What Sensory Sensitivity Looks Like

Being a sensory-sensitive child means that a child’s nervous system reacts more intensely to sensory input than most children. Everyday sights, sounds, smells, textures, or movements that others barely notice might feel overwhelming, irritating, or even painful to them. At Developmental Pathways for Kids, a pediatric clinic in Redwood City, California, we see many kids who are sensory “over-responders” who need help to relax and feel more centered.

A sensory-sensitive child might:

• Cover their ears at everyday sounds (like hand dryers, vacuum cleaners, or loud voices).
• Avoid certain textures in clothes (e.g., tags, seams, certain fabrics) or food (picky eater with strong preferences).
• Get overwhelmed in busy environments like malls, parties, or classrooms.
• Refuse hugs or certain kinds of touch, or feel pain from light touch.
• Dislike bright lights or visually “busy” spaces.
• Struggle with transitions or changes due to sensory overload.

What’s Going On?

The brain of a sensory-sensitive child processes sensory information differently. Instead of filtering out irrelevant input (like background noise), they take in everything—which can be exhausting or overstimulating, often requiring support such as occupational therapy.

How It Affects Daily Life

Meltdowns can happen—not from bad behavior, but from sensory overload.

They might need more time to adapt to new environments.

Self-regulation is harder when sensory input is too much to handle.

It can impact social interactions, school participation, or routines like dressing, eating, or sleeping.

Sensory sensitivity is not a problem to “fix”—it’s a difference in how they experience the world. With understanding, the right supports, and sensory strategies, these kids can feel safe, empowered, and regulated.

Sensorimotor strategies are activities that help regulate the nervous system by integrating sensory input (like touch, movement, sound) with motor output (movement and action). For a sensory-sensitive child, the goal is often to help them feel more comfortable and regulated in their body and environment—without overwhelming their senses.

The “SECRET” Sauce to help a sensory-sensitive child regulate is to use a multisensory approach.  

This means using different sensory systems to support regulation.

Here are some gentle, calming, and organizing sensorimotor strategies that we use at our pediatric therapy facility that work well for sensory-sensitive kids:

Deep Pressure Input (Calming)

• Weighted blanket or lap pad during quiet time
• Tight hugs or “squishes” using pillows (always with consent)
• Compression clothing or snug-fitting pajamas

Proprioceptive Activities (Organizing)

These help the body understand where it is in space, which is very regulating:

• Animal walks (crab walk, bear crawl—go slow and steady)
• Pushing/pulling activities (pushing a laundry basket, pulling a wagon)
• Wall pushes or “push the wall” games
• Carrying a heavy backpack (with a few books) for a short walk

Breathing & Mindfulness (Calming)

• Bubble blowing or pinwheels (helps with deep breathing)
  “Smell the flower, blow out the candle” breathing technique
• Mindfulness or yoga for kids (e.g., Cosmic Kids Yoga on YouTube)

Auditory Support (Reducing Overwhelm)

• Noise-canceling headphones or ear defenders in noisy places
• Calm background music (e.g., nature sounds, gentle lullabies)

Tactile Play (On Their Terms)

Sensory-sensitive kids may be particular about touch, so go slow:

• Dry sensory bins (rice, beans, kinetic sand)
• Playdough or putty—resistive and calming
• Lotion rubs or soft brushing (if they like it—use a soft baby brush or soft-textured cloth)

Movement (Vestibular Input—but Gently)

Sensitive kids may get overwhelmed by too much movement, so:

• Gentle rocking in a rocking chair or hammock swing
• Slow bouncing on a therapy ball (while seated)
• Rolling up in a blanket burrito (deep pressure + proprioceptive input)

Tips for Success 

• Let them lead: Follow their cues about what feels good vs. overstimulating.
• Use visuals or routines to build predictability.
• Offer choices to empower them.
• Create a “sensory safe space” they can retreat to when overwhelmed.

Do you need more ideas, or would you like to connect with us to support your sensory-sensitive child? Contact Developmental Pathways for Kids today for pediatric therapy services in California.