Understanding Sensory Processing: The Basics

If you’ve ever noticed your child covering their ears at loud sounds, avoiding certain textures, or constantly seeking movement, you’ve witnessed the amazing (and sometimes challenging) ways sensory processing affects daily life. As occupational therapists (OTs), we often say that sensation is the foundation of learning and behavior. Understanding how your child takes in and responds to sensory information can help you support their comfort, confidence, and participation in everyday activities.

What Is Sensory Processing?

Sensory processing is how the brain takes in, organizes, and responds to information from the body and the environment. We experience the world through our senses, and our brains use that information to make sense of what’s happening around us and within us.

Most people are familiar with the five basic senses: sight (visual), sound (auditory), touch (tactile), smell (olfactory), and taste (gustatory). Occupational therapists, however, also recognize three additional senses that are equally important for a child’s development and daily functioning. Vestibular sensory input is the sense of balance and movement, controlled by the inner ear. Proprioception is the sense of body awareness, knowing where your body is in space. Interoception is the sense of internal body signals such as hunger, thirst, or the need to use the bathroom. When all these systems work together smoothly, children can move, learn, and interact with others comfortably. However, when the brain has trouble processing or organizing this information, a child may seem sensitive, busy, or in their own world. This is known as sensory processing differences.

How Sensory Processing Affects Everyday Life

Every moment of a child’s day involves sensory input from getting dressed to eating breakfast, to playing or sitting in circle time. For most children, the brain automatically filters and organizes these sensations. For others, sensory messages may be overwhelming, confusing, or under-responsive.

Some common patterns you might notice:

• Sensory Seeking: These children crave movement and touch. They might love spinning, jumping, or crashing into pillows, and often seem to have endless energy. 
• Sensory Avoiding: These children might dislike loud noises, bright lights, or certain clothing textures. They may avoid messy play or cover their ears in noisy environments.
• Sensory Sensitive: These children may notice small changes others don’t like the hum of a refrigerator or a clothing tag. These things can cause them to become easily upset or distracted.
• Low Registration (Under-Responsive): These children might seem unaware of sensations, such as not noticing when their hands are dirty, bumping into things and not seeming to notice, or when someone calls their name.

It’s important to remember that everyone has sensory preferences. Some people love roller coasters while others find them unbearable. The difference for children with sensory processing challenges is that their reactions can interfere with daily routines, learning, and relationships.

Why Sensory Processing Matters for Development

From an occupational therapy perspective, sensory processing lays the groundwork for all other skills. Before a child can focus, use their hands effectively, or manage emotions, their sensory systems must work together in a balanced way so they are regulated. The vestibular and proprioceptive systems help children coordinate movements like sitting upright, running, climbing, and writing. A well-regulated sensory system allows a child to focus in school and adapt to changing environments. When sensory input feels “just right,” a child can stay calm, alert, and in control of their behavior. Sensory comfort helps children join group activities, try new experiences, and form positive peer relationships. When a child struggles to process sensory information, you might see behaviors that look like defiance, inattention, or clumsiness, but these are often signs of sensory overload or difficulty regulating input.

How Occupational Therapy Can Help

Occupational therapists are specially trained to assess and support sensory processing. Using play-based approaches, OTs help children learn to interpret and respond to sensory input in ways that support comfort, safety, and participation.

Therapy techniques might include:

• Sensory Integration Activities: playful experiences like swinging, jumping, climbing, or tactile exploration to help organize the brain’s responses to sensory input.
• Deep Pressure and Movement: using tools like weighted blankets, compression vests, or obstacle courses to calm or alert the nervous system.
• Environmental Adjustments: strategies for modifying lighting, noise, or classroom setup to support attention and regulation.
• Parent and Caregiver Coaching: helping families understand their child’s sensory profile and create routines that work at home and in the community.

The goal is not to eliminate sensory differences, but to help children learn strategies and build resilience so they can thrive in their daily occupations like play, learning, and self-care.

Supporting Sensory Needs at Home

You can support your child’s sensory development through simple, playful routines. Offer movement breaks by encouraging jumping, pushing, or animal walks throughout the day. Create a calm-down or quiet space by using soft lighting, deep pressure (like hugs or blankets), and/or calming music. Include sensory play in your play by incorporating water play, play dough, finger painting, or sandbox exploration. Be sure to watch for patterns and notice what sensory experiences your child seeks or avoids. Every child’s sensory system is unique, so it’s helpful to focus on balance. The goal is to find that “just right” level of input where your child feels comfortable, alert, and engaged. 

Sensory processing is the invisible engine behind how children experience the world. When it’s running smoothly, children can focus, learn, and connect with others. When it’s not, simple activities may feel hard or overwhelming. By understanding sensory processing and seeking support from an occupational therapist when needed, you can help your child feel more confident, capable, and joyful in their daily routines. When a child’s sensory world feels “just right,” everything else (learning, play, and relationships) starts to fall into place.

For more information on common parenting topics, visit forwardleadingfamilies.org or schedule a 1 on 1 to meet with a qualified professional for parenting support.