How to Help a Child With Sensory Processing Disorder

As a parent, it can be heartbreaking to watch your child struggle with sensory difficulties—whether they recoil from a simple hug or seek constant motion or stimulation that leaves them exhausted. Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) can make everyday life feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies and support, your child can learn to navigate the world with more ease and confidence.

What Is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?

SPD Basics Every Parent Should Know

Sensory Processing Disorder occurs when the brain has difficulty receiving, organizing, or responding to sensory input. This can include sounds, sights, textures, smells, tastes, movement, and internal body cues. Children with SPD may be overly sensitive (sensory avoidant), under-responsive, or crave certain sensory experiences. These challenges can interfere with emotional regulation, attention, and functioning in daily routines.

Importantly, SPD is not a behavioral problem—though it may present as one; rather it’s a neurological difference in how sensory information is processed. While SPD frequently occurs in children with autism spectrum disorder or ADHD, it can also affect neurotypical children.

The Hidden Senses Most Parents Don’t Know

We often think of the five senses as only sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. But there are actually eight. The additional three are:

• Vestibular: balance and spatial orientation
  
• Proprioception: body position and movement
  
• Interoception: internal sensations such as hunger, temperature, or the need to use the bathroom
  

When these senses are dysregulated, kids may feel dizzy, disoriented, or disconnected from their bodies—sometimes without the words to explain it.

Signs Your Child May Have SPD

Over-Responsive Behaviors to Watch For

Does your child react intensely to everyday sensory input? Signs may include:

• Covering ears during loud or sudden noises
  
• Refusing to wear clothes with tags or certain fabrics
  
• Meltdowns in crowded or bright environments
  
• Avoiding messy play, brushing teeth, or haircuts
  

These behaviors aren’t about being “picky”—they’re protective responses to overwhelming input.

Under-Responsive and Sensory-Seeking Behaviors

On the other end of the spectrum, some children seem “under-reactive” or crave constant input:

• They might bump into things, chew on clothing, or spin for fun
  
• They may not notice when they’re hurt or messy
  
• They appear distracted or “zoned out,” even in engaging environments
  

Understanding whether your child is avoiding or seeking sensory input is key to creating effective support strategies.

The Different Types of SPD—And Why They Matter

Sensory Over-Responsivity

This occurs when children experience sensory input as too intense, overwhelming or even painful. A flickering light or a textured sock can trigger real distress. These kids often appear anxious or irritable, and are easily overwhelmed by too much sensory input.

Sensory Under-Responsivity & Sensory Seeking

Children with under-responsivity may seem disconnected or unmotivated because they don’t register sensory input efficiently. Others may actively seek it—jumping, crashing, or making loud noises in order to feel more regulated. Both patterns can co-exist and fluctuate throughout the day.

Recognizing your child’s unique sensory profile helps guide intervention—what soothes one child may overstimulate another.

How to Support Your Child at Home

Build a Daily Sensory Diet

A sensory diet is a personalized schedule of activities designed to give your child the right kind of input at the right times. It might include:

• Proprioceptive input: jumping on a trampoline, animal walks, bear hugs
  
• Vestibular input: swinging, spinning, balance boards
  
• Deep pressure: rolling under a yoga ball, weighted vests, brushing protocols
  

These activities help regulate the nervous system, improve focus, and reduce meltdowns. Work with an occupational therapist (OT) to tailor a routine to your child’s needs.

Create a Calm-Down Kit and Safe Zones

Safe spaces can give your child a sense of control when sensory overload hits. Ideas include:

• Weighted blankets or lap pads: While not a mindfulness practice per se, deep touch therapy (DTP), such as the use of weighted blankets, has been found to relieve anxiety in individuals with SPD. This form of therapy promotes body awareness and relaxation, aligning with mindfulness principles of sensory awareness and present-moment focus.
  
• Noise-canceling headphones
  
• Fidget toys or tactile items (e.g., squishy balls, putty)
  
• Cozy tents or corners with soft lighting
  

One may also integrate mindfulness techniques rooted in sensory awareness. Research published in The Journal of Psychological Reports found that dispositional mindfulness mediates the relationship between sensory-processing sensitivity and factors including trait anxiety, well-being, and psychosomatic symptoms. Enhancing mindfulness could, therefore, be effective in addressing psychological and physical challenges associated with high sensory sensitivity. ​

Mindfulness and acceptance based practices may also be supportive for those with SPD, as noted in a further study. Supportive findings for mindfulness based practices, such as body awareness, attention and acceptance were echoed by a subsequent study.

When—and How—to Get Professional Help

What an Occupational Therapist Can Do

Occupational therapists trained in sensory integration use play-based evaluations to understand how your child processes sensory input. They’ll observe motor skills, reactions to various textures and sounds, and emotional responses. From there, they develop a treatment plan that builds skills through structured sensory play.

What to Expect From Sensory Integration Therapy

Therapy sessions may include swings, crash pads, obstacle courses, and balance boards—all disguised as play but targeting specific sensory systems. The goal is to improve how your child responds to sensory input, promoting better emotional regulation, attention, and motor planning over time.

Final Thoughts for Parents Navigating SPD

You’re Not Alone—And There Are Tools That Work

Sensory processing difficulties are more common than many realize, and you are not imagining your child’s struggles. Early support can reduce frustration for both you and your child, paving the way for better daily functioning and long-term development.

How Handspring Can Help

Handspring Health offers personalized therapy for a range of health conditions. Many children with SPD also struggle regulating difficult emotions. Our therapists can help teach skills they need to identify and manage their emotions more effectively. Schedule your free intake call today at handspringhealth.com

FAQs

Q1: What’s the difference between a sensory meltdown and a tantrum?
A tantrum is a child’s attempt to gain control or get something they want. A sensory meltdown is a response to overload—loud sounds, crowds, textures. It’s involuntary and doesn’t stop when the child gets what they want. Children often appear disoriented or inconsolable afterward.

Q2: How can I create an effective sensory diet for my child?
Start by observing what your child seeks or avoids. Choose activities that meet those needs: jumping, heavy lifting, swinging, or quiet tactile play. For best results, work with an OT to customize timing and intensity.

Q3: Should I wait before seeing a specialist?
No. Early support leads to better outcomes. If your child’s behaviors are affecting daily life or development, trust your instincts. An evaluation doesn’t require a diagnosis and can clarify your next steps.