Every person experiences the world through their senses but not everyone processes that sensory information in the same way. Each of us has unique sensory preferences, and for most people, these differences are simply part of what makes us who we are. But for some children, sensory processing differences are strong enough to significantly impact their daily life, affecting how they eat, dress, behave, cope in busy environments, and regulate their emotions.
Sensory processing difficulties are often misunderstood. A child who refuses to wear certain clothes, melts down in a noisy shopping centre, or seems unable to sit still may be experiencing the world in a way that feels overwhelming or uncomfortable. Understanding your child’s sensory preferences which are driving these responses is the first step toward helping adjust the environment to increase their participation.
Our Occupational Therapists are trained to assess sensory processing and work collaboratively with children and their families to understand what they are experiencing, and why. From there, we develop tailored strategies that work across environments.