
Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD) can make life difficult for children, as well as their families. Sensory processing disorders are a range of conditions that cause children to struggle with processing information from their senses, which can lead to overstimulation, anxiety, and difficulty functioning in everyday situations. Fortunately, paediatric occupational therapy (OT) can help children with SPD learn to process and integrate sensory information, so they can better participate in daily activities. Let’s take a closer look at how paediatric occupational therapy can help children with sensory processing disorders.

What are Sensory Processing Disorders?
Sensory processing disorders (SPD) occur when a child has difficulty processing sensory information from their environment. SPD can affect any of the senses, including touch, sound, taste, smell, and sight. Some children may experience sensory information as overwhelming, while others may not feel sensations at all. Sensory processing disorders can be categorised into three types:
- sensory modulation disorder,
- sensory discrimination disorder,
- and sensory-based motor disorder.
Children with SPD may exhibit a range of signs and symptoms, including oversensitivity or under-sensitivity to sensory input, difficulty with transitions, difficulty with fine motor tasks, and difficulty with self-regulation.
Paediatric Occupational Therapy?
Paediatric Occupational Therapy (OT) is a type of therapy that focuses on helping children with disabilities like SPD to perform everyday activities. Paediatric OTs can help children develop the necessary skills to participate in school, play, and social activities. Paediatric occupational therapists are trained to work with children of all ages, from infants to adolescents, and are focused on helping children with a range of conditions that affect their ability to participate in everyday activities. Paediatric occupational therapists use a holistic approach to therapy, taking into account the child’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development, helping children develop the skills they need to participate in school, play, and social activities. We use a variety of techniques and interventions, including sensory integration therapy, play-based therapy, and activities that help children learn to self-regulate.
How does Paediatric OT help treat SPD?
Paediatric occupational therapy can help children with SPD learn to process sensory information in a more effective way. The therapy is designed to address the child’s specific sensory needs, and therapists will create a personalised treatment plan to help the child achieve their goals, and may involve a range of techniques and interventions, such as sensory integration therapy, play-based therapy, and activities that help children learn to self-regulate. The goal of these therapies is to help children become more comfortable with sensory input, so they can better participate in daily activities. Parent involvement in the therapy process is also critical, as parents can provide valuable feedback and support to their children throughout the therapy process.
Finding the right Paediatric OT for your child
Finding the right paediatric occupational therapist for your child is essential. It’s important to find a qualified therapist who has experience working with children with SPD. When choosing a therapist, consider the best location for your sessions (either at home, at school, at a clinic or out in the community), then review different therapists to find a match with your needs.
All our therapists at Therapy Partners can work in any location, enabling us to tailor the session around your needs and preferences. You can also browse our entire team of therapists on our Team page, to help you find the right match.
During the first OT session, one of our team will conduct an evaluation of their child’s sensory processing abilities. The therapist will then develop a personalised treatment plan based on your child’s specific needs, and work closely with you to provide guidance and support throughout the entire process.

Paediatric occupational therapy can help children with SPD learn to process sensory information in a more effective way, so they can better participate in daily activities. By finding the right paediatric occupational therapist and working closely with the therapist throughout the therapy process, parents can help their children overcome the challenges of sensory processing disorders and improve their quality of life.