How to help children thrive with sensory supports

Sensory processing is the ability to interpret and give meaning to our lived experiences. It helps us sort through all available information and select what is important. Through our senses, we are able to respond to these sensations in a purposeful manner. Effective sensory processing is essential for interacting with the world around us and serves as a foundation for academic learning, social engagement and everyday functioning.  

When a child’s sensory system has difficulty processing sensory input effectively, it can have a significant impact on their behavior. Efficient sensory integration allows an individual to cope with the demands of everyday life as well as adequately use feedback to effectively respond to their environments.  

Even children without a formal diagnosis can benefit from sensory supports tailored to their unique preferences.  

Benefits of sensory-based routines  

Sensory-based routines implemented throughout the day can have a significant impact on regulation, attention, reduced meltdowns, and participation. Sensory input can be alerting, like the rush after a ride on a roller coaster, or calming, such as cuddling a soft blanket in a quiet space. The key is providing the right input at the right time, sort of like having that first cup of coffee in the morning.  

All individuals have a unique range of sensory responsiveness. Understanding sensory preferences and using them within daily routines can be beneficial in improving a child’s self-esteem, attention and overall well-being. Children may seek out certain types of input like running, jumping, spinning, etc., or avoid others, like getting dirty, loud noises, etc. These behaviors provide clues as to the type of input a child may need more or less of.  

Being able to identify the signs of sensory dysregulation can help you respond appropriately. A child demonstrating signs of dysregulation may appear hyperactive, distracted or clumsy; refuse activities or environments; and demonstrate tantrum-like behaviors.  

These behavioral responses are often outside of the child’s control and signal a need for sensory support, either by adding regulating input or reducing overwhelming stimuli from within their environment.  

When to seek help  

If you are noticing sensory-related challenges or behaviors that interfere with daily life, it may be time to consult an occupational therapist or a therapist trained in sensory integration.  

Early intervention is key in optimizing therapeutic impact. The brain is the most malleable at a young age, and a child is more eager to learn. When sensory dysregulation is not addressed at a younger age, the child will learn to compensate, but they will likely continue to have difficulties later in life.  

They may continue to exhibit difficulty completing daily routines, an inability to complete multi-step tasks, poor focus within the school, and decreased confidence in themselves.  

Creating effective sensory routines at home  

Sensory routines, often referred to as sensory diets, are structured plans based on observed behaviors, tailored sensory activities, and predictions of when those behaviors are most likely to occur.  

Begin by identifying when your child or your family is having the most difficult time. From there, decipher why this time of day is so difficult. You may want to keep daily notes, use a checklist, and/or gather input from your child’s teacher or daycare provider.  

For example, your child may be too tired to complete daily routines such as getting dressed or finishing homework, or maybe they are overly active and struggle to engage in activities such as eating dinner or taking a bath. Once these patterns have been identified and a goal has been established, it is time to begin trialing sensory routines. 

If the child is under-responsive, you may want to incorporate alerting sensory input, which may include fast paced movement activities with high intensity music. If the child is overly active and unable to complete necessary tasks, they likely require calming activities such as heavy work, deep pressure and slower sounds. It is important to acknowledge that the sensory activities are provided prior to the activity or time of day that has been proven most difficult.  

When choosing sensory input, consider what your child’s body needs. Do they need help to get going, or do they require support to slow down and regulate? Try a few different strategies; you will likely find one or two that seem to work like a charm, while others are not as effective. Every child and body is different, and we all need different things to fuel our bodies, so trial and error is an important and necessary step.  

Remember, children’s preferences change; what worked one day might not work the next. By focusing on the specific behaviors you want to address and being mindful of when sensory strategies are most effective, you can build sensory routines that are both flexible and realistic.