Sensory Processing Difficulties: What You Need to Know

Does your child cover their ears at loud noises or melt down in busy environments? Or maybe they seem to crave movement or rough play more than other children? These could be signs of sensory processing difficulties — something occupational therapists see and support every day at South Coast Therapy & Support Group.

What is Sensory Processing?

Sensory processing refers to how our brain receives, organizes, and responds to information from our senses. This includes sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, movement (vestibular), and body awareness (proprioception).

Children with sensory processing difficulties may:

• Be overly sensitive (hypersensitive) or under-responsive (hyposensitive) to certain sensations

• Avoid textures, loud sounds, or bright lights

• Struggle with transitions, meltdowns, or emotional outbursts

• Constantly seek movement, pressure, or chewing

• Have trouble with body awareness, balance, or coordination

  
  

Signs of Sensory Processing Challenges

You may notice your child:

• Refuses to wear certain clothes or gets distressed during grooming

• Seeks out risky play or avoids playgrounds entirely

• Has frequent meltdowns in crowded or noisy places

• Struggles to sit still, concentrate, or stay regulated

  
  

How Occupational Therapy Can Help

Our OTs are trained in sensory integration and provide:

• Assessment and observation of sensory preferences and challenges

• Sensory diets – customized daily activities to support regulation

• Play-based therapy that improves sensory processing and self-regulation

• Parent coaching to support routines at home and in the community

The goal isn’t to eliminate sensory preferences but to help your child understand and manage them so they can fully participate in daily life.

Simple Strategies to Try at Home

• Provide a quiet, calm-down corner with soft lighting and calming items

• Offer heavy work activities like carrying groceries, pushing laundry baskets, or wall pushes

• Use noise-cancelling headphones in overwhelming environments

• Incorporate calming breathing or movement breaks into the day

Let’s Support Sensory Success

If you’re concerned about your child’s sensory needs, our team is here to help with assessments, personalized therapy, and support that fits your family. Reach out to us today to get started.