Tips for Helping a Child With Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

About 90-95% of neurodivergent children, like those with autism or ADHD, also experience sensory processing challenges. This can affect many areas of life, such as motor skills, coordination, and the ability to tolerate light, sounds, or scents. It can also lead to sensitivity to loud noises, food issues, or impulse control.

Little boy with headphones focused on drawing a picture

How can caregivers and parents help?

As a caregiver, being supportive and understanding is crucial when a child experiences sensory challenges. Even simple things, like wearing socks with seams or attending a birthday party, can be painful for a child with SPD. Building trust means validating their feelings and making necessary adjustments.

To get started:

  • Talk to your pediatrician about an assessment.
  • Seek occupational and other therapies.
  • Consider what sensations the child avoids and which ones they enjoy. For example, do they cover their ears, prefer dark rooms, gag on certain foods, or love swinging and jumping?

Once you identify the child’s sensory issues, you can find ways to help, such as:

  • Adjusting the lighting in the home.
  • Using noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds.
  • Providing hand fidgets.
  • Buying sensory-friendly clothing, like flat seams and soft fabrics.
  • Offering sensory breaks with activities like swinging, lifting heavy objects, or using resistance bands.
  • Getting a weighted blanket.

Sensory processing disorder can be complex and varies from person to person. Understanding SPD and seeking help early can greatly improve a child’s daily experiences.

Recommended Resources

Tip Sheet

From the Resource Library

  • The Out-of-Sync Child Grows Up: Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder in the Adolescent and Young Adult Years, by Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A.
  • The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun: Activities for Kids with Sensory Processing Disorder, by Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A.
  • The Sensory-Sensitive Child: Practical Solutions for Out-of-Bounds Behavior, by Karen A. Smith, Ph.D & Karen R. Gouze, Ph.D

Training From Champion Classrooms

Additional Resources