When we think about self-regulation, we often picture a child’s ability to manage emotions, behavior, and attention. But there’s an important piece of the puzzle we can’t ignore: sensory processing. The way a child takes in, organizes, and responds to sensory information can influence how calm, focused, and flexible they are throughout the day. If […]
Children and adults with ADHD often struggle with attention, movement, and self-regulation. There’s another layer that significantly impacts daily life, sensory needs in ADHD. A major 2025 research review confirmed that people with ADHD are far more likely to experience differences in how they take in and respond to sensory input. Learn more about what […]
Interoception is often called the “eighth sense.” It helps us notice what’s happening inside our bodies—like when we feel hungry, nervous, tired, or excited. For children, learning to understand these body signals is a key part of building emotional balance and staying focused during everyday tasks. A recent research study looked closely at interoception and […]
Interoception is our ability to sense internal body signals like hunger, heartbeat, or the need to use the bathroom. It’s a key part of self-regulation, emotional development, and body awareness. A recent scoping review examined how to measure interoception in young children, from infancy through childhood. The findings offer helpful insights for occupational therapists, physical […]
Children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) often face challenges with balance, movement, coordination, and sensory processing. One system that may play a key role in these difficulties is the vestibular system. Two recent studies offer important insights into how vestibular function may differ in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), developmental coordination disorder […]
Children develop body awareness and emotional regulation through more than just sight, sound, and touch. Two lesser-known but essential sensory systems, interoception and proprioception, play a critical role in helping children navigate the physical and emotional demands of daily life. These systems influence how children move, how they manage their energy, and how they respond […]
A new twin study published in Translational Psychiatry offers fresh insight into a longstanding question: why do some individuals with autism experience intense sensory sensitivities while others do not? The findings suggest that a trait called alexithymia, which is a difficulty identifying and describing one’s own emotions, may share genetic links with sensory traits often […]
Environmental changes like air pressure and temperature shifts are a part of everyday life. But for individuals with sensory processing differences, including many children, these shifts can influence how their body feels, how they behave, and how they function in school and at home. Understanding temperature, air pressure and sensory processing can help caregivers, educators, […]
Vestibular Groove: Pause and Feel, is a movement-based song created to help children explore how different types of motion affect how their bodies feel. This vestibular song encourages children to spin, march, bend, and freeze, all while reflecting on their internal sensations. The printable includes the full lyrics along with a link to the video, […]
The vestibular system, our sense of balance and movement, is so much more than just helping kids stay upright. It’s one of the earliest systems to develop and one of the most essential for a child’s physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. Understanding and supporting this system through movement and play can make a huge difference […]