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As a parent, you notice everything about your child—their personality, their curiosity, and the unique way they interact with the world. You may also notice behaviors that seem different from other children their age. Maybe your child covers their ears at everyday sounds, avoids certain clothing textures, or constantly seeks movement like spinning or jumping.
These behaviors may reflect differences in sensory processing, the way the brain receives and organizes information from the environment. At North Shore Pediatric Therapy (NSPT), our clinicians deeply understand how sensory processing impacts a child’s daily life—especially for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or sensory processing disorder (SPD). Our experienced occupational therapists, speech therapists, ABA therapists, and physical therapists work collaboratively to help children feel regulated, confident, and successful across settings.
This guide explains the connection between autism and sensory processing and how NSPT’s interdisciplinary services support children with sensory needs.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interactions, and behavior. Sensory processing differences are also a core part of autism, and many autistic children experience the world with heightened or reduced sensitivity to certain types of input.
Children with ASD might:
- Become overwhelmed by bright lights, loud sounds, or busy environments
- Seek repetitive movement or deep pressure
- Avoid certain textures or foods
- Notice small sensory details others overlook
These differences aren’t “behaviors to fix”—they are real neurological variations that impact how a child experiences the world. Understanding them is the foundation for providing the right support.
What Is Sensory Processing?
Sensory processing involves how the brain interprets and responds to information from the seven sensory systems:
- Visual – what we see
- Auditory – what we hear
- Tactile – touch and texture
- Gustatory – taste
- Olfactory – smell
- Vestibular – movement and balance
- Proprioception – body awareness
When the sensory system functions efficiently, children can participate in daily routines, interact socially, and learn effectively. When it functions differently—often seen in autism and sensory processing disorder—it may lead to behavioral, emotional, or functional challenges.
Sensory Processing Differences in Autism
Over-Responsiveness (Sensory Sensitivity)
A child may react strongly to sensations that others barely notice, such as:
- Loud noises like toilets flushing or vacuum cleaners
- Clothing textures or tags
- Light touches or crowded spaces
- Bright or visually busy environments
For these children, the sensory world can feel intense or unpredictable.
Under-Responsiveness (Sensory Seeking)
A child may need extra input to feel regulated. This might look like:
- Constant movement—jumping, spinning, climbing
- Crashing into furniture or people
- Strong preference for deep pressure
- Seeking intense flavors or chewing on objects
These behaviors help them feel organized and grounded.
Understanding whether a child is sensory-sensitive, sensory-seeking, or a combination of both helps guide effective intervention.
How Sensory Challenges Affect Daily Life
Sensory processing differences can impact:
- Learning: Difficulty focusing in noisy classrooms
- Emotional regulation: Meltdowns triggered by sensory overload
- Feeding: Avoidance of food textures, leading to limited diets
- Social participation: Avoidance of crowds, physical contact, or group activities
- Fine and gross motor skills: Challenges with handwriting, balance, or coordination
At NSPT, we understand that these behaviors are communication—they tell us what a child needs to feel regulated and safe.
Strategies Parents Can Use at Home
Parents play a powerful role in helping children navigate sensory needs. Supportive strategies include:
1. Creating Sensory-Friendly Spaces
- Offer dimmable lighting or lamps
- Use visual simplicity to reduce overload
- Create a “calming corner” with soft textures and comfortable seating
2. Providing Sensory Tools
- Noise-reducing headphones
- Weighted blankets or vests
- Fidget tools or chewable jewelry
- Swings or mini-trampolines (when safe and appropriate)
3. Preparing for Transitions
- Use verbal warnings (“5 minutes until we clean up”)
- Create visual schedules
- Offer transition objects or familiar items
4. Partnering With an Occupational Therapist
An Occupational Therapist develops a personalized sensory diet, a set of activities designed to provide the right input at the right times to help your child stay calm, engaged, and regulated.
How Occupational Therapy at NSPT Helps
North Shore Pediatric Therapy's occupational therapists are highly trained in sensory integration therapy, a play-based approach that helps children:
- Improve sensory processing
- Build regulation and attention
- Reduce anxiety and challenging behaviors
- Increase participation in home, school, and community activities
- Expand tolerance for food textures, grooming, and clothing
- Strengthen fine motor and visual-motor skills
OTs collaborate with parents, teachers, ABA therapists, and other team members to create consistent and meaningful progress across environments.
Interdisciplinary Support for Sensory Processing Challenges
At North Shore Pediatric Therapy, children benefit from a coordinated team that may include:
- Occupational Therapists (OTs)
- Physical Therapists (PTs)
- Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)
- Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
- Mental Health Providers
Because sensory needs often overlap with communication, behavior, motor, and emotional needs, our integrated approach ensures your child receives comprehensive support.
When to Seek an Autism Evaluation
If you notice persistent sensory challenges along with communication or social differences, an autism evaluation can provide clarity and direction.
NSPT partners closely with the Chicago Autism Testing Institute, which conducts high-quality, child-centered evaluations and provides detailed recommendations—including guidance related to sensory processing.
How North Shore Pediatric Therapy Supports Your Family
Families choose NSPT because of our:
- Deep experience with sensory processing disorder and autism
- Comprehensive evaluations and treatment plans
- Interdisciplinary team across 12+ Chicagoland locations
- Evidence-based therapies tailored to each child
- Parent coaching and collaboration
- Warm, child-centered environment
We help children feel understood, confident, and capable—one meaningful step at a time.
Your Next Step
If you have concerns about your child’s sensory behaviors, development, or regulation, our team is here to help.
North Shore Pediatric Therapy provides evaluations and therapy services designed to support your child’s unique strengths and needs.
