Understanding Sensory Processing Challenges in Young Children

It’s not unusual for parents of young children to perceive their kids as being “fussy,” oversensitive, or overly picky. Or they may seem a bit out of control sometimes, spinning or crashing into furniture. Some of this is just a part of growing up, but for other children between 0 and 3 years of age, these could be signs of sensory processing challenges.

Let’s ask some questions. Does your child become overwhelmed in noisy or bright environments? Do they avoid certain textures or clothing? Do they refuse certain foods or gag at specific smells? Perhaps they rock back and forth in bed to get to sleep. If any of these—or a combination—sound familiar, your child may sensory processing challenges.

For some children, everyday sensory experiences can feel overwhelming or underwhelming (insufficient). Understanding what your child may be experiencing opens the door to effective support strategies that can help them navigate their world with greater comfort and confidence.

What is Sensory Processing?

Think about how some adults love having their feet rubbed while others can’t stand having their feet touched at all. This common difference in sensitivity provides a helpful window into how sensory processing works.

Sensory processing involves how the brain receives, interprets, and responds to information from our senses. Most of us process the information coming in from our senses without a second thought. We filter out background noise during conversations or adjust quickly to bright sunlight when stepping outdoors.

Children with sensory processing challenges struggle with these automatic adjustments. Just like an adult who finds foot touching unbearable, a child might find certain clothing textures, sounds, or lights genuinely distressing—not simply annoying, but truly uncomfortable or even painful. Their brains either overreact or underreact to sensory information, affecting their behavior, learning, and daily routines.

Beyond the Five Senses

While many people recognize sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, sensory processing actually involves seven sensory systems:

• Touch (Tactile): Sensitivity to textures, pressure, or temperature
• Hearing (Auditory): Response to sounds and noise levels
• Taste (Gustatory): Reaction to flavors and food textures
• Smell (Olfactory): Sensitivity to odors
• Sight (Visual): Response to light, colors, or visual patterns
• Body Awareness (Proprioception): Understanding body position in space
• Movement (Vestibular): Sense of balance and spatial orientation

Children may show sensitivity in one or multiple areas. Each child experiences sensory challenges in their own way and in their own time. Studies suggest that up to 16% of children may show signs of sensory processing disorder, but symptoms overlap with normal developmental behaviors. So, some children will grow past a problem quickly, while others may need more support and understanding. This is why a personalized approach proves most effective.

Signs of Sensory Processing Challenges in Young Children

Significant sensory processing challenges often emerge early in development. Parents may notice certain patterns or behaviors that seem different from those of other children. Here are common signs to watch for that show a behavior is more than just being “fussy.”

Hypersensitivity (Over-Sensitivity)

Children who are hypersensitive may:

• Cover their ears during normal noises like vacuum cleaners
• Refuse to wear certain clothing due to texture or tags
• Gag during meals or restrict diet to specific textures
• Avoid messy play activities like finger painting
• Become distressed during diaper changes or bath time
• React strongly to bright lights or busy visual environments

Hyposensitivity (Under-Sensitivity)

Children who are hyposensitive often:

• Seek intense movement like spinning, jumping, or crashing into furniture
• Have a high pain tolerance, sometimes not noticing injuries
• Crave strong flavors or textures in food
• Need extra firm pressure during hugs or physical contact
• Chew on non-food items like clothing or toys
• Seem unaware of personal space boundaries

When Sensory Changes Affect Daily Life

Picture a typical day with two-year-old Emma. Breakfast becomes a struggle when she pushes away her oatmeal. She even gags if you insist and you’re worried about her limited diet. Her sensitivity to food textures makes family mealtime into a source of stress for everyone involved.

Bedtime presents another hurdle. While most children in her daycare settle easily at naptime, Emma tosses on her cot, distracted by the slight hum of the air conditioner that others don’t seem to notice. The tag on her pajamas feels like sandpaper against her skin. These sensitivities leave her tired and irritable, affecting her ability to enjoy the company of others and have a good day.

At the playground, Emma watches other children have fun as they climb and slide, but the movement of swings makes her dizzy and anxious. Instead of joining in, she clings to her mom and seems upset by the whole thing. During story time, when the room gets noisy with excited children, Emma covers her ears and retreats to a corner. These overwhelming sensory experiences make it difficult for her to engage in a situation meant to help build language and social skills.

These daily struggles show how sensory challenges can affect many parts of a child’s growth and learning. While occasional sensory preferences are perfectly normal in all children, persistent patterns that limit participation in daily activities may signal a need for support. The good news is that with understanding and appropriate strategies, children like Emma can learn to navigate their sensory world more comfortably.

Supporting Your Child at Home

Parents can create sensory-friendly environments and incorporate supportive strategies into daily life. Here are a few practical approaches that help children with sensory processing challenges:

Create a Sensory-Friendly Space

Designate a quiet corner in your home where your child can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. Prepare their corner with:

• Soft lighting options like a dimmer switch or lamp
• Comfortable seating such as a bean bag chair or cushions
• Noise-reducing items like headphones or a white noise machine
• Soothing visual elements like bubble lamps or gently moving mobiles
• Weighted blankets or stuffed animals for calming pressure

This space offers a safe retreat when sensory input becomes too much.

Engage in Sensory Play Activities

Sensory play helps children regulate their responses to different situations and stimuli. Try these playful activities to help your child adapt and feel braver with new experiences.

• Water play: Fill containers with water and provide cups, funnels, and sponges. Pour away!
• Tactile exploration: Offer materials like oats, uncooked pasta, sand, or water beads in a large bin
• Movement activities: Create obstacle courses with cushions, tunnels, and stepping stones
• Deep pressure play: Roll a large exercise ball over your child while they lie on a soft surface
• Sound exploration: Experiment with different musical instruments or household items that make interesting sounds

Start with brief sessions and gradually increase time as your child becomes comfortable.

Adapt Daily Routines

Small adjustments to everyday activities can make a big difference Here are some suggestions:

Mealtime Strategies:

• Serve foods with preferred textures alongside new options
• Use divided plates to prevent foods from touching
• Allow children to explore foods with fingers before eating
• Provide chewy or crunchy snacks for children seeking oral input

Dressing Supports:

• Remove clothing tags that might irritate sensitive skin
• Choose soft fabrics without seams when possible
• Allow children to participate in selecting comfortable clothing
• Create a consistent dressing routine

Bath Time Adjustments:

• Use a handheld shower nozzle to give children control over water flow
• Offer choices of bath toys with different textures
• Apply firm pressure when washing rather than light touch
• Warm the bathroom before undressing to reduce temperature sensitivity

Create a Sensory Diet

A “sensory diet” refers to scheduled activities that provide needed sensory input throughout the day. Like a nutritional diet, a sensory diet offers balanced “nutrition” for the sensory system. Work with an occupational therapist to develop a personalized plan that might include:

• Morning jumping or bouncing to wake up the body
• Deep pressure activities before focusing on tasks
• Heavy work (pushing, pulling, carrying) to promote calm
• Regular movement breaks during sedentary periods
• Calming activities before transitions or bedtime

Sticking to a sensory diet consistently helps the child’s nervous system learn to self-regulate more effectively.

When to Seek Professional Support

If your child shows signs of sensory processing disorder, professional intervention may be needed when:

• Sensory challenges significantly impact daily functioning
• Development of age-appropriate skills seems delayed
• Behaviors related to sensory seeking or avoiding become extreme
• Family life is consistently disrupted by sensory-related issues

Early intervention can make a tremendous difference. Children who receive support for sensory challenges often develop better self-regulation, improved social skills, and greater independence in daily activities.

Supporting the Whole Family

Parenting a child with sensory processing challenges can feel overwhelming. Remember these important points about taking care of yourself as a parent or caregiver:

• Self-care matters: Take breaks when needed and seek support from friends, family, or parent groups
• Celebrate progress: Notice and acknowledge small improvements in your child’s sensory responses
• Educate others: Help caregivers, teachers, and family members understand your child’s sensory needs
• Be patient: Changes in sensory processing take time and consistent support

By understanding your child’s unique sensory profile and providing appropriate support, you help them build skills to navigate their world successfully.

Early Intervention Therapies

If you have questions about your child’s development, feel free to call TEIS Early Intervention at 412-217-8347 or ask your pediatrician about how you can get an Early Intervention evaluation. If your child qualifies for services, you can request TEIS Early Intervention to be your child’s provider.

At TEIS Early Intervention, our therapists listen to your concerns, assess your child’s individual needs, develop a customized treatment plan, and coach you along the way with simple, routine-based solutions to maximize your child’s development in their natural environment.

Early intervention evaluations and therapy services are available under the Federal Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities. Before services can begin, an independent evaluation of your child must be completed. To ensure impartiality, one agency provides evaluation services while another offers therapeutic services.

To schedule an evaluation, call 1-800-692-7288 or email to help@connectpa.net