Does your child meltdown at loud sounds, refuse to wear socks, or seem to crush everything in sight? You might be wondering, “is my child just sensitive, or is this something more?” These are common behaviors we see in kids with sensory challenges. In fact, about 1 in 6 kids experiences some form of sensory processing difficulty, according to the CDC.

I’m Lisa Tarr, I’m a pediatric physical therapist and the CEO and founder of First Steps Pediatric Therapy. Today, I’m here to talk to you about how pediatric therapy can help with common sensory processing challenges. I’ll explain what sensory challenges actually look like, how you can recognize them early, a few things you can try at home, and how to know when it’s time to reach out for professional support.

What Is Sensory Processing?

Sensory processing is how the brain interprets and responds to information from the world around us. Kids may be over-responsive (avoiding input), under-responsive (not reacting enough), or sensory seeking (constantly craving input). These reactions are all based on how their bodies are processing their five senses.

Over-responsive kids may cover their ears, dislike messes, or gag on certain textures. Under-responsive kids may not react when their name is called, seem clumsy, or be slow to respond. Sensory seekers often run, jump, spin, chew, or use loud voices—because their bodies are trying to get more input.

At First Steps, we support each child based on their sensory profile. For over-responsive kids, we help them avoid sensory overload. For under-responsive kids, we give them the input they need to “wake up” their system. And for sensory seekers, we help guide their energy into structured, purposeful activities that support focus and engagement. We’ll also give you some strategies to help with your child’s engagement and attention at home.

Is Your Child Struggling with Behavior or Sensory Processing?

If you’ve been trying to figure out if your child’s struggles are behavioral or sensory, it’s likely that it’s a sensory processing challenge. This is because sensory processing difficulties often result in behavioral issues. Remember, sensory processing is a neurological condition because it involves how the brain receives, interprets, and responds to the information of the five senses.

If you’ve been asking yourself, “is this just picky behavior or is something deeper going on?” Just know, you’re not alone. Often, sensory challenges can look like behavioral issues. But sensory processing is a neurological condition; it’s how the brain receives, interprets, and responds to sensory input.

When a child’s sensory system isn’t organized correctly, it can make them feel overwhelmed or confused. What seems like overreaction, shutdown, or avoidance is often a child trying to make sense of the sensations coming into their body. It’s not defiance, it’s dysregulation.

And just to be clear, pediatric therapy isn’t here to “fix” or change your child. We’re here to support your child’s nervous system and help them develop strategies to manage their sensory responses more effectively in everyday life.

Strategies You Can Try at Home to Support Sensory Regulation

There are some great ways to support sensory regulation at home. One of the best tools is a calm-down corner. This is a safe space that might include a beanbag chair, blanket, weighted items, or a small tent. Soft textures and quiet surroundings help soothe an overwhelmed system.

Heavy work activities are also very effective. Try pushing and pulling laundry baskets, animal walks, jumping, or using a mini trampoline. These types of input help the body feel grounded and organized. You can also use fidget toys, chewable items, or gum to support focus and reduce stress.

For kids sensitive to noise, noise-canceling headphones can be incredibly helpful, especially in busy or loud settings. For older kids, calming music can also help them zone out and reset. And for all kids, building a predictable daily routine creates safety and helps their nervous system stay regulated.

When to Seek Help from a Pediatric Therapist

If you’ve tried some of these strategies and they didn’t help—or if they did help but your child still needs more support—it might be time to reach out. The right time to seek help is when sensory challenges are affecting your child’s daily life, such as their:

  • Sleep
  • School performance
  • Eating habits
  • Family relationships

If meltdowns feel unmanageable and typical parenting strategies aren’t working, that’s a strong signal that sensory processing might be involved. Pediatric occupational and physical therapists are trained to help children with sensory regulation and processing differences.

You don’t need to wait for a diagnosis to get help. And ultimately, what I want to tell you is, you’re not alone. Sensory processing challenges are more common than you think, and early support can make a big difference.

Reach Out to First Steps for Expert Support

At First Steps Pediatric Therapy, we’re here to support you and your child. Our team understands how the sensory system affects daily life, and we’re here to guide your family with personalized strategies that really help.

Contact us to schedule an evaluation at (720) 989-0179. We also offer a free 15-minute screening if you’re unsure and want to speak to a licensed therapist before scheduling.