Sensory and Daily Routines

Our Sensory System

Understanding and exploring our body's sensory system can encourage you to find ways to help your child successfully participate in what they want and need to do everyday!

The Importance of Sensory Processing in Children

Building Blocks for Play and Learning

Sensory processing builds upon foundational sensory skills to achieve higher-level functioning in everyday activities and learning.

Sensory Patterns and Preferences

Sensory Seeking

• This child seeks out sensory stimuli in order to make sense of the world around them, including auditory (noises and voices), tastes, touch, smells, and movement. 

• This child's nervous system has a high threshold, and they need a high level of input to stay regulated during their day. This child may be described by caregivers as always "on the go", "overly active", or is a "risk-taker" in dangerous situations involving climbing or swinging.

Sensory Over-Responsive

• This child actively avoids or is sensitive to a variety of sensory stimuli, including auditory (noises or voices), tastes, touch, smells, and movement. 

• This child's nervous system's "fight or flight" response is over-reactive, and this child may feel "overloaded" with certain sensory stimuli or in busy environments.

Sensory Under-Responsive

• This child is unaware of or does not notice sensory stimuli in their environment, including auditory (noises or voices), tastes, touch, smells, and movement

• This child's nervous system needs additional input to "wake-up" those senses and help to make them aware of what is going on in their surroundings.

It is important to note that we all have sensory preferences. When a child is unable to self-regulate or these sensory preferences interrupt their ability to participate in daily activities like play and hanging out with others, then there are strategies available to improve their ability to participate. Please see the "Sensory Strategies for Daily Routines" page on this website for more ideas and consult the Occupational Therapist on your child's team. 

Learn More about Sensory Processing

Sensory Processing Disorder

Link to a YouTube video that can help to explain Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and other sensory issues.

• STAR Institute: Experts in Sensory Processing and Sensory Processing Disorder
• American Occupational Therapy Association: Resources to learn more about how an occupational therapist can help improve your child's participation in their daily routines through sensory strategies and modifications.