Understanding Sensory Issues in Children: When Your Little One’s World Feels Too Much or Too Little
Picture this: You’re at the grocery store with your kiddo, and suddenly they start melting down in the cereal aisle. The fluorescent lights seem fine to you, the background music is barely noticeable, but your child is covering their ears, crying, and trying to escape. Or maybe it’s the opposite – your little one seeks out every loud sound, crashes into furniture on purpose, and seems to need constant movement to feel okay.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and more importantly, you’re not doing anything wrong. What you’re witnessing could be sensory issues in children – and it’s far more common than most parents realize.
Key point: Sensory processing differences aren’t behavioral problems – they’re neurological differences in how your child’s nervous system receives and responds to sensory information from their environment.
What Are Sensory Issues and SPD?
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), also known as sensory integration dysfunction, occurs when the nervous system receives sensory messages but doesn’t organize them into appropriate responses. Think of your child’s nervous system as a sophisticated traffic control center – when it’s working smoothly, all the sensory “traffic” flows appropriately. But when there are glitches in the system, you get traffic jams, wrong turns, and sometimes complete gridlock.
Every day, our nervous system processes countless pieces of sensory information – the feeling of clothes on our skin, sounds around us, the position of our body in space, visual input, smells, and tastes. For children with sensory issues, this constant stream of information can become overwhelming (sensory overload) or they might not receive enough input, leading them to seek more intense sensory experiences (sensory seeking).
📊 Did You Know?
Research suggests that sensory processing differences affect 1 in 6 children, making it more common than autism spectrum disorder. Many of these children go undiagnosed because their behaviors are often misunderstood as “difficult” or “attention-seeking.”
The Nervous System Connection
At River City Wellness, we understand that sensory issues children experience aren’t just “behavioral problems” or phases they’ll grow out of. These challenges stem from how the nervous system – particularly the brain and spinal cord – processes sensory information.
Your child’s brainstem acts like a filter, deciding which sensory information is important and which can be ignored. When this filtering system isn’t working optimally, your little one might become overwhelmed by sensations that don’t bother others, or they might not notice sensations that should capture their attention.
The autonomic nervous system, which controls our “fight, flight, or freeze” responses, plays a huge role here too. A child stuck in a heightened state of alertness will perceive normal sensory input as threatening, while a child in a shut-down state might seek intense sensory input just to feel “awake” and regulated.
🔬 The Science
Recent neurological research shows that children with sensory processing differences often have measurable differences in brain structure and function, particularly in areas responsible for sensory integration. This validates what parents have long known – these aren’t imaginary problems or “bad behavior.”
What Causes Sensory Issues in Children?
Many parents in our South Austin practice ask us, “Why is my child experiencing these sensory challenges?” The answer often lies in what we call the “Perfect Storm” – a combination of factors that can affect nervous system development:
During Pregnancy and Birth: Stress during pregnancy, birth complications, prolonged labor, or interventions like forceps or vacuum extraction can create tension in the nervous system that affects sensory processing later on.
Early Life Stressors: Physical trauma like falls, car accidents, or even repeated minor bumps and tumbles can accumulate and impact how the nervous system processes sensory information.
Chemical Stressors: Exposure to toxins, medications, or even changes in diet can influence nervous system function and sensory processing abilities.
Emotional Stressors: Chronic stress, whether from family changes, school challenges, or other life events, can keep the nervous system in a heightened state that affects sensory processing.
Here in the Circle C and Kyle areas, we see many families whose children’s sensory issues improved significantly once we addressed the underlying nervous system stress that was contributing to their processing difficulties.
Recognizing the Signs: Sensory Overload vs. Sensory Seeking
Understanding whether your child experiences sensory overload or is sensory seeking (or sometimes both) can help you better support them. Here’s what to look for:
Signs of Sensory Overload:
- Covers ears or complains about “normal” sounds being too loud
- Has strong reactions to clothing textures, tags, or seams
- Avoids messy play or gets upset when hands are dirty
- Becomes overwhelmed in crowded or busy environments
- Has difficulty with transitions or changes in routine
- Complains about lights being too bright
- Gags easily or is extremely picky about food textures
- Seems to have meltdowns “out of nowhere”
Signs of Sensory Seeking:
- Constantly moving, jumping, or crashing into things
- Seeks out loud noises or makes loud sounds
- Loves messy play and doesn’t seem to notice when dirty
- Chews on non-food items or seeks intense flavors
- Appears to have a high pain tolerance
- Seeks out spinning, swinging, or other intense movement
- Has difficulty sitting still or staying in one place
- Seems to need constant stimulation to focus
🏠 Home Observation Tips
- Keep a sensory diary for a week
- Note triggers and calming strategies
- Track patterns throughout the day
- Document what environments work best
🔍 Red Flags to Watch For
- Regression in previously mastered skills
- Extreme reactions to minor sensory input
- Difficulty with basic daily activities
- Social withdrawal due to sensory challenges
How We Help Children with Sensory Issues at River City Wellness
At our Buda location and throughout the Austin area, we take a neurologically-focused approach to helping children with sensory processing challenges. Rather than just managing symptoms, we address the underlying nervous system dysfunction that’s causing the sensory issues.
Our comprehensive approach includes:
Thorough Neurological Assessment: Dr. Peter Martinez, Dr. Sean Forbes, and Dr. Antonia use advanced scanning technology to assess how well your child’s nervous system is functioning. We look specifically at the areas of the brain and nervous system responsible for sensory processing and integration.
Gentle, Specific Chiropractic Care: Using precise, gentle adjustments, we help remove interference in the nervous system that may be contributing to sensory processing difficulties. Our techniques are specifically adapted for children and are always comfortable and safe.
Individualized Care Plans: Every child’s sensory profile is unique. We create customized care plans that address your child’s specific needs and nervous system patterns.
What Parents Can Expect from Neurologically-Focused Care
When we address the nervous system function underlying sensory issues children experience, parents often report improvements in:
- Better tolerance for previously overwhelming sensory experiences
- Improved ability to self-regulate in challenging environments
- More consistent sleep patterns
- Better focus and attention
- Reduced meltdowns and emotional outbursts
- Improved social interactions and participation
- Better appetite and willingness to try new foods
- Overall improved quality of life for the whole family
It’s important to understand that every child responds differently, and improvement often happens gradually. Some children show changes within the first few weeks of care, while others need more time for their nervous system to reorganize and heal.
💜 Gentle, Child-Focused Care
Our approach is always gentle and respectful of your child’s sensory needs. We create a calm, welcoming environment and work at your child’s pace to ensure they feel safe and comfortable throughout their care.
Supporting Your Child at Home
While professional care addresses the underlying nervous system dysfunction, there are many ways you can support your child’s sensory needs at home:
Create Sensory-Safe Spaces: Designate quiet areas in your home where your child can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. Include soft lighting, comfortable textures, and calming sounds if helpful.
Develop Sensory Breaks: Build regular sensory breaks into your child’s day. This might include jumping on a trampoline, deep pressure hugs, or quiet time with noise-canceling headphones.
Prepare for Transitions: Give your child advance notice about changes in routine or environment. Use visual schedules and social stories to help them prepare for new sensory experiences.
Honor Their Sensory Needs: If your child says something is too loud, too bright, or uncomfortable, believe them. Their sensory experience is real, even if it doesn’t match yours.
🏠 Calming Strategies
- Deep pressure activities (weighted blankets, tight hugs)
- Rhythmic movement (rocking, swinging)
- Proprioceptive input (heavy work activities)
- Controlled breathing exercises
⚡ Alerting Strategies
- Crunchy or sour foods
- Cold water on face/hands
- Upbeat music
- Physical exercise or movement
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child outgrow their sensory issues?
While some children do develop better coping strategies as they mature, sensory processing differences are neurological in nature and don’t typically resolve on their own. However, with proper support and care that addresses the underlying nervous system function, most children can learn to better regulate their responses and thrive in their daily activities.
How is SPD different from ADHD or autism?
While sensory issues can occur alongside ADHD or autism, SPD is its own distinct condition. Many children with sensory processing challenges don’t have ADHD or autism, and their primary struggles relate specifically to processing sensory information. That’s why it’s important to work with professionals who understand these differences and can address the root causes.
Can chiropractic care really help with sensory processing?
Yes! Neurologically-focused chiropractic care addresses the nervous system dysfunction that often underlies sensory processing challenges. By removing interference and supporting optimal nervous system function, many children experience significant improvements in their ability to process and respond to sensory information appropriately.
What should I expect at our first appointment?
Your first visit will be comprehensive but comfortable. We’ll discuss your child’s health history, sensory challenges, and daily experiences. We’ll also perform gentle neurological assessments to understand how your child’s nervous system is functioning. Everything is done at your child’s pace in a sensory-friendly environment. Learn more about what to expect from your Day 1 consult.
How long does it take to see improvements?
Every child is unique, but many parents notice subtle changes within the first few weeks of care – perhaps better sleep, fewer meltdowns, or improved tolerance for certain sensory experiences. More significant changes in sensory processing typically develop over several months as the nervous system heals and reorganizes. We’ll monitor progress closely and adjust care as needed.
Moving Forward with Hope and Understanding
If you’re reading this article, chances are you’ve been searching for answers about your child’s sensory challenges. You’ve probably tried various strategies, maybe felt frustrated when well-meaning people suggested your child just needs more discipline, or worried about how these sensory issues might affect their future.
Here’s what we want you to know: sensory issues children experience are real, they’re neurological in nature, and most importantly, there is hope. With the right approach that addresses the underlying nervous system function, children with sensory processing challenges can learn to thrive in their world.
At River City Wellness, we’ve seen countless children transform from being overwhelmed by their sensory world to confidently navigating daily activities. We’ve watched families go from walking on eggshells around sensory triggers to enjoying outings and experiences they once thought impossible.
Your journey doesn’t have to be traveled alone. If your child is struggling with sensory processing challenges, whether it’s sensory overload, sensory seeking behaviors, or a combination of both, we’re here to help. Our team understands the complexities of SPD and is trained in gentle, effective approaches that address the root causes rather than just managing symptoms.
For additional support and resources, you might also find our article on navigating developmental delays helpful, as sensory issues often intersect with other developmental challenges.
Ready to Help Your Child Thrive?
Schedule a consultation at River City Wellness today. Let’s work together to help your little one’s nervous system function optimally so they can engage with their world confidently and comfortably. Your child’s sensory challenges don’t have to define their future.
Article Summary: This comprehensive guide explores sensory issues children face, including SPD, sensory overload, and sensory seeking behaviors. Learn about the nervous system connection, causes, signs to watch for, and how neurologically-focused chiropractic care can help address the root causes of sensory processing challenges. Last Updated: January 2026
