Sensory Integration Processing
What is sensory integration processing?
Sensory integration processing describes how a child’s brain receives, organizes, and responds to information from the senses — including touch, movement, body awareness, sight, sound, taste and smell. When this system is working well, children can focus, move with coordination, tolerate everyday sensations, and join in play and routines. When it’s harder for a child to make sense of sensory input, they may become overwhelmed, avoid certain activities, or have trouble with tasks like dressing, handwriting, or sitting at the table.
Why it matters
Everyday activities rely on sensory processing. Learning in the classroom, taking part in PE or playground games, eating independently, getting dressed, and being calm enough to listen and play all depend on how a child receives and uses sensory information. Supporting sensory processing is about helping children participate more comfortably and confidently in the activities that matter to them and their family.
What therapy and coaching look like
Therapy is child-centered and play-based. We begin with a conversation with caregivers and careful observation of the child in natural activities to learn what works, what’s hard, and what goals matter most to your family. From there, therapists create a plan that uses fun, purposeful activities to help your child build skills.
Sessions might include swinging or balance work for movement needs, tactile play for touch tolerance, heavy-work activities to improve body awareness, or calming strategies for nervous system regulation. Activities are graded — we start where your child is comfortable and gently increase challenge so they can learn new responses without becoming overwhelmed.
Caregiver coaching is a big part of our approach. Therapists show practical ideas you can use at home, routines that support regulation, and ways to modify daily tasks so your child can practice and succeed. We also give simple tools and strategies you can try between sessions and share progress in ways that focus on function — like dressing more independently or sitting through a short snack time.
What to expect
- A friendly intake and observation to understand strengths and daily challenges.
- A personalized plan with clear, family-centered goals.
- Sessions that feel like play but are intentionally designed to help your child learn new sensory responses.
- Regular caregiver coaching and home suggestions so gains transfer to everyday life.
- Collaboration with schools or other providers when appropriate.
We do not promise immediate fixes or make medical diagnoses in this process. Progress often comes in small steps and looks different for every child. Our aim is practical: to help your child feel safer, more comfortable, and more able to take part in the activities they enjoy.
When to consider support
- Your child is upset by common textures, noises, or touches more than their peers.
- They avoid movement activities (like jumping or climbing) or, conversely, seek constant intense movement.
- Fine motor tasks, dressing, eating, or personal care are hard in everyday routines.
- Your child has frequent meltdown-style reactions or trouble calming down after activity.
- Coordination, balance, or attention in school or play is consistently challenging.
How we help
- Observation and family interview to learn what matters to you.
- Play-based, individualized sessions that build sensory skills gradually.
- Practical caregiver coaching and home strategies for day-to-day life.
- Collaboration with teachers and other professionals when helpful.
- Ongoing tracking of functional progress based on your family’s goals.
If you’re unsure whether sensory support could help, a short consultation can clarify what to watch for and suggest simple strategies to try at home. We’re here to listen to your concerns and help you and your child find workable, comfortable steps forward.