Abby Barnes, M.S., CCC-SLP
Many children have sensory issues that make everyday sights, sounds, smells, textures, and movements feel overwhelming. Sensory issues in kids can lead to discomfort or anxiety. However, making small, simple changes at home can make a big difference in how calm and regulated your child feels.
Key takeaways
Sensory issues in kids can affect how they respond to sounds, sights, textures, smells, or movement.
Sensory issues are common in children with ADHD, sensory processing disorder, autism, and other developmental disorders.
Some common sensory issue examples include becoming upset by loud noises, feeling overwhelmed by cluttered spaces, refusing to wear clothes with tags or seams, avoiding foods with certain textures, or having trouble with swings, slides, or escalators.
To help at home, you can try creating a “retreat space,” reducing clutter, preparing your child for sensory experiences, and creating routines to help reduce sensory triggers.
Occupational therapy can provide individualized strategies to help kids regulate their sensory issues and participate in everyday activities.
Find the right occupational therapist for your child
We'll match you with a licensed OT who's experienced in your child's needs and available when you are.
Get startedWhat are sensory issues in kids?
“Sensory issues can happen when the brain processes information differently in response to sensory input from the environment,” explains Expressable occupational therapist Isayda Bell, M.S., OTR/L. “This input can be sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.”
Sensory issues can be vestibular (balance/movement), proprioceptive (body awareness), or interoceptive (internal sensation).
We all have sensory preferences. For example, some people are more sensitive to light than others, and they adapt by wearing a hat or sunglasses. But some people can become overwhelmed by sensory information. They are very sensitive to certain sensations, and they try to avoid them altogether. For example, some people avoid concerts or crowded areas. A child who is sensitive to these environments might cry or have a meltdown. In contrast, some children seek sensory input, rather than avoid it. They are underwhelmed by sensory information and need more input from their senses. For example, a child who enjoys jumping off of high areas in a jungle gym or is constantly on the move may be seeking extra sensory input.
Being sensitive to sensory input or seeking sensory input can both be signs of a sensory processing disorder.
Problems with sensory processing and emotional regulation are often related in children. Here’s how occupational therapy can help.
What causes sensory issues in kids?
Sensory processing issues are commonly associated with conditions such as:
Sensory processing disorder
Anxiety disorders
Developmental disorders
Sensory problems won’t look the same way for every child. What feels overwhelming for one child may not bother another.
It’s not just picky eating. Learn the symptoms of sensory food aversion in children and how sensory feeding therapy can help make mealtime less stressful.
Sensory issue examples
Sensory issues can affect any of the body’s sensory systems. Some common sensory issue examples include:
Sound sensitivity. A child might cover their ears during loud noises or become upset by a vacuum cleaner, blender, or hair dryer. Or they might have difficulty paying attention in noisy environments
Visual sensitivity. This could be discomfort with bright lights, feeling overwhelmed in cluttered spaces, or having difficulty with flashing lights
Tactile/touch sensitivity. A child might refuse to wear certain clothing fabrics, dislike tags or seams, or avoid messy play activities
Smell and taste sensitivity. A child might react to certain foods, have problems tolerating perfumes or food smells, or be a selective (picky) eater.
Movement sensitivity. This might look like problems with sudden movements; difficulty with swings, slides, or escalators; or becoming dizzy easily from movement.
How to treat sensory problems at home
When you understand which sensory experiences are difficult for your child, it’s easier to create a more supportive environment for them at home. Bell recommends these five simple tips.
1 Create a calm, sensory-friendly space
Many kids benefit from having a safe, calm space they can go to when they feel overwhelmed or need to take a break. Bell says, “A sensory retreat space doesn’t need to be anything too big or involved. It could be a small corner, a little tent, a soft beanbag chair, or a cozy reading nook.”
Some things that may help in a retreat space include:
Soft, low lights
Noise-reducing headphones
Favorite stuffed animals or blankets
Books or fidget toys
Let your child know they can use this space whenever they need a break. This can help prevent them from getting to the point of feeling overwhelmed.
2 Prepare your child for sensory triggers
When possible, let your child know when a sensory trigger might be coming. Unexpected sensory triggers can be dysregulating and challenging for kiddos with sensory differences. Here are some examples of how you might give your child a heads-up:
Offering your child headphones before you turn on the vacuum cleaner
Giving a countdown before you turn on the blender
Explaining what to expect before going to a loud, crowded event, like an indoor playground or a concert
“Talking to your child ahead of time can ease their worry and help them feel more in control and prepared,” Bell says. She also recommends using a visual schedule, like a list that shows the order of events, or a visual timer that shows a countdown.
Learn how to use empathy with your child and teach them to express their feelings and emotions in a healthy way.
3 Cut down on environmental noise and clutter
Busy environments can make it tough for some kids to focus or regulate their emotions. You can help by reducing noise or visual clutter. Here are some ideas to try:
Use rugs and curtains to help absorb sound.
Close doors when you have an appliance running.
Offer your child headphones for loud activities.
Turn off the TV or radio when you’re not actively using it.
Limit the number of toys out at one time. Organize toys into bins or containers.
If your child is coloring or doing schoolwork at a table or counter, limit the other items on that space.
Use predictable layouts. For example, place items your child needs (shoes, craft supplies, puzzles, etc.) in a reliable spot that’s easy to reach.
4 Support your child’s sensory preferences
Children often communicate their sensory needs through their behavior. Try to pay attention to what helps your child feel regulated or what causes them to get dysregulated, or upset. Some tips can include:
Using soft, tag-free clothing for kids who dislike certain fabrics
Using dimmer lighting for kids who are sensitive to bright lights
Allowing lots of active play, such as dancing, jumping on a trampoline, or playing outside, for kids who seek movement
The key is to look for practical accommodations whenever possible. You won’t be able to do this all the time, but doing what you can, when you can, can go a long way!
Find out how to calm a dysregulated child, help a child with big emotions, and teach your child emotional regulation skills.
5 Build sensory-friendly routines
A predictable routine or schedule can help reduce uncertainty for kids. That helps them stay more regulated throughout the day.
Bell recommends some simple things you can try:
Schedule movement breaks throughout the day, such as going outside to play or take a walk.
Create a calming bedtime routine, such as taking a bath, reading together, listening to soft music, or limiting electronics for 1 hour before bedtime.
Offer a quiet time after school.
Offer meals and snacks at the same time every day.
Alternate demanding activities, like homework or chores, with fun or calming activities.
Try these routines to prevent your child from getting to the point of feeling dysregulated.
Looking for an occupational therapist?
Teletherapy makes it easy. We serve families with a range of needs across the U.S. Get started today!
Find an OTHow occupational therapy can help with sensory issues
If sensory issues affect your child’s everyday life, occupational therapy (OT) can help. An occupational therapist can assess how sensory processing affects daily activities like:
Playing
Learning
Eating
Dressing
Participating in daily routines
The therapist can help identify your child’s specific sensory triggers. They can teach your child ways to regulate themselves, and give you personalized recommendations for home, school, or out in the community.
In OT, kids may start out doing seemingly small tasks. They may work on tolerating the sound of a toilet flushing or a vacuum turning on. Gradually, they’ll be able to use a loud public restroom or handle being in the same room with the vacuum. Small steps lead to big progress!
Find an OT for your child
If you’re thinking about how to help your child with sensory issues, we’re here to answer your questions. With the right support, your child can improve sensory challenges and become more regulated in their daily life. Take the next step and get matched with an occupational therapist.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Sensory input is the information the brain receives from the environment. This information includes what we see, hear, touch, taste, smell, or feel through movement. Some children have challenges with sensory input, leading to sensory issues or sensory processing disorder.
Sensory issues are when a person has trouble processing or responding to sensory information. Some people feel overstimulated or overwhelmed by sensory information. Others may seek out extra sensory input to feel balanced and regulated.
Many people with ADHD have sensory challenges. They might be easily distracted by things like lights, sounds, or movement around them, such as being in a loud or crowded place. They may need to move or “fidget” more than is typical in order to help their focus.
Occupational therapy (OT) is a huge help in reducing sensory issues in autism. An occupational therapist can help identify sensory triggers; create calm, predictable routines; and provide strategies for emotional regulation. This helps the person feel more supported and comfortable in their environment.
Caregivers can support their child’s sensory needs by creating calm spaces, reducing sensory triggers, creating routines, and preparing their child for big sensory experiences. However, the best support is often to work with an occupational therapist (OT) for guidance. While there are many ways you can help your child, an OT is trained to provide the highest level of treatment so your child can stay more regulated in their daily life.
How Expressable Can Help
Concerned your child isn't reaching age-expected milestones? Looking for communication support from a professional? Expressable is a national online speech and occupational therapy practice serving children and adults. We treat all major areas of communication, feeding, and developmental skills, offer flexible hours including evenings and weekends, and accept most major health insurance plans. We’re proud to have earned more than 4,500 5-star reviews from our clients (4.83/5 average).
Our therapy model is centered on parent and caregiver involvement. Research proves that empowering caregivers to participate in their loved one’s therapy leads to better outcomes. That’s why we combine live, 1-on-1 speech and occupational therapy with personalized education and home practice activities for faster progress.
