Sensory Processing & Regulation

Sensory processing is how a child understands, interprets, and responds to information from their senses such as sounds, touch, movement, taste, smell, and body signals. These skills are built on the central nervous system and form the foundation for attention, learning, emotional regulation, and everyday participation. Difficulties with sensory processing can affect confidence, focus, behaviour, and the ability to take part in daily life.

Occupational therapists support children to recognise, respond to, and regulate sensory input so they can participate safely and confidently at home, at school, and in the community.

Understanding Sensory Processing

Children experience the world through eight senses. Each sense helps them understand their body, interact with others, and respond to their environment:

1. Sight (Visual): noticing colours, shapes, movement, and environmental cues

2. Hearing (Auditory): detecting sounds, tone of voice, and background noise

3. Touch (Tactile): feeling textures, temperature, and pressure

4. Smell (Olfactory): recognising scents and linking them to experiences

5. Taste (Gustatory): tasting foods and flavours, influencing eating preferences

6. Body awareness (Proprioception): knowing where the body is in space and using muscles/joints safely

7. Movement & balance (Vestibular): understanding motion, balance, and orientation

8. Internal body signals (Interoception): noticing hunger, thirst, temperature, or the need to use the toilet

Children respond to sensory input in different ways, called sensory patterns:

• Sensory Seeking: The child looks for extra input, such as spinning, jumping, or touching everything, to feel organised or alert

• Sensory Avoiding: The child is overwhelmed by sensory input and may avoid certain textures, sounds, or crowded spaces

• Low Registration: The child may not notice sensory input, appear “unaware” of surroundings, or need more intense input to respond

• Sensory Sensitivity: The child notices sensory input quickly, may startle easily, or become upset by small changes in the environment

Knowing a child’s sensory pattern helps guide strategies and supports that match their needs.

How OT Supports Sensory Skills

• Understanding whether a child is over-sensitive or under-sensitive to sensory input like loud noises, textures, or movement

• Teaching strategies to help children calm down, adjust energy, or maintain attention depending on the task

• Building a personalised sensory toolbox with tools such as fidget toys, movement breaks, deep pressure activities, or quiet spaces

• Observing and supporting children in real environments such as classrooms, shops, playgrounds, or community spaces

Sensory Processing and Regulation

Occupational therapists (OTs) help children develop skills to manage sensory input so they can stay calm, alert, and focused. This involves:

• Understanding triggers: Noticing if a child is over- or under-sensitive to sounds, textures, movement, or lights

• Calming or energising strategies: Using deep pressure, movement breaks, fidget tools, or quiet spaces

• Personalised sensory toolbox: Developing strategies the child can use independently

• Real-life support: Observing and guiding children in everyday environments such as classrooms, shops, playgrounds, or community spaces

Sensory processing and self-regulation are closely connected. When sensory input is overwhelming or insufficient, it can affect mood, behaviour, attention, and participation. By supporting sensory skills, children can:

• Recognise how their body feels and when they need a break

• Use strategies to calm down or get ready for action

• Stay focused during tasks like schoolwork, play, or community activities

• Participate confidently in social and daily routines without becoming frustrated or overwhelmed

How this skill can look at home, school, or in the community

• Home: Using quiet corners, weighted blankets, or fidget tools to manage energy or calm down.

• School: Accessing movement breaks, quiet zones, or classroom tools like noise-cancelling headphones to support attention.

• Community: Using calming strategies when shopping, at playgrounds, or during crowded events to stay regulated and safe.