When my daughter was a toddler, everyday outings often felt like walking through a minefield of sensory overload. While other kids laughed and played freely at the playground or explored museums with excitement, she would become quiet, overwhelmed by the noise and chaos, clinging tightly to my side. Getting dressed in the morning was another challenge—she refused to wear socks even in the coldest months, whined about certain fabrics that felt “too scratchy,” and absolutely dreaded having her curly hair brushed. At the time, I didn’t understand why these everyday experiences were so difficult for her. I just knew that something was different, and I wanted to help.

My journey to understanding Sensory Integration Disorder began with endless research, late nights reading everything I could find, and eventually discovering the world of sensory processing. It was like a lightbulb went off—suddenly, her struggles made sense. She wasn’t just being “picky” or “difficult”—her brain was processing sensory information differently, making ordinary experiences overwhelming. Learning about sensory integration changed everything. I discovered strategies that helped her feel more comfortable, tools that eased transitions, and most importantly, I gained the confidence to support her in a way that met her needs.

That journey is why I’m so passionate about helping families navigate sensory challenges today—because I know firsthand how isolating and confusing it can feel at first. But with the right understanding and tools, life can become easier, calmer, and more joyful for both parent and child. 

As a parent, you might notice that your child struggles with certain everyday experiences that other kids handle with ease—things like tags in clothes, noisy  environments, or staying focused in class. If your child is highly sensitive to touch, sound, or movement—or, on the other hand, craves constant sensory input—you may be wondering if something deeper is going on.

Sensory Integration Disorder (SID), also known as Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), affects how the brain processes and responds to sensory information. Understanding this condition can help you support your child’s unique needs and set them up for success.

What Is Sensory Integration?

Sensory integration is the body’s ability to take in, organize, and respond appropriately to sensory input from the environment. Our nervous system processes information from the five traditional senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell) as well as three additional senses:

• Vestibular (movement & balance) – Helps with body awareness and spatial orientation.

• Proprioception (body position & pressure) – Informs us about how much force to use when moving.

• Interoception (internal body awareness) – Helps regulate hunger, thirst, and emotions.

When sensory integration is working well, a child can navigate their environment smoothly, focusing when needed, filtering out background noise, and responding appropriately to touch and movement. However, when sensory integration is disrupted, it can cause Sensory Integration Disorder (SID), leading to difficulties in daily life.

Common Symptoms of Sensory Integration Disorder

Sensory integration challenges look different in every child, but they generally fall into two categories:

1. Sensory Avoidant (Hypersensitive)

Children who are overly sensitive to sensory input may:

• Struggle with loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells.

• Dislike certain textures in food or clothing (e.g., itchy fabrics, tags, seams).

• Avoid messy play like finger painting or sand.

• Get overwhelmed in crowded or busy environments.

• Strongly dislike haircuts, nail trims, or brushing teeth.

• Startle easily or have extreme reactions to minor discomforts.

2. Sensory Seeking (Hyposensitive)

Children who under-register sensory input may:

• Constantly seek movement—running, jumping, spinning.

• Have a high pain tolerance, often not noticing injuries.

• Enjoy deep pressure (e.g., tight hugs, weighted blankets).

• Touch everything around them or invade personal space.

• Love strong flavors and extreme textures in food.

• Struggle with focus and attention due to craving constant input.

Some children experience a mix of both, reacting strongly to certain stimuli while seeking out others.

How Sensory Integration Disorder Affects Daily Life

A child with sensory integration challenges may struggle with seemingly simple activities. Here’s how SID can impact different areas of life:

At Home

• Difficulty getting dressed due to clothing sensitivities.

• Mealtime battles over food textures and smells.

• Trouble winding down for bedtime, especially if they struggle with body awareness.

At School

• Challenges focusing due to background noise or fluorescent lights.

• Avoiding playground activities that involve swinging, climbing, or spinning.

• Trouble sitting still for long periods.

Socially

• Difficulty with personal space and social boundaries.

• Avoiding group activities due to sensory overwhelm.

• Becoming frustrated or anxious in new environments.

How Can Parents Help?

The good news is that children with sensory integration challenges can thrive with the right support. Here are a few strategies to help:

• Create a sensory-friendly home – Offer a quiet retreat, dim lights, or provide sensory-friendly clothing options.

• Use a sensory diet – Work with an occupational therapist (OT) to create a daily routine that includes activities tailored to your child’s sensory needs.

• Provide movement breaks – Short bursts of activity (jumping, stretching, or using a sensory swing) can help regulate the nervous system.

• Communicate with teachers – Work with your child’s school to implement classroom accommodations like fidgets, sensory breaks, or flexible seating.

• Seek professional support – Pediatric occupational therapy can provide structured interventions to help your child regulate their sensory system.

When to Seek Help

If sensory challenges significantly interfere with your child’s daily life—making it difficult for them to function at home, school, or in social situations—occupational therapy can be beneficial. An OT specializing in sensory integration can assess your child’s unique needs and create a plan to help them thrive. Get the help you need now with the Sensory Hero App!

Final Thoughts

Sensory Integration Disorder can be challenging, but with the right understanding and support, children can learn to navigate their world more comfortably. Every child processes sensory input differently, and embracing their unique needs is key to helping them succeed.