More or Less Sensory Input?

Sensory processing can feel complicated… but it doesn’t have to be complex.

A simple way to begin is by asking: Does my child need more sensory input, or less sensory input right now?

When you see a behaviour, instead of asking “What is the problem?” try shifting your lens to:
👉 How is what they are doing giving them more or less of what they need?

Sometimes It’s About More

A child’s behaviour may be giving them more:

• more to hear

• more to see

• more movement

• more pressure

• more to touch

• more awareness of their body

• more interest, purpose, or excitement

• more novelty

Sometimes It’s About Less

Or it may be giving them less:

• less overwhelm

• less demand

• less noise

• less to see

• less movement

• less pressure

• less tiredness

• less coordination

Why This Perspective Helps

This simple framework is a good place to start. It helps you notice your child’s sensory needs and differences—and what supports them best.

From there, you can:

• adapt the environment,

• tweak an activity,

• do more of what helps, or

• reduce what overwhelms them.

The goal is to help your child feel safe and comfortable in their body.

But remember: sensory processing is not static. Children can fluctuate between needing more and less, and many have what we call mixed responsiveness. Their needs shift depending on the situation, the task, how well they slept, what has happened earlier in the day, and whether their relationships and environment feel supportive.

How This Connects to Writing

Children need to feel safe and regulated in their bodies before they can take on tasks that feel new or challenging—like writing.

• They need to hold themselves steady so their hands and fingers can control the pencil.

• They need to feel calm enough to organise their thoughts and ideas on paper.

All of this happens before they even pick up the pencil.

That’s why understanding sensory processing isn’t just about daily comfort—it’s the foundation for learning skills like writing.

Want to Go Deeper?

This is exactly what I’ll be exploring in the Beyond Pencil Grasp Workshop.

You’ll discover:
✔ The skills your child needs before writing clicks
✔ How sensory processing, strength, and coordination all play a part
✔ Where to start so you can support your child based on brain science while honouring their needs

📅 When: 25 Sept at 8pm UK time; 3pm (EST); Noon (PST); +5am (AEST)
🎥 What: Workshop + live Q&A (ask your questions and get support)
📩 Replay: Available for a week if you can’t make it live (Q&A not recorded for confidentiality)

It’s free to join, and I’d love to see you there.