Signs Your Child May Need Sensory Processing Therapy

Many parents sense early on that something is awry with their child. They might be bright, curious and loving, yet everyday situations feel harder than they should. Mornings are a battle. School reports mention they struggle to focus. Social situations feel overwhelming.

You might be told your child will ‘grow out of it’, but deep down you’re not convinced.

These challenges are often linked to how a child’s brain processes sensory information. 

Sensory processing therapy is designed to support children whose nervous systems struggle to organise and respond appropriately to sensory input. Understanding the signs can help you take action sooner and support your child’s development at a foundational level.

What Is Sensory Processing and Why Does It Matter?

Sensory processing refers to how the brain receives, interprets and responds to information from the senses. This includes the well-known senses such as touch, sight, sound, taste, and smell, but also less familiar systems like balance (vestibular) and body awareness (proprioception).

When sensory systems are working well, children can sit still, focus, regulate emotions and learn effectively. When they are not, even simple tasks can feel overwhelming. Sensory processing difficulties are not about choices in behaviour. They can reflect immaturity or imbalance within the developing brain.

At Brain Development UK, sensory processing is viewed as a foundational building block within the Pyramid of Learning. If these lower levels are not secure, higher skills such as attention, emotional regulation and academic performance are affected.

Signs You Might Notice at Home

One of the most common indicators that a child may benefit from sensory processing therapy is behaviour that feels out of proportion to the situation.

You may notice frequent meltdowns that appear to come from nowhere, especially after them being in busy or noisy environments. Your child might struggle to calm themselves once upset, remaining dysregulated for long periods. Small frustrations can lead to big emotional reactions.

Some children seek to be constantly active. They may struggle to sit still even for short periods. Others avoid staying active altogether and appear fearful of swings, bikes or uneven surfaces.

Difficulties with sleep are also common. A child with sensory processing challenges may struggle to settle at night, wake frequently, or appear restless even during sleep.

Sensory Sensitivities and Avoidance Behaviours

Sensory sensitivity is another key sign. This may show up as extreme reactions to noise, such as covering ears or becoming distressed in busy places. Clothing labels, seams, or certain fabrics may cause discomfort or refusal to dress. 

Food selectivity is also closely linked to sensory processing. Children may avoid foods with particular textures, temperatures, or smells, leading to very limited diets. This is not simply fussiness. It reflects how the sensory system is interpreting input.

A sensitivity to touch can affect everyday life. Your child may avoid hugs, dislike having their hair washed, or become distressed during routine activities such as tooth brushing.

Difficulties at School and with Learning

Many parents first become concerned when their child starts school. Teachers may report poor attention, impulsivity, or difficulty following instructions. Your child might be intelligent but inconsistent, excelling one day and struggling the next.

Sensory processing difficulties can affect posture, eye control, and auditory processing, all of which are essential for learning. A child who cannot sit upright comfortably or track words across a page will struggle with reading and writing, regardless of effort or intelligence.

Some children appear constantly tired or overwhelmed at school. This is often due to the extra effort required to process sensory information throughout the day.

Emotional Regulation and Anxiety

Children with sensory processing challenges often experience heightened anxiety. When the nervous system is overloaded, the body remains in a state of fight or flight. This makes emotional regulation extremely difficult.

You may notice clinginess, separation anxiety, or avoidance of new situations. Your child might worry excessively or become distressed by changes in their routine. These behaviours are signs that the nervous system is struggling to feel safe and regulated.

At Brain Development UK, sensory processing therapy is often combined with work on primitive reflexes and vagus nerve regulation to support emotional resilience from the ground up.

The Link Between Sensory Processing and Primitive Reflexes

An important but often overlooked factor is the role of retained primitive reflexes. These early reflexes should naturally integrate in infancy. When they remain active, they interfere with sensory processing, balance, coordination and emotional regulation.

For example, a retained Moro reflex can heighten sensitivity to sound and movement, leading to anxiety and emotional reactivity. Sensory processing therapy is far more effective when these reflexes are addressed alongside sensory systems.

This integrative approach is central to the work at Brain Development UK and within the Foundational Brain Development Programme.

When to Seek Support

If several of these signs resonate with you, it is worth exploring sensory processing therapy further. Early support can significantly change a child’s developmental trajectory, improving confidence, behaviour, and learning readiness.

Brain Development UK offers parent-led programmes, webinars and podcasts designed to empower families with knowledge and practical tools. 

For more information, don’t hesitate to contact our team today.