If your child is constantly moving, touching, or making noise, you may wonder are they sensory seeking or are they in sensory overload? The truth is, both are part of sensory processing, but they look very different. Understanding the difference can help you respond in a way that supports regulation instead of escalating stress.

Every child experiences the world through their senses. The way they take in and respond to sensory information like sounds, textures, movement, tastes, smells, shapes how they learn, play, and interact with others. But not all children process sensory input in the same way. Dr. Winnie Dunn, an occupational therapist and researcher, identified four sensory processing patterns that help us understand these differences. Knowing which pattern your child leans toward can help you better support them at home and school.

Most of us grow up learning about the 5 senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. But did you know that children actually rely on eight sensory systems to make sense of the world? Understanding all eight systems shifts the way we look at behavior. What might look like “acting out” could be a child’s way of communicating their sensory needs. Maybe they’re overwhelmed, or maybe they’re craving more input.

When thinking about getting your child to start reading, most people don’t know exactly where to begin. Do we start with alphabet sounds? What books do we read? What words do they start learning? The beginning stages of learning to read can feel like a huge task, but with the right structure and planning, it can become an exciting journey for both you and your child. There are clear, research-backed steps for learning to read.