Helping children feel comfortable in their bodies and surroundings, so they are ready to play and learn.
We all take in information from our senses every moment: sound, sight, touch, taste, smell, movement and body position. Most of us filter and organise it without noticing. Some children experience sensory input very differently, finding everyday sounds painfully loud, clothes unbearably scratchy, or needing to spin, crash and chew to feel settled.
These differences can affect behaviour, attention, eating, sleep and daily routines. Occupational therapy helps us understand your child’s sensory profile and build a plan, sometimes called a sensory diet, that keeps them regulated through the day. We also help families adapt home and school environments in simple, practical ways.
12 needs explained in plain language
These descriptions help you understand terms you may hear. They are not a diagnosis, which can only come from a qualified clinician.
Sensory processing is how the brain notices, organises and responds to information from the senses. Some children are over-responsive, under-responsive or seek intense input, and this can affect behaviour, attention and routines. Occupational therapy helps children and families understand and manage these needs.
Sensory integration is the brain’s ability to combine information from several senses at once, such as sight, touch and movement, so a child can act smoothly. Difficulties can show up as clumsiness, avoidance or overwhelm. Therapy uses play-based activities to support this process.
Modulation means turning sensory responses up or down to suit the situation. A child may overreact to a gentle touch or barely notice a bump. We help children find a comfortable level of alertness for play and learning.
Some children are distressed by everyday sounds such as hand dryers, crowds or a pressure cooker, and may cover their ears or avoid places. We work on gradual tolerance, coping strategies and practical supports such as ear defenders where they help.
Bright lights, busy surroundings or certain patterns can be uncomfortable or distracting for some children. We adapt the environment and build tolerance gradually, so the child can focus and take part.
Tactile sensitivity can make certain clothes, textures, messy play, haircuts or nail cutting very upsetting. Therapy introduces textures gradually and playfully, and supports daily routines such as dressing and grooming.
Some children seek strong sensory input: crashing, spinning, chewing, touching everything or moving constantly. We provide safe, planned ways to meet these needs, which often helps the child settle and pay attention.
Children who avoid sensory input may withdraw from noisy places, refuse certain foods or textures, or resist being touched. We respect their limits while gently widening what feels manageable.
The vestibular system in the inner ear senses movement and balance. A child may be fearful of movement, such as swings or stairs, or crave it intensely. Therapy uses graded movement activities to build comfort and balance.
Proprioception is the body’s sense of where it is and how much force to use. A child may press too hard when writing, bump into things or seek deep pressure. Heavy-work activities and body-awareness play can help.
Body awareness is knowing where your body is in space and how its parts move together. Difficulties can make a child seem clumsy or tire easily. We build body awareness through movement, imitation and play.
Our overall aim is a child who can manage everyday sensory experiences calmly. We create a sensory plan with activities across the day that help the child stay regulated at home and at school.
