Occupational Therapy & Sensory Processing
Sensory processing is how the nervous system receives, organizes, and responds to sensory information from our bodies and the environment. Our eight sensory systems include:
-
Vision: How we interpret what we see
-
Hearing: How we respond to sounds in our environment
-
Touch: How we respond to physical contact with our skin
-
Taste: How we experience flavors and textures in food
-
Smell: How we interpret and respond to odors
-
Proprioception: Our awareness of body position and movement (body awareness)
-
Vestibular: Our sense of balance and spatial orientation
-
Interoception: Our perception of internal body sensations (hunger, thirst, heart rate, etc.)
Effective sensory processing allows us to respond appropriately to sensory experiences, focus on important information, and participate successfully in daily activities.
What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) occurs when the brain has difficulty organizing and responding to sensory information. This can manifest in various ways:
Sensory Overresponsivity
-
Heightened sensitivity to sensations
-
May be overwhelmed by sounds, textures, or visual input that others barely notice
-
May demonstrate strong emotional or behavioral responses to sensory stimuli
Sensory Underresponsivity
-
Reduced awareness of sensory input
-
May appear unresponsive to pain, extreme temperatures, or loud sounds
-
May seek intense sensory experiences to register sensation
Sensory Seeking
-
Craving sensory experiences
-
May constantly move, touch everything, make noise, or seek intense sensations
-
May have difficulty regulating the intensity of their sensory seeking
Sensory Discrimination Challenges
-
Difficulty distinguishing between similar sensory experiences
-
May struggle with determining the source or characteristics of sensations
-
May have trouble with motor planning and body awareness
How Sensory Processing Affects Daily Life
Self-care: Sensitivity to textures can affect bathing, grooming, and eating
Learning: Difficulty filtering sensory information can impact focus and attention
Social interactions: Sensory overload can lead to withdrawal or behavioral reactions
Motor skills: Vestibular and proprioceptive processing affect coordination and movement
Emotional regulation: Sensory overload often triggers fight, flight, or freeze responses
Sleep: Sensory sensitivities can disrupt sleep patterns
Eating: Texture and taste sensitivities can limit food choices
How Occupational Therapy Addresses Sensory Processing
Comprehensive Assessment
Our occupational therapists conduct thorough evaluations to understand sensory processing patterns through:
-
Standardized sensory processing assessments
-
Clinical observations during sensory-rich activities
-
Parent/caregiver interviews about daily functioning
-
Environmental assessments
-
Analysis of how sensory challenges impact participation in daily activities
Individualized Intervention
Sensory Integration Therapy: Evidence-based approach using purposeful activities and sensory experiences to improve sensory processing
Environmental Modifications: Adapting spaces to better meet sensory needs
Sensory Diet: Individualized schedule of sensory activities throughout the day
Adaptive Strategies: Techniques to manage challenging sensory experiences
Parent/Caregiver Education: Teaching others to understand and support sensory needs
Client-Centered Goals
Our therapy focuses on improving participation in meaningful activities by:
-
Building tolerance for challenging sensory experiences
-
Developing self-regulation strategies
-
Improving sensory discrimination
-
Enhancing motor planning abilities
-
Creating supportive sensory environments
-
Teaching self-advocacy for sensory needs
Who Can Benefit from Sensory-Based Occupational Therapy?
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Individuals with ADHD or learning disabilities
Those with developmental coordination disorder
People with anxiety or emotional regulation challenges
Children with feeding or eating difficulties
Anyone experiencing sensory-based challenges that impact daily functioning
Signs That Might Indicate Sensory Processing Challenges
Is easily overwhelmed in busy environments
Has extreme reactions to certain textures, sounds, or sensations
Avoids certain activities, foods, or clothing due to sensory preferences
Seeks intense movement, pressure, or other sensory experiences
Has unexplained emotional outbursts in sensory-rich environments
Shows poor coordination or motor planning
Has difficulty with transitions or changes in routine
Fine Motor Development Skills Typically Addressed by Age
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Infants (0-1 Yrs)
-
Basic sensory registration (touch, sound, vision)
-
Self-regulation through sensory input
-
Tolerance for everyday sensory experiences
-
Vestibular processing for position changes
-
Oral sensory development for feeding
Toddler (1 to 3 Yrs)
-
Sensory exploration and discrimination
-
Managing sensory-rich environments
-
Body position awareness (proprioception)
-
Sensory seeking or avoiding behaviors
-
Integration of multiple sensory inputs
Preschoolers (3-5 Years)
-
Sensory modulation for group settings
-
Tolerating varied textures, sounds, movements
-
Integration of sensory and motor planning
-
Self-regulation during transitions
-
Filtering relevant sensory information
Early Elementary (5-8 Years)
-
Classroom sensory management
-
Focus despite background stimuli
-
Motor planning based on sensory feedback
-
Appropriate arousal levels for learning
-
Sensory strategies for self-regulation
Middle School ( 8-12 Years)
-
Refining sensory preferences and needs
-
Self-advocacy for sensory accommodations
-
Managing complex sensory environments
-
Integration with higher-level cognitive tasks
-
Sensory support for emotional regulation
