Understanding Sensory Dysregulation in Children

By Shae Bratcher, COTA/L

Sensory dysregulation occurs when the central nervous system becomes unbalanced due to receiving either too much sensory input or not enough sensory input. The sensory system includes taste, touch, sound, sight, smell, movement (balance), and body awareness. [1]

Research shows that 1 in every 6 children may experience symptoms or significant challenges related to sensory dysregulation.[2] For children diagnosed with Autism, this number increases substantially, with up to 90% experiencing sensory dysregulation. [3]

Sensory dysregulation can affect:

• Behavior
• Daily living skills
• Tolerance to foods, sound, or touch
• Coordination
• Attention

Common Signs of Sensory Seeking and Sensory Avoidance

Sensory Seeking (Not Enough Input)

A child may:

• Make excessive noise
• Touch everything around them
• Stare closely at objects
• Spin in circles
• Flap their arms
• Put objects into their mouth

Sensory Avoidance (Too Much Input)

A child may show heightened discomfort, fear, or distress when exposed to noise, touch, bright lights, or certain textures.

These signs are most commonly observed in children, but individuals of any age can experience sensory regulation challenges.

Strategies to Support Sensory Regulation

Every child is different, and sensory regulation often involves trial and error. Below are useful starting points:

For Noise Aversion

• Headphones or earplugs

For Oral Seeking (Putting Objects in the Mouth)

• Crunchy snacks
• Suckers
• Chewy necklaces

For Touch Aversion

• Slowly introduce new textures (sand, rice, soft fabrics)
• Weighted blankets
• “Heavy work” activities (e.g., pushing/pulling tasks)

For Visual Avoidance

• Reduce clutter
• Lower lighting
• Limit or eliminate screen time while the child is present
• Sunglasses

For Visual Seeking

• Light‑up toys
• Bright sensory bins
• Spinning or movement toys
• Fidget spinners

For Body Awareness (Proprioception)

• Jumping on a trampoline
• Crawling activities
• Heavy work
• Joint compressions (as instructed by a trained therapist)

For Movement/Balance (Vestibular Input)

• Swinging
• Spinning
• Rocking
• Wobble chairs

These strategies can be helpful, but what works for one child may not work for another, making individualized support essential.

When to Seek Support

If you suspect your child is experiencing sensory dysregulation, speak with your child’s physician about a referral to Ohio County Healthcare’s pediatric therapy team, including:

• Speech Therapy (ST)
• Occupational Therapy (OT)
• Physical Therapy (PT)

Our therapists work collaboratively to help each child reach his or her highest potential with exceptional care and family‑centered support.

[1] The OT Toolbox

https://www.theottoolbox.com › understanding-sensory...

[2] JAMA

https://jamanetwork.com › JAMA Pediatrics

[3] National Institutes of Health (NIH) | (.gov)

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › articles › PMC6997554