clay, or textured paper. You can also make homemade play dough scented with essential oils for an additional sensory dimension.
• Mess-free tactile input: Place shaving cream or paint inside a zip-top baggie and tape it to a table. Kids can draw on the bag without getting their hands dirty.

Vestibular Activities

• Swinging: Gentle swinging on a playground swing or a sensory hammock can provide calming input. Monitor your child’s response and stop if they seem dizzy or uncomfortable.
• Rocking chairs and rocking horses: The rhythmic movement can be both soothing and regulating.
• Balancing games: Play games that involve standing on one foot, walking along a taped line, or balancing on a wobble board. These activities strengthen the vestibular system.
• Jumping and bouncing: Trampolines, hopscotch and jumping jacks can help hyposensitive children get the movement they need. Always supervise these activities for safety.

Proprioceptive Activities

• Heavy work: Activities that involve pushing, pulling, lifting or carrying objects provide deep pressure and help children regulate their bodies. For example, have your child push a loaded laundry basket, help with vacuuming, or carry grocery bags (light ones for younger children).
• Animal walks: Encourage your child to move like different animals — bear crawls, crab walks or frog jumps. These movements engage muscles and joints, offering proprioceptive feedback.
• Play dough and putty: Kneading, squeezing and rolling provide resistance, strengthening hand muscles and providing sensory input.
• Weighted blankets and compression garments: Under an occupational therapist’s guidance, these tools can offer calming pressure. They should be used carefully to ensure safety.

Auditory and Visual Activities

• Soundscapes: Use white noise machines, gentle nature sounds, or instrumental music to create a calming auditory environment. Experiment to see what helps your child focus or relax.
• Rhythm games: Clapping patterns, drumming, and dancing to music encourage coordination and auditory processing.
• Visual schedules: Use picture charts to outline routines, which help children anticipate transitions and feel more secure.
• Lighting adjustments: Dim lights, use natural daylight where possible, and avoid flickering fluorescent bulbs. Some children benefit from colored lenses or tinted glasses to reduce visual overstimulation.

Creating a Sensory-Friendly Home Environment

In addition to structured activities, a supportive home environment can make a significant difference. Consider these strategies:

• Designate quiet spaces: Create a calming corner with soft pillows, blankets, and perhaps a tent or canopy where your child can retreat when overwhelmed.
• Organize and label: Reduce visual clutter by organizing toys and materials in labeled bins. Clear spaces help children with sensory processing difficulties focus on the activity at hand.
• Establish predictable routines: Consistent meal times, bed times and daily rituals reduce stress by giving children a sense of control and expectation.
• Use sensory tools: Fidget toys, chewable jewelry, noise-cancelling headphones and sunglasses can help children self-regulate in challenging environments.
• Collaborate with caregivers: Ensure everyone involved in your child’s life — teachers, grandparents, babysitters — understands the child’s sensory needs and strategies that help.

Helping Your Child Thrive at School

School can be particularly challenging for children with sensory processing difficulties. Classrooms are filled with auditory, visual and social stimuli. To support your child:

• Communicate with teachers: Share your observations and any recommendations from occupational therapists. Work together to identify classroom modifications that can help (e.g., seating at the front to reduce distractions, access to a quiet space, permission to chew gum).
• IEP or 504 plan: If your child has a diagnosis or significant challenges, work with the school to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan outlining accommodations and goals.
• Provide sensory breaks: Encourage teachers to allow short breaks for movement, stretching or deep pressure input. A simple walk to the water fountain can provide relief.
• Teach self-advocacy: Help your child learn to recognize when they’re feeling dysregulated and practice asking for what they need (e.g., “I need to go to the calming corner” or “Can I wear my headphones?”).

Supporting Emotional Well-Being

Children with sensory processing challenges often feel misunderstood or frustrated. They may be labeled as picky, inattentive or defiant when, in reality, their nervous systems are struggling. Nurturing their emotional well-being is just as important as addressing the sensory components.

• Validate feelings: Acknowledge your child’s experiences without judgment. Instead of “There’s nothing to be scared of,” try “I hear that the vacuum is loud for you. Let’s find a way to make it more comfortable.”
• Teach coping strategies: Breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, and progressive muscle relaxation can help children calm their bodies. Practice together during calm times so they can use these skills when overwhelmed.
• Encourage interests: Support activities where your child feels successful. Building mastery — whether in art, sports or a hobby — enhances self-esteem and resilience.
• Seek peer support: Consider joining support groups for families navigating sensory challenges. Connecting with others who understand your experiences can provide encouragement and fresh ideas.

When to Seek Professional Help

While many strategies can be implemented at home, professional guidance is sometimes necessary. Consult your pediatrician if:

• Your child’s sensory responses significantly interfere with daily activities or family life.
• Your child avoids or seeks sensory experiences to the extent that it limits learning, socializing, or participating in age-appropriate activities.
• You notice developmental delays in speech, motor skills or social interaction.
• Behavioral challenges such as meltdowns, aggression or withdrawal are frequent and intense.

An occupational therapist with expertise in sensory integration can develop a personalized intervention plan. Therapy may involve play-based activities designed to improve sensory modulation and motor skills, as well as education for caregivers on how to implement sensory strategies at home and in the community.

Empowering Your Child Through Collaboration

Helping a child with sensory processing challenges is a collaborative effort. Your child is the expert on how their body feels, and their input is invaluable. Encourage them to share what helps and what doesn’t, and adjust strategies accordingly. A partnership approach fosters trust and empowers children to take an active role in self-regulation.

It’s also important to recognize progress, no matter how small. Celebrating your child’s successes — putting on socks without tears, trying a new food, or tolerating a noisy birthday party for a few minutes — builds confidence and reinforces that effort leads to growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sensory processing disorder the same as autism? No. While many individuals on the autism spectrum have sensory processing challenges, SPD can occur independently. Children with SPD do not necessarily meet criteria for autism. However, some interventions and accommodations may overlap.

Can sensory processing difficulties be outgrown? Some children develop coping strategies and their nervous systems mature over time, leading to decreased sensitivities. Others may experience ongoing challenges into adolescence and adulthood. Early intervention and support increase the likelihood of positive outcomes.

Are there medications for sensory processing disorder? There is no medication specifically for SPD. However, a healthcare provider may recommend medication if sensory challenges co-occur with conditions like ADHD or anxiety. Occupational therapy remains the primary intervention.

Do all children need an official diagnosis to receive help? No. If sensory sensitivities impact your child’s well-being, you don’t need to wait for a formal diagnosis to implement supportive strategies. You can collaborate with teachers and therapists to make accommodations and improve functioning.

Continuing the Journey

Understanding sensory processing is an evolving journey, both for researchers and for families. By observing your child, seeking expert guidance and integrating sensory-friendly activities into daily routines, you can help your child navigate the world with greater comfort and confidence. Patience, flexibility and empathy are essential ingredients in this process.

For more in-depth information on sensory processing challenges and interventions, including evidence-based resources and support networks, you can explore the resources provided by the STAR Institute for Sensory Processing (formerly the SPD Foundation). They offer articles, parent education webinars, and directories of qualified professionals.

Further reading: STAR Institute — Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder