Oct 63 min read

The Importance of Sensory Processing for Emotion Regulation in Youth

Updated: Oct 8

Children who experience sensory processing challenges may struggle with emotional regulation, social interactions, and behaviour. By understanding how sensory input influences these areas, parents, caregivers, and educators can create nurturing and supportive environments that foster emotional well-being and help children thrive.

The Connection Between Communication and Sensory Regulation

Sensory input plays a significant role in communication and self-regulation. When children struggle to process sensory information—whether it's through touch, sound, or visual input—it can disrupt their ability to communicate effectively and manage emotions. Understanding a child’s sensory needs is crucial for helping them communicate better and maintain emotional balance.

Take a look at the Sensory Processing Checklist below. This document serves as an indicator of sensory over or under- responsiveness. It assists in developing an appropriate treatment plan for individuals experiencing sensory modulation difficulties.

Understanding Different Sensory Processing Styles

Children process sensory input differently, and this can lead to a range of challenges:

Over-responsive: Children can become easily overwhelmed by sensory input, leading to meltdowns.
Under-responsive: Some children don’t react enough to sensory input and may seem disengaged.
Sensory-seeking: These children actively seek out intense sensory experiences, like crashing into things or making loud noises.
Avoiding: Children who avoid sensory input may become distressed or uncomfortable during activities.

It is important to remember that transitions, like moving from one task to another, can be particularly difficult for children with sensory modulation issues, often leading to sensory overload and emotional dysregulation.

Common Sensory Processing Challenges

The Sensory Anxiety Loop- Sensory overload can lead to a fight/flight responses and feelings of anxiety. This may result in avoidance, emotional reactions, or shut downs.

The Sensory-Aggressive Profile- Some children try to regulate their sensory needs by engaging in sensory-aggressive behaviours like bumping, crashing, or hitting. These actions provide the sensory input they need, but can be perceived as aggressive or disruptive by others. In reality, the child may not realize they are being rough; to them, these actions feel normal or even comforting.

Navigating Challenging Behaviours

Create a calm and safe place for sensory regulation that includes:

Reduce sensory input: no talking, lights off (if bothers), etc.
No demands on their behaviour in the calming space

Use behaviour detective skills

Try to understand the causes behind the challenging behaviour and what sensory need they are trying to meet
Test out your ideas by providing alternative sensory options (e.g., reduce sensory input, alternative activities)

Make empathetic statements

Use validating language and label their experience (e.g., "I know it was really loud in there and you might be feeling overwhelmed")

Moving from Reactive to Proactive Behaviour Strategies

Many traditional behaviour plans focus on consequences after a behavior occurs (reactive), but these plans often miss the underlying sensory needs driving the behaviour. A proactive behaviour plan addresses sensory needs before the behavior happens.

This includes:

Implementing a sensory diet with activities that provide the right kind of sensory input.
Using visual schedules and social stories to prepare for transitions or new situations.
Practicing skills in safe environments where children feel comfortable.

By anticipating sensory triggers, we can reduce dysregulation and help children feel more in control.

Supporting children with sensory processing challenges requires a proactive, empathetic approach. By understanding their sensory needs and using tailored strategies, caregivers can help children regulate their emotions, manage behaviors, and thrive socially and emotionally.

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Need help implementing these recommendations? Our team at WonderTree is here to help. We have Occupational Therapists who specialize in sensory processing and emotional regulation. Our dedicated professionals work collaboratively with families to develop tailored strategies and support plans that address individual sensory needs.