Understanding Sensory Processing Differences in Children: A Trauma-Informed Occupational Therapy Perspective
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
As a Child and Adolescent Occupational Therapist working alongside psychologists and mental health professionals at bMindful Psychology, I frequently support children whose sensory processing differences impact their ability to participate in everyday activities, relationships, learning, and emotional regulation.
Many families seek support because their child appears overwhelmed, anxious, constantly on the move, or avoids certain experiences. What may appear as “challenging behaviour” is often a child communicating an unmet sensory or emotional need.
Taking a trauma-informed approach allows us to look beyond behaviour and ask an important question:
“What is this child experiencing, and what do they need to feel safe, regulated, and connected?”
What Are Sensory Processing Differences?
Sensory processing refers to how the brain receives, organizes, and responds to information from the environment and the body.
Children process sensory information differently. Some may be highly sensitive to sensory input, while others may actively seek sensory experiences to help them feel regulated and focused.
Sensory processing differences can affect:
Attention and concentration
Emotional regulation
Social participation
Sleep
Self-care activities
School engagement
Confidence and self-esteem
Understanding Sensory Processing Through a Trauma-Informed Lens
Trauma-informed care recognises that a child’s nervous system may become highly alert or protective following stressful, adverse, or overwhelming experiences.
When children experience trauma, chronic stress, anxiety, or significant life changes, their sensory systems may become more sensitive to environmental demands.
For example:
A child who has experienced uncertainty may become distressed by unexpected noises.
A child experiencing anxiety may constantly seek movement to manage internal discomfort.
A child with a history of medical procedures may become highly sensitive to touch.
At bMindful Psychology, occupational therapists and psychologists work collaboratively to understand the relationship between sensory processing, emotional regulation, attachment, and mental health.
Rather than viewing behaviours as “attention-seeking” or “non-compliant,” we explore what the behaviour may be communicating.
Signs of Sensory Processing Differences
Sensory Sensitivities
Children may:
Cover their ears in noisy environments
Avoid certain clothing textures
Become distressed in crowded settings
Refuse particular foods due to texture
Avoid messy play activities
Struggle with grooming tasks such as hair brushing
Sensory Seeking Behaviours
Children may:
Constantly move, jump, spin, or climb
Seek deep pressure through hugs or crashing into cushions
Fidget frequently
Chew clothing, pencils, or other objects
Touch people and objects often
Enjoy intense movement activities
Occupational Therapy Assessment: Looking Beyond Behaviour
A trauma-informed occupational therapy assessment explores:
Sensory processing patterns
Emotional regulation skills
Participation in daily activities
Family routines
School functioning
Relationships and social participation
Strengths, interests, and protective factors
Understanding a child’s sensory profile helps us create meaningful supports that enhance participation and well-being.
Trauma-Informed Occupational Therapy Activities and Interventions
At bMindful Psychology, interventions are individualized and strengths-based. The goal is not to eliminate behaviours but to help children understand their bodies, regulate emotions, and participate successfully in daily life.
1. Heavy Work Activities
Heavy work provides proprioceptive input, which can have a calming and organizing effect on the nervous system.
Examples include:
Carrying grocery bags
Pushing a loaded laundry basket
Animal walks (bear walk, crab walk, frog jumps)
Wall push-ups
Moving chairs or equipment
These activities are particularly helpful for children who seek movement or struggle with regulation.
2. Sensory Regulation Toolboxes
Children are supported to identify strategies that help them feel calm, alert, or focused.
A sensory toolbox may include:
Stress balls
Therapy putty
Noise-reducing headphones
Visual schedules
Weighted lap cushions
Breathing cards
Developing self-awareness helps children become active participants in their own regulation.
3. Safe Movement Opportunities
Many children regulate best through movement.
Examples include:
Obstacle courses
Swinging
Trampoline activities
Yoga for children
Balance challenges
Dance and movement games
Movement activities are introduced in ways that promote safety, predictability, and enjoyment.
4. Emotional Regulation Activities
Occupational therapists often work alongside psychologists to build emotional awareness.
Activities may include:
Feelings identification games
Zones of Regulation
Body signal check-ins
Mindfulness activities
Story-based emotional learning
Drawing emotions and coping strategies
Children learn to recognize what regulation feels like in their bodies.
5. Co-Regulation Strategies
Before children can self-regulate, they often need support from trusted adults.
Examples include:
Calm and predictable communication
Visual supports
Shared breathing exercises
Reading together
Sensory-based calming activities
Creating regulation routines
Trauma-informed care emphasises connection before correction.
A Case Example from Practice
A primary-school-aged child was referred due to frequent classroom disruptions, difficulty remaining seated, and emotional outbursts during transitions.
Through assessment, we identified significant sensory seeking behaviours and underlying anxiety.
Working collaboratively with the child, family, school staff, and psychologist, interventions included:
Scheduled movement breaks
Heavy work activities throughout the day
Visual transition supports
Emotional regulation coaching
Parent education on co-regulation strategies
Over time, the child demonstrated improved classroom participation, reduced distress during transitions, and greater confidence in managing emotions.
Supporting Children at Home
Parents can support sensory and emotional regulation by:
Maintaining predictable routines
Providing regular movement opportunities
Creating calming spaces at home
Validating emotions
Using visual supports
Modelling calm regulation strategies
Most importantly, remember that behaviour is communication.
When children feel safe, understood, and supported, they are better able to learn, connect, and thrive.
Final Thoughts
Sensory processing differences are not deficits to be fixed. They are important clues about how a child experiences the world.
A trauma-informed occupational therapy approach recognises that sensory needs, emotional regulation, relationships, and participation are deeply interconnected.
By understanding the “why” behind behaviours and responding with curiosity, compassion, and evidence-based support, we can help children build resilience, confidence, and meaningful participation in everyday life.
This article is written by Jordanna Hirst, Head of Occupational Therapy and Speech & Language Therapy, at bMindful Psychology.
Whether you are a parent, carer or organisation looking for support, our team of highly experienced and skilled clinicians are available to support you. bMindful Psychology are trusted, specialist mental health services for children and young people in the UK.
We provide high quality therapeutic and clinical services and training for professionals, parents and young people. We operate from our head office in Cheadle, Greater Manchester providing support in person and online across the UK.
We provide Occupational Therapy Services including expert sensory assessments, personalised sensory profiles, and practical support plans to help children and young people who may struggle with focus, sensory sensitivities, or regulation.
Find out more about our Therapeutic Residential Childcare Services.
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