Sensory Processing Awareness Month: Supporting the Senses 🌟

October is Sensory Processing Awareness Month, a time to recognize and support individuals whose sensory systems experience the world in a way that’s uniquely their own. At Radiant Family Wellness, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, understood, and supported in how they process the world around them. 

Whether it’s bright lights, loud noises, itchy clothing, or unexpected touch—some children experience these everyday sensations as overwhelming or even painful. Others may seek more sensory input to feel grounded and calm. Understanding sensory processing can open the door to greater compassion, more effective support, and deeper connection. 

🌈 What Is Sensory Processing? 

Sensory Processing refers to how the brain receives, organizes, and responds to sensory input. This includes not just the five traditional senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell) but also: 

• Vestibular sense – balance and movement 
• Proprioception – body awareness 
• Interoception – internal body signals like hunger, thirst, or needing to use the restroom 

Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) or sensory integration challenges may be hypersensitive (over-responsive) or hyposensitive (under-responsive) to input. These differences can affect everything from focus and behavior to sleep, motor skills, and feeding. 

👉 For more in-depth resources on sensory health and family support, the STAR Institute for Sensory Processing offers excellent research and parent education.

🧠 Signs Your Child May Have Sensory Processing Differences 

Here are a few common signs to watch for: 

• Easily overwhelmed in busy or loud environments 
• Avoids messy play or certain textures 
• Struggles with transitions or unexpected changes 
• Constantly moving, jumping, or crashing into things 
• Difficulty with fine motor tasks like buttoning or handwriting 
• Frequent meltdowns that seem triggered by small things 

Every child is different. Some may have subtle signs while others show clear patterns across many settings. 

🌿 How Chiropractic and Sensory Work Together 

You might be wondering: How can chiropractic help children with sensory needs?

The spine houses and protects the nervous system—the foundation for sensory integration. Gentle pediatric chiropractic adjustments help restore balance to the nervous system, allowing the body to better interpret and respond to sensory input.

At Radiant Family Wellness, our sensory-focused chiropractic care may help:

• Improve regulation of the autonomic nervous system
• Enhance proprioceptive input through safe spinal adjustments
• Support brain-body connection for more adaptive sensory responses

We also collaborate with occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, mental health providers, and primary care teams to create a whole-child, team-based approach. Chiropractic is one important piece—but whole-body, collaborative care ensures every child is supported.

Research from organizations like the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) highlights the role chiropractic can play in supporting sensory integration and whole-body wellness.

💛 What Families Can Do at Home 

Here are a few simple, calming sensory-friendly activities you can try at home: 

• Weighted blankets or lap pads during story time 
• Trampoline jumping or animal walks for vestibular input 
• Playdough, slime, or kinetic sand for tactile exploration 
• “Heavy work” like pushing laundry baskets or carrying groceries 
• Deep pressure hugs or firm massage to calm the nervous system 

If you’re unsure what’s best for your child, we’re happy to help guide you. 

🌟 You’re Not Alone 

Sensory processing differences can feel isolating for families—but you are not alone. Understanding sensory needs is the first step toward advocacy, empowerment, and creating a world that embraces neurodiversity. 

This October, let’s raise awareness, share stories, and celebrate the amazing ways our kids experience life. 

If you’d like to explore how pediatric chiropractic can support your sensory-seeking or sensory-sensitive child, schedule a visit with us. We’re here to help.