Sensory regulation is a child’s ability to notice, process, and respond to sensory information in a way that helps them stay calm, focused, and ready to engage. Every day, children take in sounds, movement, touch, light, and body signals. For some children, particularly those with autism, ADHD, or developmental differences, these sensations can feel overwhelming or, at times, not strong enough.
When sensory regulation is challenging, it may look like:
🚨Becoming distressed in noisy or busy environments
🚨Avoiding certain textures, clothing, or touch
🚨Constantly moving, crashing, or seeking pressure
🚨Difficulty sitting still, focusing, or following routines
🚨Big emotional reactions that seem sudden or intense
These experiences can affect a child’s play, learning, and relationships. They are not “behaviour problems” they are signals that a child’s nervous system is working hard to cope.
How Children’s Occupational Therapy Supports Sensory Regulation
In children’s occupational therapy, or paediatric OT, sensory regulation is woven into real, meaningful activities. Rather than simply “calming” a child in isolation, occupational therapy helps children understand their bodies and develop practical ways to feel organised and ready for everyday life.
In sessions, an OT may:
🕵️♀️ Observe how a child responds to different sensory input
🕵️♀️ Identify patterns of overload or sensory-seeking
🕵️♀️ Build simple strategies that fit into home and school routines
🕵️♀️ Introduce self-regulation tools children or parents can use over time
🕵️♀️ Practise regulation during play, learning, and daily tasks
How we do it?
At Integral Occupational Therapy in Chatswood, our paediatric OT team supports children across the North Shore who experience sensory processing challenges. Sensory regulation is embedded within play-based therapy through purposeful movement, games, and everyday activities.
We also use equipment designed to provide structured sensory input, such as:
🔮 Swings and movement-based equipment
🔮 Weighted items and deep-pressure tools
🔮 Tactile and proprioceptive resources
🔮 Calm spaces for regulation and reset
These tools are used thoughtfully and always linked to a child’s goals and daily life. They help children learn what their bodies need to feel “just right” and how to access that support in natural ways, at home, at school, and in the community.
The aim of paediatric occupational therapy is not to change who a child is, but to help them feel safe in their body. When sensory needs are understood and supported, children are better able to play, learn, connect, and participate with confidence.
For families seeking children’s OT in Chatswood and across the North Shore, sensory regulation is often a key part of helping everyday life feel more manageable, for both children and their caregivers.
Contact us on 0431 631 526 or info@integralrehab.com.au to learn more how we can support.
Make a referral - https://www.integralrehab.com.au/make-a-referral/
