Understanding Sensory Processing Challenges in Children
As parents, we’ve all seen moments when our child seems to “overreact.” Whether it’s a meltdown at a birthday party, tearing off their socks, or refusing to sit in a classroom — it’s easy to assume it’s just “bad behavior.”
But what if it’s not?
What if your child isn’t misbehaving… but struggling with sensory processing challenges?
At TruHap Positive Psychology & Child Development Center, our team of occupational therapists works closely with children who face exactly this — not a behavior issue, but a sensory response.
🔍 What Is Sensory Processing?
Sensory processing is how the brain receives, organizes, and responds to information from the senses — like sound, touch, movement, and sight. For some children, this process is not smooth. Their brains may overreact or underreact to certain sensations.
This can lead to behaviors that look like tantrums or defiance, but are really signs of sensory overload or sensory seeking.
🚩 Common Signs of Sensory-Driven Behavior
Covers ears or screams in noisy places
Tears off socks, tags, or avoids certain clothes
Pushes, bumps, or grabs others too roughly
Hides under tables or runs away in busy environments
Constantly moves, jumps, or fidgets
Meltdowns in response to small changes
These aren’t signs of a “naughty” child — they’re often signals that the child’s nervous system is overwhelmed or needs help regulating.
🧠 Sensory vs. Behavior: What’s the Difference?
Behavior-DrivenSensory-DrivenHappens for attention or controlHappens because the brain can’t process input properlyUsually stops with disciplineContinues or worsens despite disciplineChild can usually explain what happenedChild may not understand or verbalize why they’re upset
✅ How Occupational Therapy Can Help
At TruHap, our licensed Occupational Therapists assess each child’s unique sensory profile to understand what’s driving the behavior.
We use structured, play-based strategies to help your child:
Learn self-regulation skills
Feel calm and safe in different environments
Reduce meltdowns and improve focus
Build routines that support sensory needs
Create a customized sensory diet (daily activities that meet their nervous system’s needs)
🧩 We Support Children With:
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ADHD and self-regulation difficulties
Emotional outbursts and frequent tantrums
Classroom behavior struggles
📍 Why Early Support Matters
Many sensory needs are misunderstood or missed until they affect school performance or social development.
The earlier we support your child’s sensory system, the sooner they can build confidence and thrive in daily life.
📞 Book a Sensory Screening Today
If you’ve ever wondered,
“Is my child just misbehaving… or is something else going on?”
— it’s worth getting clarity.
📍 TruHap Positive Psychology & Child Development Center
📞 9491208645
🌐 http://www.truhap.com