Occupational Therapy for Kids with Sensory Issues

Understanding Sensory Processing & Types of Sensory Disorders

Sensory processing refers to how the nervous system interprets input from the environment and organizes it into appropriate responses. When this process isn’t working smoothly, children may experience sensory processing disorder (SPD) or broader sensory integration challenges.

Common Types of Sensory Disorders

• Sensory over-responsivity: Children who are hypersensitive to certain sensations may find ordinary stimuli (like clothing tags or loud sounds) overwhelming.
• Sensory under-responsivity: Some kids seem under-reactive, slow to respond, or unaware of certain sensory cues, such as touch or movement.
• Sensory seeking behaviors: Others actively crave more input — they may spin, jump, or crash into things to feel balanced.
• Sensory discrimination difficulties: Some children struggle to distinguish between sensations, such as determining where their body is in space.
• Vestibular, proprioceptive, auditory, and tactile issues: Many children show difficulties in specific sensory areas related to balance, sound, touch, or body awareness.

Understanding these patterns helps occupational therapists create individualized strategies that build tolerance, coordination, and self-regulation.

How Occupational Therapy Supports Sensory Integration

Assessment & Planning

An occupational therapist trained in sensory integration begins by assessing a child’s daily functioning, sensory responses, and motor skills. They may use standardized assessments, parent interviews, and hands-on activities to understand how a child reacts to sensory input.

Interventions & Techniques

Once the therapist understands a child’s unique profile, they develop a plan designed to improve how the child processes sensory information.
This may include:

• Play-based activities that expose children to different textures, movements, and sounds in a controlled way
• Balance and movement exercises that strengthen vestibular and proprioceptive awareness
• Tools or routines that help manage sensory overload at home and school
• Caregiver coaching to integrate sensory strategies into everyday routines

Through these interventions, occupational therapy helps children adapt and self-regulate, improving both comfort and participation in daily life. Over time, parents often notice their child becoming more confident, flexible, and better able to handle sensory challenges.

Common Techniques and the Role of a Sensory Diet

A key concept in sensory integration therapy is the sensory diet — a personalized plan of daily activities that help children maintain a balanced level of sensory input.

A sensory diet might include:

• Movement breaks, like jumping or swinging
• Deep-pressure activities using weighted blankets or pushing and pulling exercises
• Play with different textures such as sand, water, or play dough
• Quiet zones with soft lighting and reduced noise
• Chewy or crunchy snacks for oral sensory input

These activities help regulate a child’s nervous system, making it easier for them to focus, learn, and stay calm. Occupational therapists also use techniques like obstacle courses, therapeutic listening, and tactile play to strengthen coordination and attention.

By weaving these experiences into play, children learn to process sensory information in a way that feels safer and more manageable.

Signs Your Child Might Benefit from Occupational Therapy

Parents often wonder whether their child’s reactions are typical or signs of a sensory processing challenge. Here are some common indicators that may suggest a need for occupational therapy:

• Overreacting to clothing textures, sounds, or touch
• Avoiding playground equipment, swings, or messy play
• Frequent clumsiness or poor coordination
• Difficulty with fine motor tasks like holding crayons or buttoning shirts
• Struggles with daily routines such as dressing or mealtime
• Intense emotional responses to changes in environment or routine
• Meltdowns in crowded or noisy places

If these challenges interfere with your child’s daily life, consider requesting an occupational therapy evaluation. A professional can determine whether your child would benefit from sensory integration therapy and what types of support are most appropriate.

How Long Does Occupational Therapy Take?

The duration of therapy depends on your child’s needs, goals, and progress. Some children make significant gains in three to six months, while others may benefit from ongoing sessions over a longer period.

• Short-term therapy may focus on specific goals, such as improving tolerance for touch or enhancing attention during classroom tasks.
• Long-term therapy often supports broader developmental goals, especially when sensory challenges are linked with conditions like autism or ADHD.
• Maintenance sessions may follow once major goals are met, helping children sustain progress through periodic check-ins.

Your therapist will regularly reassess progress and adjust the treatment plan as your child’s abilities grow.

Explaining Occupational Therapy to Your Child

Children are often curious — or anxious — about new experiences. You might explain occupational therapy like this:

“Your therapist helps your body and brain work together. You’ll get to play games, swing, climb, and do activities that make your body stronger and help you feel calmer.”

Framing therapy as a fun, empowering experience helps children feel excited about participating and makes sessions more effective.

What Occupational Therapy Does for Kids

Occupational therapy helps children with sensory issues by:

• Strengthening motor coordination, balance, and body awareness
• Improving attention and emotional regulation
• Building independence in daily routines like dressing, eating, and playing
• Helping kids feel comfortable and confident in new environments
• Teaching parents and caregivers how to create supportive home and school settings

The goal is not to eliminate sensory sensitivity but to help children adapt to it — so they can participate more fully in everyday life.

Accessing Occupational Therapy Resources in New Jersey

NJCMO helps families across New Jersey find qualified occupational therapy services and related support. Here’s how to start:

1. Contact NJCMO – Families already working with a Care Management Organization (CMO) can receive help connecting to licensed occupational therapy providers. If you’re not yet connected with a CMO, visit NJCMO.org/contact to learn how to access care management services.
2. Explore early intervention programs – For children under three, New Jersey’s Early Intervention Program may offer evaluations and therapy services.
3. Use state resources – The New Jersey Department of Children and Families and the Children’s System of Care both maintain referral networks for developmental and behavioral supports.
4. Ask for sensory expertise – When contacting clinics, request therapists experienced in occupational therapy for sensory processing disorder or sensory integration.
5. Collaborate with schools – Children enrolled in public school may qualify for OT through an IEP or 504 plan.
6. Explore related NJCMO resources – Visit:
   1. Occupational Therapy Services for Kids
   2. Occupational Therapy for Autism
   3. Occupational Therapy for Kids with ADHD
   4. Occupational Therapy for Behavior Issues
   5. Speech and Occupational Therapy

Conclusion

For children with sensory processing challenges, occupational therapy can make an enormous difference — not just in motor skills or focus, but in self-confidence and emotional well-being. By learning how sensory integration works and knowing where to find support, parents can give their children tools to thrive.

If you’re unsure where to begin, NJCMO can help connect you to occupational therapists, early intervention programs, and other community resources across New Jersey. Together, we can help your child feel more balanced, capable, and ready to grow.

FAQs