Hey {{first_name}}
Lots of kids have sensory quirks. Maybe your child hates loud hand dryers, puts everything in their mouth, or only eats a few favorite textures.
That may be completely normal.
But when those sensitivities start to disrupt daily life, create anxiety, or lead to frequent meltdowns, that’s when it’s worth looking deeper.
But for some children, those sensations don’t get processed smoothly. The tag on their shirt feels like sandpaper. The noise in the cafeteria feels unbearable. Or they can’t get enough movement and are constantly spinning, crashing, or jumping.
This isn’t “bad behavior.” It’s their nervous system trying to cope and it may be a sign of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
✨ A Quick Look at the Numbers
About 16% of all children are estimated to have SPD.
Around 75% of autistic children and 40–60% of children with ADHD are also suspected to have sensory processing differences.
Many children with sensory differences do not have ADHD or autism.
For many kids, these sensory differences are the missing piece behind big emotions, meltdowns, picky eating, attention struggles, or difficulty with transitions.
🚩 When to Seek Help
It’s normal for children to have sensory preferences. But you might consider reaching out for professional support if:
Daily life feels harder than it should. Dressing, bathing, brushing teeth, or mealtimes turn into battles.
Meltdowns happen frequently, especially if you feel that your child goes from 0-100.
Your child avoids or craves sensory input so strongly that it limits their participation in learning, play, or social situations.
They seem constantly “on edge” or “in their own world.”
They struggle to regulate attention, energy, or emotions in predictable environments.
You’ve tried strategies at home, but nothing seems to improve.
In these cases, an occupational therapist can help by identifying your child’s unique sensory profile and creating a plan that supports nervous system regulation through play, movement, and daily routines. I offer 1:1 support for parents seeking to better understand their child’s emotional and sensory regulation and you can use this link to check out my packages and book a free call to see if we’re a good fit: book a free call.
💡 The Good News
Sensory processing can improve.
Through the right types of input like heavy work, deep pressure, tactile play, and movement-based activities, we can help the nervous system become more organized and responsive over time. With the right accommodations like sensory breaks, flexible seating, or clothing adjustments, children can participate more fully and feel successful in everyday routines.
These aren’t quick fixes, but with proper support, you’ll start to see fewer meltdowns, smoother transitions, and more confidence in daily activities. The brain is incredibly adaptable, and progress can happen with consistency.
And remember: you are the expert on your child. Trust your intuition, and know that seeking support doesn’t mean your child needs fixing. It means you’re giving your child the tools they need to grow and feel seen.
Please reply to this email if you have any questions 🙂 I’d love to hear from you!
Best,
Effie
