For children with sensory processing challenges, the world can sometimes feel overwhelming. Sounds may seem too loud, lights too bright, and textures too uncomfortable. These sensitivities can affect focus, behavior, emotional regulation, and even a child’s ability to participate in everyday tasks. That’s where occupational therapy for sensory integration comes in.
At The Way You Say LLC in New Jersey, our occupational therapists specialize in creating individualized sensory-based programs to help children process sensory input more effectively. Through structured play and therapeutic activities, we help children build balance, coordination, and confidence in a calm and supportive environment.
Below, we’ll explore what sensory integration is, why it’s important, and the top 5 occupational therapy activities that promote sensory development—activities you can even try at home!
What Is Sensory Integration?
Sensory integration is the brain’s ability to take in, organize, and interpret information from the senses—including touch, sound, sight, movement, taste, and smell—so we can respond appropriately to our environment. For most people, this process happens naturally. But for children with sensory processing disorders, the brain may have difficulty interpreting these signals correctly, leading to over- or under-responsiveness.
Sensory integration therapy uses controlled sensory experiences to help the brain adapt and make sense of these signals. Occupational therapists design activities that target multiple sensory systems, helping children regulate emotions, improve focus, and participate more fully in daily life.
Why Sensory Integration Matters
When a child struggles with sensory processing, it can affect many areas of development and behavior, including:
- Fine motor skills – tasks like writing, dressing, and eating
- Gross motor skills – balance, coordination, and movement
- Emotional regulation – frustration tolerance and self-control
- Social skills – communication and peer interactions
- Academic performance – attention, focus, and classroom participation
Through regular occupational therapy sessions, children learn how to process sensory input in a more organized and adaptive way. This improves confidence, independence, and overall quality of life.
Top 5 Occupational Therapy Activities for Sensory Integration
Below are five of the most effective and engaging occupational therapy activities designed to promote sensory integration. These exercises target multiple sensory systems and can be easily modified for use in clinics, classrooms, or at home.
1. Swinging and Vestibular Play
The vestibular system—located in the inner ear—helps control balance, spatial orientation, and coordination. Swinging is one of the most powerful sensory integration activities for stimulating this system. Whether it’s a platform swing, hammock swing, or therapy ball, movement-based play helps the brain process motion, direction, and gravity.
Benefits include:
- Improved balance and coordination
- Increased body awareness
- Calming and self-regulating effects
At The Way You Say LLC, our therapists use swings safely in controlled environments to help children feel secure and grounded. For home use, gentle back-and-forth swinging or rocking in a chair can have similar soothing effects.
2. Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Activities
Proprioceptive input refers to sensations from muscles and joints that help the body understand where it is in space. Activities that provide deep pressure or heavy work are incredibly beneficial for children who crave sensory feedback or feel easily overstimulated.
Examples include:
- Carrying weighted objects or pushing a loaded laundry basket
- Using resistance bands or therapy putty
- Wall pushes or animal walks (like bear crawls or crab walks)
- Rolling up in a soft blanket or using a weighted lap pad
These exercises help calm the nervous system, improve focus, and strengthen muscles while providing the sensory input the body needs for organization and regulation.
3. Tactile Sensory Play
For children who are sensitive to touch, tactile play can help desensitize the nervous system and build tolerance to different textures. Occupational therapists use fun, hands-on activities that engage multiple senses at once.
Popular tactile activities include:
- Playing with kinetic sand, shaving cream, or slime
- Creating sensory bins filled with rice, beans, or water beads
- Painting with fingers or sponges
- Exploring different fabrics or textured materials
These experiences encourage exploration, creativity, and fine motor development while helping children process tactile sensations in a safe, playful setting.
4. Balance and Core Strength Activities
Balance and postural control are essential for sitting upright, walking, and performing everyday tasks. Occupational therapy activities that challenge balance and build core strength also stimulate the vestibular and proprioceptive systems, improving overall sensory integration.
Some great options include:
- Standing on balance boards or wobble cushions
- Playing “Simon Says” with one-legged stances
- Climbing, crawling through tunnels, or navigating obstacle courses
- Using therapy balls for seated balance exercises
At The Way You Say LLC, we use balance and movement games to keep children engaged while improving body awareness, coordination, and strength—all key components of sensory development.
5. Auditory and Visual Processing Games
While touch and movement are often the focus of sensory integration therapy, sound and sight play equally important roles. Auditory and visual processing activities help children respond appropriately to environmental cues, filter background noise, and improve focus.
Fun examples include:
- Following clapping or rhythm patterns
- Playing “Simon Says” with sound cues
- Sorting or matching objects by color, size, or pattern
- Using flashing light toys or visual tracking games
These multisensory experiences strengthen brain connections between the auditory, visual, and motor systems, promoting smoother responses to daily sensory input.
How Occupational Therapy Supports Sensory Development
Occupational therapy for sensory integration is more than just play—it’s purposeful, evidence-based treatment that helps children reach developmental milestones. Through customized activities, therapists guide children to better understand and respond to their environment.
At The Way You Say LLC, our occupational therapists design individualized treatment plans that combine sensory activities with skill-building tasks such as handwriting, feeding, dressing, and emotional regulation. The goal is to help every child feel confident, capable, and calm in any setting—whether at home, school, or in the community.
Tips for Parents: Encouraging Sensory Play at Home
Parents and caregivers play a vital role in supporting sensory integration outside of therapy sessions. Here are some simple, therapist-approved ways to encourage sensory play at home:
- Incorporate movement breaks during homework or screen time
- Offer a variety of textures during play (sand, fabric, clay, etc.)
- Encourage outdoor exploration—walking barefoot on grass or playing in the park
- Use calming sensory tools such as weighted blankets or noise-canceling headphones
- Follow your child’s cues—if an activity seems overwhelming, pause and try again later
Consistency and patience are key. Over time, your child’s sensory tolerance and self-regulation skills will improve through structured exposure and support.
Why Choose The Way You Say LLC for Occupational Therapy in New Jersey
The Way You Say LLC provides compassionate, individualized occupational therapy and sensory integration services for children and families throughout New Jersey. Our multidisciplinary team specializes in helping children overcome sensory challenges, build independence, and thrive in all areas of life.
We take a family-centered approach that includes parent coaching, sensory home programs, and collaboration with educators and healthcare providers. Whether your child needs help with motor coordination, sensory regulation, or daily routines, we provide a nurturing environment that promotes lasting progress.
We offer:
- Individualized treatment plans tailored to your child’s needs
- Experienced pediatric occupational therapists with sensory integration expertise
- Fun, play-based therapy designed to keep kids motivated and engaged
- In-home and clinic-based sessions for convenience and comfort
- Collaborative care with speech and feeding therapists for comprehensive support
To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit thewayyousayllc.com or contact us directly to speak with one of our experienced therapists.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sensory Integration and Occupational Therapy
Question: What is sensory integration therapy?
Answer: Sensory integration therapy is a type of occupational therapy that helps individuals process sensory input more effectively. It uses play-based activities to improve how the brain interprets and responds to sensory information like touch, sound, and movement.
Question: How do I know if my child needs occupational therapy for sensory issues?
Answer: Signs include frequent meltdowns, sensitivity to noise or textures, difficulty with balance or coordination, or trouble focusing. A professional evaluation by an occupational therapist can determine if sensory integration therapy would be beneficial.
Question: Can sensory activities be done at home?
Answer: Yes! Many sensory activities—such as playing with putty, jumping on a trampoline, or swinging—can be done at home. Your occupational therapist can provide a personalized sensory diet plan for daily use.
Question: How long does it take to see improvement from sensory integration therapy?
Answer: Every child is different. Some may show progress within a few weeks, while others benefit from several months of consistent therapy. Regular participation and at-home reinforcement help accelerate results.
Question: Does The Way You Say LLC offer in-home occupational therapy services?
Answer: Yes, we offer both in-clinic and in-home therapy sessions for families throughout New Jersey, ensuring personalized support in the environment where your child feels most comfortable.
The Way You Say LLC is dedicated to helping children of all abilities reach their fullest potential through evidence-based occupational therapy and sensory integration. Our compassionate team is here to guide your family every step of the way toward greater independence and success.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our sensory integration programs at thewayyousayllc.com.
