Supporting Your Child’s Sensory Needs
Some children seem to thrive in busy, noisy environments, while others cover their ears at loud sounds or avoid certain textures. These differences often relate to sensory processing—how the brain interprets and responds to sensory information. Understanding your child’s sensory needs can help you create a more supportive environment and reduce daily stress for both of you.
What Is Sensory Processing?
Sensory processing refers to how the brain receives, organizes, and responds to information from the senses. This includes:
Touch (Tactile) → Clothing textures, messy hands, hugs
Sound (Auditory) → Loud noises, background chatter, music
Movement (Vestibular) → Swinging, spinning, balance
Body Awareness (Proprioception) → Deep pressure, heavy lifting, jumping
Smell & Taste → Food aversions, strong scent sensitivity
Some children are sensory-seeking (they crave intense input like jumping or crashing into things), while others are sensory-sensitive (they may avoid loud sounds, bright lights, or specific textures). Many kids experience a mix of both.
Signs Your Child May Have Sensory Sensitivities
Every child has preferences, but if sensory experiences frequently lead to meltdowns or avoidance, it may indicate sensory processing challenges. You might notice:
🔹 Easily overwhelmed by sounds, lights, or crowds
🔹 Strong aversions to certain fabrics, food textures, or being messy
🔹 Covers ears or avoids loud environments
🔹 Dislikes toothbrushing, haircuts, or nail trimming
🔹 Avoids playground equipment or physical movement
Signs Your Child May Be Sensory-Seeking
Other children seek out extra sensory input to help regulate their bodies. They may:
🔸 Love roughhousing, jumping, and crashing into furniture
🔸 Constantly touch objects, people, or put things in their mouth
🔸 Enjoy spinning, swinging, or rocking excessively
🔸 Struggle to sit still and need to move frequently
How to Support Your Child’s Sensory Needs
The goal isn’t to eliminate sensory challenges but to create an environment where your child can feel regulated and comfortable.
Create a Sensory-Friendly Home
Offer quiet spaces for breaks (cozy corners, tents, noise-canceling headphones).
Adjust lighting (dimmers, lamps instead of overhead lights).
Allow choice in clothing (soft fabrics, seamless socks).
Provide Sensory Breaks Throughout the Day
For sensory-seeking kids → Try trampoline time, weighted blankets, deep-pressure hugs.
For sensory-sensitive kids → Use slow introductions to new textures or sensory activities.
Use Movement to Support Regulation
Before school or homework → Try heavy work activities like carrying groceries, pushing a laundry basket, or wall push-ups.
Before transitions → Offer a fidget toy or let them jump 10 times before moving to the next activity.
Embrace Messy Play in a Controlled Way
Let kids explore textures on their terms (finger painting with a brush instead of hands at first).
Offer alternatives (a straw instead of lips touching a smoothie cup, using a spoon for sand instead of hands).
Key Takeaways for Parents
Observe what helps your child feel calm and what triggers discomfort—this will guide you in making small adjustments to your home and routine.
Build sensory-friendly routines by incorporating movement, texture choices, and quiet breaks throughout the day.
Support, don’t force—help your child gradually explore new sensory experiences at their own pace.
At TRAIN, we help children develop regulation strategies through play-based therapy. If you’re curious about how sensory processing affects your child’s daily life, contact us to learn more.
