Sensory Needs Explained: How to Support Your Child at Home and in Public
Many children—especially those with autism or developmental differences—experience the world through a unique sensory lens. Loud sounds, bright lights, busy stores, or certain textures can feel overwhelming. Other times, children may seek extra movement or sensory input to feel calm and regulated.
Understanding your child’s sensory needs can reduce challenging behaviors, improve communication, and make everyday routines smoother. This guide breaks down what sensory needs are, how to recognize them, and simple strategies you can start using at home and in public.
What Are Sensory Needs?
Sensory needs describe how a child processes information from their surroundings through:
Sight
Sound
Touch
Taste
Smell
Movement (vestibular)
Body awareness (proprioception)
Children can experience sensory input in different ways:
Sensory Seeking
Craving input like jumping, spinning, chewing, crashing into pillows.
Sensory Avoidant
Feeling overwhelmed by sounds, textures, bright lights, clothing, or crowds.
Under-Responsive
Not noticing sensations others do, such as their name being called or hands being messy.
These responses are not misbehavior—they’re communication.
Common Signs of Sensory Needs
Because every child is different, sensory needs can show up in many ways:
Auditory (Sound) Sensitivity
Covering ears
Avoiding loud places
Upset by vacuums, toilets flushing, or sirens
Touch Sensitivity
Avoiding certain fabrics or clothing
Upset by grooming (haircuts, nail trims)
Sensitive to temperatures or water
Visual Needs
Watching spinning objects
Staring at lights
Overwhelmed in bright stores
Movement Needs
Constant running or climbing
Jumping from furniture
Spinning or rocking
Behavioral Signals
Meltdowns in busy places
Difficulty transitioning
Refusing environments that feel overwhelming
Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward support.
How Sensory Needs Influence Behavior
When a child is overwhelmed or under-stimulated, behaviors happen:
Tantrums
Crying
Hitting
Running away
Shutting down
Avoidance
These behaviors are the child's way of trying to cope with sensations that feel too big or too small.
When you meet the sensory need, behavior often improves on its own.
Simple Sensory Strategies for Home
Here are practical tools you can start today:
Create a Calm Corner
With:
Soft blankets
Weighted items
Low lighting
Fidgets
Noise-canceling headphones
Try Heavy Work Activities
These help regulate the nervous system:
Carrying groceries
Pushing a laundry basket
Climbing playground equipment
Wall pushes
Pulling resistance bands
Use Sensory Bins
Rice, beans, Orbeez, kinetic sand, pom poms—great for calming and exploration.
Provide Movement Breaks
Every 45–60 minutes:
Jumping
Scooter board
Trampoline
Swinging
Yoga
Chewy Tools for Oral Input
Safe alternatives to chewing shirts or hands.
Visual Schedules
Predictability lowers sensory stress.
How to Support Sensory Needs in Public
Public outings can be the hardest. Here are strategies that help:
Prepare Ahead
Use short explanations, visual pictures, or social stories.
Create a Sensory “On-the-Go” Kit
Include:
Headphones
Fidgets
Sunglasses
Chewy tools
Snacks (crunchy foods help regulate)
Take Breaks Before Overload Happens
Even 2 minutes outside or in a quieter aisle can prevent a meltdown.
Choose Comfortable Clothing
Tagless shirts, soft fabric, snug layers, compression shirts.
Keep Routines Predictable
Let your child know what’s happening next.
When to Seek Additional Support
If sensory challenges are affecting:
School performance
Play with peers
Emotional regulation
Eating or dressing
Community outings
Transitions
Safety
…it may be time to reach out for professional guidance.
ABA therapy and occupational therapy can help children learn coping skills, communicate their needs, and feel more regulated.
How Play to Learn Therapy Helps
At Play to Learn Therapy, we use sensory-informed, child-led ABA strategies to support:
Sensory seeking and avoidance
Emotional regulation
Daily living skills
Communication breakdowns
Challenging behaviors
Routines and transitions
Social and play skills
We meet your child exactly where they are and help them thrive.
A Message From Anita, BCBA & Founder
“Every child deserves to feel safe, understood, and regulated in their own body. Sensory needs are not ‘misbehavior’—they’re signals. When we take the time to understand those signals, we help our children build confidence, independence, and emotional safety. If you ever feel overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.”
— Anita Tomic, M.S., BCBA
We’re Here to Support Your Family
Play to Learn Therapy provides evidence-based ABA therapy across South Florida, specializing in early intervention, sensory needs, communication, and behavior support.
📧 info@playtolearntherapy.net
🌐 www.playtolearntherapy.net