Sensory regulation refers to the process of recognizing, organizing, and responding to sensory input in a way that supports emotional and behavioral control. Also called emotional regulation, it involves the ability to adaptively manage one’s emotions and reactions in response to internal sensations (such as hunger or fatigue) and external stimuli (like loud noises or bright lights).
Key aspects include:
Sensory regulation is integral to a child’s development and emotional well-being. Children who struggle with sensory regulation may find it difficult to focus, follow routines, or maintain self-control, which can impact their daily activities and relationships. Strong sensory regulation skills empower children to:
For instance, a child who can manage sensory overload in a noisy classroom is better able to focus on learning, while one who understands their sensory needs can use strategies to calm themselves during moments of stress.
Occupational therapy interventions for sensory regulation are designed for children with a variety of needs, including:
Children with sensory modulation disorders may be overly sensitive or under-responsive to sensory input, requiring strategies to balance their sensory responses.
Interventions help children on the spectrum develop tools to navigate sensory sensitivities and self-regulate emotions.
Activities focus on improving attention, reducing impulsivity, and fostering self-regulation.
Children with anxiety, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), or trauma histories benefit from sensory regulation strategies that support emotional balance.
Therapy focuses on teaching children to recognize and respond to their sensory and emotional cues appropriately.
Occupational therapists (OTs) use a combination of assessments and observations to understand a child’s sensory regulation needs:
OTs observe the child in natural environments to understand how sensory challenges impact behavior and emotional regulation during daily tasks.
Caregiver and teacher input provides valuable context for how sensory regulation difficulties manifest at home and in school.
Therapists engage children in sensory-rich tasks to identify triggers and responses, such as noisy environments, tactile input, or physical activity.
Occupational therapy interventions are designed to be engaging, evidence-based, and tailored to a child’s unique sensory profile.
A sensory diet is a personalized set of activities and tools designed to help children maintain optimal arousal levels. Examples include:
Therapists work with families and teachers to integrate sensory regulation strategies into daily routines. For example:
Therapy goals for sensory regulation are specific, measurable, and focused on empowering the child to thrive across settings.
“Within four weeks, the child will use a deep breathing exercise to calm down during moments of frustration, with verbal prompting, in 4 out of 5 opportunities.”
“By six months, the child will independently identify their sensory needs and select an appropriate self-regulation strategy (e.g., using a fidget tool or taking a movement break) in 80% of instances.”
Progress is monitored through:
Developing sensory regulation equips children with tools to:
Through consistent practice and individualized support, children build the sensory and emotional regulation skills they need to succeed and thrive.
