Helping Your Child Navigate Their Sensory World with Confidence
Does your child melt down over clothing tags, cover their ears in loud environments, or seem to constantly seek intense physical input? Do everyday activities like haircuts, teeth brushing, or grocery shopping become overwhelming experiences for your family? These behaviors often indicate sensory processing differences that can significantly impact a child’s daily life, but there is effective help available.
At Speech & Occupational Therapy of North Texas, we’ve been providing sensory based therapy for over 20 years, helping children understand and regulate their sensory experiences so they can participate more fully and comfortably in daily activities.
Understanding Sensory Integration and Processing
Sensory integration is the neurological process by which our brain receives, organizes, and responds to sensory information from our environment and our own bodies. This complex system includes not just the five senses most people know (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch), but also:
- Vestibular system: Our sense of movement and balance
- Proprioceptive system: Our awareness of where our body is in space
- Interoceptive system: Our awareness of internal body signals (hunger, thirst, need for bathroom)
When sensory integration works smoothly, children can focus on learning, playing, and interacting without being overwhelmed or distracted by sensory input. However, when this system isn’t working optimally, children may struggle with daily activities that require processing multiple sensory inputs simultaneously.
Common Signs of Sensory Processing Difficulties
Over-Responsivity (Sensory Defensiveness)
Children who are over-responsive to sensory input may:
- Tactile defensiveness: Avoid messy play, refuse certain clothing textures, resist hair brushing or nail cutting
- Auditory sensitivity: Cover ears in loud environments, become upset by sudden sounds, struggle to filter background noise
- Visual sensitivity: Squint or avoid bright lights, become overwhelmed in visually busy environments
- Movement sensitivity: Fear playground equipment, avoid elevators or escalators, become carsick easily
- Oral sensitivity: Refuse certain food textures, gag easily, avoid teeth brushing
Impact on daily life: These children often appear anxious, avoidant, or controlling as they try to manage overwhelming sensory experiences.
Under-Responsivity (Sensory Seeking)
Children who are under-responsive to sensory input may:
- Seek intense touch: Crash into furniture, enjoy bear hugs, may not notice when touched lightly
- Crave movement: Constantly moving, spinning, jumping, or rocking
- Seek loud sounds: Make noise, turn volume up high, may not respond to their name being called
- Visual seeking: Stare at lights, enjoy spinning objects, may be fascinated by visual patterns
- Oral seeking: Chew on clothing, pencils, or inappropriate objects
Impact on daily life: These children may appear hyperactive, aggressive, or inattentive as they seek the sensory input their nervous system craves.
Mixed or Fluctuating Responses
Many children show a combination of over- and under-responsivity, or their responses may vary by:
- Time of day or energy level
- Environmental factors (noise, lighting, crowd level)
- Emotional state (stressed, tired, excited)
- Types of sensory input (may seek proprioceptive input while avoiding tactile input)
Sensory-Based Motor Difficulties
Some children have adequate sensory processing but struggle with:
- Dyspraxia: Difficulty planning and executing new motor tasks
- Postural control: Poor core strength and balance affecting seated activities
- Bilateral coordination: Trouble using both sides of the body together effectively
- Motor planning: Challenges learning new physical skills or adapting to changes
Our Comprehensive Sensory Integration Assessment
Detailed Sensory History
Our evaluation begins with understanding your child’s sensory profile:
- Daily routine challenges: Specific situations that are difficult for your child
- Environmental factors: Settings where your child thrives versus struggles
- Family observations: Your insights about your child’s sensory preferences and aversions
- Current coping strategies: What currently helps or hinders your child’s success
Sensory Assessments
We use sensory evaluation tools including:
- Sensory Profile: Evaluating sensory processing across home, school, and community settings
- Clinical observations: Structured activities that reveal how your child processes and responds to sensory input
- Postural and movement assessments: Understanding your child’s motor control and coordination abilities
Environmental and Functional Analysis
We observe how sensory processing affects:
- Academic skill performance: Attention, handwriting, directions following
- Social interactions: Communication and interaction with family and therapist
- Self-care skills: Dressing, hygiene, feeding independence
- Play and leisure: Participation in age-appropriate activities
- Family routines: Impact on daily activities and family dynamics
Sensory Integration Treatment
Classic Sensory Integration Therapy
Based on Dr. A. Jean Ayres’ original research, this approach uses:
- Sensory-rich activities: Providing controlled sensory experiences that challenge and organize the nervous system
- Child-directed exploration: Following your child’s lead while providing therapeutic guidance
- Just-right challenge: Activities that are challenging enough to promote neural change but achievable enough to maintain engagement
- Multi-sensory experiences: Combining tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive input for maximum therapeutic benefit
Environmental Modifications and Adaptations
We help families create sensory-supportive environments:
- Home modifications: Lighting, sound, texture, and organization changes that support your child
- Community strategies: Preparing for challenging environments like restaurants, stores, or events
- Sensory tools and equipment: Recommending specific products that support regulation
Self-Regulation Strategies
Teaching children to understand and manage their sensory needs:
- Sensory awareness: Helping children recognize their sensory preferences and triggers
- Coping strategies: Teaching specific techniques for managing sensory overload or seeking input
- Sensory diets: Individualized activities and strategies throughout the day to maintain optimal arousal
Sensory-Motor Skill Development
Addressing motor challenges that stem from sensory processing difficulties:
- Postural control training: Building core strength and stability for seated activities
- Bilateral coordination: Developing smooth use of both sides of the body
- Motor planning activities: Breaking down complex tasks into manageable components
- Fine motor integration: Combining sensory awareness with precise hand movements
What to Expect: From First Visit to Progress
Your First Visit – Sensory Assessment
Before you arrive:
- Complete detailed sensory history questionnaires about home, school, and community behaviors
- Gather any previous evaluations from schools, doctors, or other therapists
- Prepare a list of your biggest concerns and goals for your child
During the evaluation (typically 1 hour):
- Parent interview: Discussion of sensory patterns, daily challenges, and family priorities
- Clinical observations: Structured activities to observe sensory responses and motor skills
- Environmental assessment: Discussion of settings where your child succeeds or struggles
- Functional activity analysis: Understanding how sensory processing affects daily tasks
After the evaluation:
- Written report within one week
- Treatment plan development with prioritized goals and strategies
- Initial sensory strategies to begin supporting your child at home immediately
Regular Sensory Based Therapy Sessions
Session structure (typically 45-60 minutes):
- Sensory preparation: Activities to prepare your child’s nervous system for learning
- Motor skill integration: Combining sensory input with purposeful movement activities
- Self-regulation practice: Teaching and practicing coping strategies and sensory awareness
- Parent coaching: Real-time guidance on supporting sensory needs at home
What your child will experience:
- Fun, play-based activities that provide therapeutic sensory input
- Respect for their sensory preferences while gentle expansion of comfort zones
- Opportunities to practice self-regulation and coping strategies
- Success-oriented challenges that build confidence and competence
- A safe, predictable environment designed to support sensory processing
Measuring Sensory Integration Progress
How we track improvement:
- Behavioral observations: Documentation of responses to sensory experiences over time
- Functional skill development: Measuring improvements in daily activities affected by sensory processing
- Self-regulation abilities: Tracking your child’s ability to manage sensory challenges independently
- Environmental participation: Assessing comfort and success in previously challenging settings
- Family quality of life: Evaluating reduced stress and increased participation in family activities
What progress looks like:
- Increased tolerance for previously avoided sensory experiences
- Better self-regulation during challenging situations
- Improved participation in daily activities and routines
- Enhanced motor skills and coordination
- Greater independence in managing sensory needs
- Reduced family stress around sensory-challenging activities
Specialized Approaches for Different Needs
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Children with autism often have complex sensory profiles requiring:
- Individual sensory preferences: Understanding unique patterns of seeking and avoiding
- Communication adaptations: Using visual supports and clear expectations during therapy
- Routine and predictability: Structured sessions that honor need for sameness while promoting growth
- Social sensory challenges: Addressing how sensory processing affects peer interactions
ADHD and Attention Challenges
Sensory processing differences often contribute to attention difficulties:
- Alertness regulation: Activities that promote optimal arousal for learning and attention
- Environmental modifications: Reducing distracting sensory input in learning environments
- Movement integration: Incorporating appropriate movement to support focus and attention
- Executive function support: Connecting sensory awareness to planning and organization skills
Anxiety and Emotional Regulation
Sensory processing challenges often contribute to anxiety and emotional dysregulation:
- Stress reduction strategies: Teaching techniques to manage sensory overload before it becomes overwhelming
- Emotional awareness: Connecting sensory experiences to emotional responses
- Coping skill development: Building a toolkit of strategies for different sensory challenges
- Environmental predictability: Creating sensory-supportive environments that reduce anxiety
Family-Centered Sensory Support
Comprehensive Parent Education
We believe families are essential partners in sensory integration success:
- Understanding your child’s sensory profile: Learning to recognize patterns and triggers
- Home environmental modifications: Simple changes that can make a significant difference
- Daily routine adaptations: Incorporating sensory strategies into existing activities
- Advocacy skills: Supporting your child’s sensory needs in school and community settings
- Sibling and family support: Helping everyone understand and support your child’s needs
Ongoing Family Support
- Crisis management strategies: What to do during sensory meltdowns or overwhelming situations
- Long-term planning: Adapting strategies as your child grows and their needs change
- Celebrating progress: Recognizing and building on your child’s sensory integration successes
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
How do I know if my child has sensory processing issues? Consider sensory integration therapy if your child shows extreme reactions to everyday sensory experiences, avoids or excessively seeks certain sensations, has frequent meltdowns in sensory-rich environments, or struggles with activities that seem easy for other children their age.
What’s the difference between sensory processing disorder and autism? Sensory processing challenges can occur independently or as part of other conditions like autism, ADHD, or anxiety. While many children with autism have sensory processing differences, many children with sensory processing challenges do not have autism. A comprehensive evaluation can help clarify your child’s specific profile.
Will my insurance cover sensory integration therapy? Coverage varies by insurance plan and is typically covered when provided as part of occupational therapy services. We’re network providers for major insurance plans and will verify your specific benefits. Some plans may require documentation of how sensory processing affects daily functioning.
About Treatment
How long does sensory integration therapy take? Treatment duration varies based on your child’s individual needs and goals. Some children make significant progress in 6-12 months, while others may benefit from longer-term support. We regularly assess progress and adjust treatment intensity and focus accordingly.
Is sensory integration therapy appropriate for my young child? Yes! Early intervention is often most effective. We adapt our approach for different ages, using play-based activities for younger children and more structured, goal-oriented activities for school-age children and teens.
What if my child is resistant to sensory experiences? We always respect your child’s comfort level and never force participation in activities. Our therapists are skilled in gradually building tolerance and helping children feel safe while exploring new sensory experiences. Resistance often decreases as trust builds and nervous system regulation improves.
Can sensory integration therapy help with behavior problems? Yes! Many challenging behaviors stem from sensory processing difficulties. When children’s sensory needs are understood and supported, behavioral challenges often improve significantly. We address the underlying sensory causes of behavioral responses.
Home and Daily Life Support
How can I support my child’s sensory needs at home? We provide specific strategies based on your child’s sensory profile. This might include environmental modifications, sensory activities throughout the day, timing adjustments for challenging tasks, and tools or equipment that support regulation.
What should I do during a sensory meltdown? Stay calm, ensure safety, and avoid overwhelming your child with too much input or demands. Prevention through environmental awareness and sensory preparation is often most effective.
How do I explain my child’s sensory needs to others? We provide education and resources to help you advocate for your child. Simple explanations like “loud sounds hurt her ears” or “he needs movement to help his body feel calm” can help others understand and accommodate your child’s needs.
School and Community Concerns
Will sensory based therapy help my child at school? Absolutely! Better sensory processing often leads to improved attention, reduced behavioral challenges, better handwriting, and increased participation in classroom activities. We can provide specific school recommendations and work with educational teams.
Can my child participate in normal activities and sports? Yes! The goal of sensory integration therapy is to help children participate more successfully in typical childhood activities. We often work on building tolerance and skills for specific activities your child wants to join.
What about sensory challenges during family outings? We provide specific strategies for challenging environments like restaurants, stores, amusement parks, and family gatherings. Preparation, environmental modifications, and having a plan can make family activities much more enjoyable for everyone.
Advanced and Specialized Questions
Do you use a sensory gym or special equipment? Yes! Our clinics are equipped with sensory based equipment including swings, climbing structures, tactile materials, and other therapeutic tools designed to provide specific types of sensory input in controlled ways.
What’s the research behind sensory integration therapy? Sensory integration therapy is based on decades of research beginning with Dr. A. Jean Ayres. Current research continues to support the effectiveness of sensory integration approaches, particularly when provided by trained occupational therapists using evidence-based methods.
Sensory Equipment and Environment
Specialized Therapeutic Equipment
Our sensory based therapy rooms include:
- Suspended equipment: Various swings and hammocks providing vestibular and proprioceptive input
- Climbing and moving surfaces: Opportunities for motor planning and proprioceptive feedback
- Tactile materials: Variety of textures and materials for sensory exploration
- Heavy work equipment: Tools for providing organizing proprioceptive input
- Regulation spaces: Quiet areas for self-regulation and sensory breaks
Sensory-Supportive Environment
Our therapy spaces are designed to:
- Provide controlled sensory experiences
- Minimize overwhelming or distracting input
- Offer choices and modifications based on individual needs
- Create predictable, safe spaces for sensory exploration
- Support both sensory seeking and sensory sensitive children
Success Stories and Outcomes
While every child’s sensory integration journey is unique, our families consistently report improvements in:
- Reduced sensory-related meltdowns and behavioral challenges
- Increased participation in daily activities and family routines
- Better self-regulation and coping with sensory challenges
- Improved school performance and classroom participation
- Enhanced motor skills and coordination
- Greater confidence in trying new activities and environments
- Improved sleep patterns and daily routine transitions
- Enhanced peer relationships and social participation
Take the First Step Toward Sensory Success
If your child is struggling with sensory processing challenges, early intervention can make a significant difference in their daily comfort and success. Don’t wait to seek support for behaviors that are impacting your child’s ability to participate fully in life.
Ready to understand your child’s sensory world?
Call us at (972) 424-0148 to:
- Schedule a comprehensive evaluation
- Discuss your child’s specific sensory challenges and behaviors
- Learn about our sensory based therapy approaches
- Verify your insurance benefits and coverage options
- Connect with our experienced occupational therapists
Wondering if sensory based therapy could help your child? Consider these questions:
- Does your child have extreme reactions to everyday sensory experiences?
- Are certain activities consistently challenging (haircuts, clothing, loud places)?
- Does your child seek or avoid sensory input in ways that seem unusual?
- Are daily routines difficult due to sensory sensitivities or needs?
- Do you suspect underlying sensory issues are affecting behavior or learning?
- Has your child been described as “oversensitive” or “sensory seeking”?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, a sensory based evaluation could provide valuable insights and effective strategies.
Not sure where to start? Our experienced therapy team understands that navigating sensory processing challenges can feel overwhelming. We’re here to listen to your observations, answer your questions, and help you understand how sensory based therapy might support your child and family. Every conversation begins with validating your experiences and understanding your child’s unique sensory profile.
At Speech & Occupational Therapy of North Texas, we believe every child deserves to feel comfortable and confident in their sensory world. From reducing overwhelming sensory experiences to building self-regulation skills to enhancing participation in daily activities, we’re committed to helping your child navigate their sensory world with greater ease and success.
Proudly serving families throughout North Texas from our locations in Frisco, McKinney, and Plano since 2001.
