Sensory Processing Therapy for Children 🌀

Does your child cover their ears in the supermarket, refuse certain foods because of texture, or melt down when their socks feel “wrong”? These could be signs of sensory processing differences — and paediatric OT can help.

📍 Narre Warren, VIC ✅ No referral needed 🎮 Play-based therapy 👶 Ages 0–12
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What is sensory processing?

Sensory processing is the way our brain receives, organises and responds to information from our senses — touch, sound, sight, smell, taste, movement and body awareness. Most children process these signals automatically, but for some children the brain interprets sensory information differently. This can lead to being easily overwhelmed, or needing a lot of sensory input to feel regulated.

As paediatric occupational therapists, we help children’s nervous systems process and respond to sensory information more effectively. With the right support, this absolutely can improve.

📌 Signs your child may benefit from sensory OT

  • Extreme sensitivity to sounds, light, touch, smell or taste
  • Seeks out intense sensory experiences (crashing, spinning, climbing constantly)
  • Upset by clothing tags, sock seams or certain fabrics
  • Overwhelmed in busy environments like shopping centres or school
  • Picky eating linked to food textures or temperatures
  • Difficulty settling, transitioning or calming down
  • Covering ears, avoiding eye contact, or hiding from stimulation

How we help 🌱

Our sensory processing therapy sessions use a play-based, evidence-based approach rooted in Sensory Integration theory. Through carefully designed movement-based activities, we help children’s brains learn to organise and interpret sensory information more effectively.

Sessions might include swinging, climbing, tactile play and obstacle courses — activities that challenge the sensory system in a safe, fun and controlled way. We also work with families to create sensory-supportive environments at home and a personalised sensory diet — a set of activities your child can do throughout the day to stay regulated and ready to learn.

Sensory processing — your questions answered 💬

Is sensory processing disorder a diagnosis?
Sensory processing differences are well recognised and commonly seen in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, anxiety and other developmental conditions — as well as in children with no formal diagnosis at all. Our OTs don’t need a formal diagnosis to support your child; we assess and treat based on your child’s individual sensory profile.
How do OTs assess sensory processing in children?
We use a combination of standardised tools (such as the Sensory Processing Measure), parent questionnaires and observational assessments during play-based sessions. This gives us a thorough picture of how your child processes different types of sensory input and how this impacts their everyday life.
How long does sensory OT therapy take?
This varies from child to child depending on the nature and severity of their sensory differences, their age and the goals you set with your therapist. Some children make significant progress in 3–6 months; others benefit from longer-term support. We regularly review goals so you always know how your child is tracking.

💳 Funding options

We accept NDIS funding (Improved Daily Living supports), Medicare Chronic Disease Management rebates and private health insurance. Not sure what you’re eligible for? Just ask — we’re happy to help.

Ready to help your child feel comfortable in their world? 🌟

Book a free 15-minute phone chat with our team. No referral needed — just a friendly conversation about your child.

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