Does your child cover their ears at everyday sounds, refuse to wear certain fabrics, or struggle with bright lights? Or, conversely, do they constantly touch everything or seem unable to sit still?
For some children, everyday sensations can feel overwhelming. For others, the world might seem dull, which leads them to seek out stronger sensations. These types of behaviors could both be signs of a condition called sensory processing disorder that impacts how the brain responds to information it receives from the senses.
In this article, we want to help you understand why this happens so you can recognize the signs, support your child’s needs, and learn how you can help them thrive.
What Is Sensory Processing?
Sensory processing is the way the brain receives, interprets, and responds to information it gets from the senses. This includes what we see, hear, touch, taste, and smell, as well as our senses of balance and body awareness.
For most people, the brain processes sensory information automatically so we can respond appropriately to our environment. For example, if you step outside on a cold day, you immediately recognize the temperature drop and put on a jacket.
What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition where the brain has trouble organizing and responding to sensory information. The information received from the senses will either feel like too much, or too little.
SPD generally falls into two main categories:
- Sensory avoidant: Sensory input feels too intense, which causes a child to withdraw or become overwhelmed. A sensory-avoidant child might refuse to wear socks because they “feel scratchy,” cover their ears at loud noises, or struggle with crowded places.
- Sensory seeking: More intense sensory input is needed, which causes a child to actively seek out movement, pressure, or touch. A sensory-seeking child might spin in circles constantly, chew on clothing, or touch everything in their environment to get more sensory input.
Signs of Sensory-Avoidant Sensory Processing Disorder
Children with sensory-avoidant SPD may find certain sensations overwhelming and try to avoid them. Some common signs of this condition include:
- Covering ears at normal sounds like a vacuum or hair dryer
- Refusing to wear certain clothes due to fabric texture
- Becoming upset by bright lights or busy environments
- Avoiding messy activities like finger painting
- Struggling with haircuts, nail trimming, or brushing teeth
- Becoming anxious or distressed when touched unexpectedly
Signs of Sensory-Seeking Sensory Processing Disorder
Children with sensory-seeking SPD crave more sensory input and may actively seek out intense sensations. Some common signs of this condition include:
- Jumping, spinning, or running excessively
- Touching everything in sight, even when asked not to
- Biting, chewing, or sucking on objects (or their clothing)
- Enjoying tight hugs, roughhousing, or squeezing into small spaces
- Constantly moving, fidgeting, or having trouble sitting still
- Not noticing pain or temperature changes as much as others
How Sensory Processing Disorder Can Affect Your Child
Sensory processing disorder can impact many areas of your child’s life, sometimes in ways that may not seem obvious at first. For example, sensory-avoidant children will tend to withdraw from group activities. Sensory-seeking children might overwhelm their peers with their need for movement or touch. Both these situations can make it difficult for your child to make friends.
At school, SPD can make it hard for your child to focus, follow directions, or even copy what the teacher writes on the whiteboard. This can impact their ability to learn.
The good news is that early intervention with pediatric occupational therapy can help your child improve their sensory processing skills. We can also help your child learn healthier coping strategies for when they feel overwhelmed or under stimulated.
What Causes Sensory Processing Disorder?
While the exact cause of SPD is not fully understood, it often appears alongside other conditions, such as:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Genetic factors (e.g., a family history of sensory challenges)
- Medical conditions that impact neurological development
What Parents Can Do at Home to Support a Child with Sensory Processing Disorder
You can make simple adjustments at home to help your child feel more comfortable and supported in daily life. Here are some tips from our experts:
Tips for Sensory-Avoidant Children
- Allow them to wear soft, tag-free clothing that feels comfortable
- Use noise-canceling headphones in loud environments
- Provide dim lighting or sunglasses for sensitivity to bright lights
- Give them time in a calm room of the house where they can relax alone
Tips for Sensory-Seeking Children
- Offer weighted blankets or give them bear hugs
- Set up an obstacle course, play outside, or go to the park routinely to give them the opportunity to move
- Encourage chewing on safe items, such as chewable necklaces
- Provide sensory-friendly toys like fidget spinners or textured objects
When to Seek an Occupational Therapy Evaluation
Many parents wonder if their child will “grow out of it.” But when sensory difficulties interfere with daily life, it’s worth getting advice from our experts. Early intervention can make a big difference, and our team can help your child develop the skills they need to navigate the world more comfortably.
An occupational therapy evaluation can give you clarity and guidance to better understand your child’s sensory needs. If you find yourself constantly adjusting your routine to accommodate your child’s sensitivities or apologizing for their behaviors, reach out to us. We can help.
How Pediatric Occupational Therapy Can Help
At Little Hands at Play, our pediatric occupational therapists specialize in helping children with SPD develop better sensory regulation skills. Some activities we may work on in therapy include:
- Sensory integration activities to help children gradually tolerate and respond to sensory input in a more manageable way.
- Exercises (such as swinging, jumping, or pushing heavy objects) to improve body awareness, balance, and movement control.
- Activities that address emotional and behavioral regulation to teach children strategies to manage their frustration, anxiety, or sensory overload more effectively.
- Personalized recommendations for what you can do at home to help your child feel more comfortable in daily life.
Reach Out to Little Hands at Play for Expert Support
If you’re concerned about your child’s sensory processing skills, we’re here to help. Our experienced pediatric occupational therapists at Little Hands at Play can assess your child’s needs and create a personalized therapy plan to support their sensory development.
Give us a call at (479) 226-3409 to schedule an evaluation today. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and provide insight to support your child’s growth.
