Many parents recognise sensory differences long before they have words to describe them.
A child may cover their ears in busy places, avoid certain clothes, constantly seek movement, chew objects, struggle with transitions, crash into furniture or become overwhelmed after school.
These experiences can all relate to sensory processing and regulation.
Our nervous systems are constantly taking in information from sound, touch, movement, vision, taste, smell, body awareness and internal body signals.
For some children, certain types of sensory input can feel overwhelming. Others may actively seek more movement, pressure or sensory input in order to feel organised and ready to participate.
Neither response is “bad behaviour”. It is information.
Occupational Therapy may be useful when sensory differences are affecting dressing, mealtimes, sleep, school participation, play, family outings, transitions, concentration, regulation or everyday routines.
The goal is not to remove every sensory preference. Instead, we look at what the child needs, what the environment is asking of them and what can be adapted.
When a child is overwhelmed, more instructions or demands rarely help. A regulation-first approach asks what is happening for the child, what sensory or emotional demands may be too high and what might help them feel safer, more organised or more connected.
Our Occupational Therapist Michelle offers in-person appointments for toddlers and school-aged children from our clinic in Hospital, Co. Limerick.
Michelle is CORU registered and has extensive experience supporting children and families. Appointments can explore sensory processing, regulation, movement, daily routines and participation across home, school and community life.
