— Service Overview

Sensory Processing

Most of us move through a sensory-rich world without thinking much about it. For children whose nervous systems process sensory information differently, that same world can feel overwhelming, unpredictable, or simply exhausting — and the effects show up in behavior, learning, and relationships.

children playin on a sensory therapy table

What is sensory processing?

Sensory processing is the brain’s ability to receive, organize, and respond to sensory information from the body and the environment. Most people think of the five senses — sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch — but there are three additional sensory systems that are especially relevant in occupational therapy: the vestibular system, which governs balance and movement, the proprioceptive system, which gives us a sense of where our body is in space and how much force we’re using, and interoception, which organizes internal body clues to alert us to basic physiological needs (my stomach is growling, I must be hungry) and emotional states (my feet were stomping when I felt angry about losing).

All of these systems work together to help us regulate our arousal level, filter out irrelevant input, and respond appropriately to what’s happening around us. When this system functions well, it happens automatically. When it doesn’t, everyday experiences — a crowded lunchroom, a scratchy shirt tag, a sudden loud noise, or even a gentle touch — can trigger reactions that seem out of proportion to the situation.

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Sensory differences

It’s important to understand that sensory processing differences aren’t about being picky or dramatic. The child who melts down over a seam in their sock isn’t being difficult — their nervous system is sending a genuine signal of distress. The child who constantly crashes into furniture, seeks bear hugs, or can’t seem to sit still isn’t misbehaving — they may be seeking sensory input their body needs in order to feel regulated.

Children with sensory processing differences often develop coping strategies on their own — avoiding certain textures, covering their ears in noisy spaces, or seeking intense physical input. These strategies make sense in context but can interfere significantly with daily life, school participation, and social connection.

Sensory processing differences are commonly seen in children with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, anxiety, and developmental delays — but they also occur in children without any formal diagnosis. The experience is real regardless of the label attached to it.

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Signs your child might benefit from sensory support

Strongly negative reactions to clothing textures, tags, or seams
Distress in loud, crowded, or brightly lit environments
Unusual sensitivity to certain smells, tastes, or food textures
Frequent seeking of intense physical input — crashing, jumping, spinning, rough play
Difficulty tolerating unexpected touch — being bumped in line, a light pat on the shoulder
Avoidance of messy play, certain textures, or getting hands dirty
Difficulty regulating emotions, especially in busy or stimulating environments
Poor body awareness — difficulty judging personal space or the force of their own movements
Motion sickness or strong reactions to movement, heights, or swings
Difficulty calming down after stimulating activities

Getting Started

Not sure where to begin? Our Getting Started page walks through exactly what to expect — from your first call to your child’s first session.

How It Works

How we approach it

Sensory processing is one of the most nuanced areas in pediatric occupational therapy, and good evaluation is essential. We gather a full picture of your child’s sensory profile — which systems are over-responsive, which are under-responsive, and how these patterns show up across different environments and times of day.

From there, we use a sensory integration approach: a structured, therapist-guided process of providing specific sensory experiences to help the nervous system learn to process input more effectively. This might involve movement on specialized equipment, deep pressure activities, textured materials, or carefully sequenced play that challenges the child’s sensory system in a controlled and supportive way.

We also work with families to develop a sensory diet — a personalized set of activities and strategies that can be woven into the child’s daily routines at home and at school. The goal is to help children feel more regulated throughout the day, not just during therapy sessions.

Equally important is the collaborative work we do with parents: helping you understand your child’s sensory profile, decode their behavior, and respond in ways that support regulation rather than escalate distress. Many families find that this shift in perspective alone changes the dynamic at home significantly.

What we address in treatment

Tactile processing — touch sensitivity, texture tolerance, messy play
Auditory processing — noise sensitivity, filtering background sound
Vestibular processing — balance, movement tolerance, motion sensitivity
Proprioceptive processing — body awareness, force regulation, spatial orientation
Visual processing — sensitivity to light, visual complexity, or fast movement
Sensory-seeking behaviors and how to meet those needs constructively
Sensory diet development for home and school
Emotional regulation as it relates to sensory experiences
Environmental modifications to support sensory needs

What parents can do at home

Notice patterns — keep a simple log of when your child seems most regulated and when they seem most distressed; environments, times of day, and activities all matter
Build in sensory “snacks” throughout the day — brief, targeted activities that help your child stay regulated between sessions
Create predictability — transitions and unexpected changes are often the hardest sensory moments; advance notice and visual schedules can reduce distress significantly
Reduce sensory friction where possible — tag-free clothing, noise-canceling headphones in overwhelming environments, or consistent lighting can make a real difference
Avoid power struggles over sensory reactions — your child isn’t choosing to be overwhelmed; validate first, problem-solve second
Work with your therapist to build a home sensory program — what works in the clinic can often be adapted for your space and your child’s routine

Sensory processing differences are among the most misunderstood areas of child development — and among the most treatable. If what you’re reading here sounds like your child, we’d love to talk. An evaluation is the best way to understand exactly what’s happening and what would help most.