Hello parents. As an Integrated Therapist, one of the most common concerns I hear from families is, "My child just can't sit still," or "They get overwhelmed so easily by noise/touch/crowds." If this sounds familiar, you are not alone.

Every day, I work with amazing children who have Autism, ADHD, or sensory processing challenges. Many parents I meet, from Whitefield, Bangalore all the way to KR Puram, share this same worry: "How do I help my child regulate their emotions and focus?" The answer often lies in a place you might not expect: sensory play.

What is 'Sensory Processing'?

Think of your child’s brain as a busy traffic signal. Sights, sounds, touch, smells, and movement are the 'cars' constantly arriving. For many of us, the 'traffic signal' (the brain) automatically manages this flow. It knows which cars to stop, which to let through, and how to prevent jams.

For some neurodiverse children, this signal can be a little unreliable.

• Sometimes, too many cars get through (sensory seeking), making the child feel under-stimulated. This is when you see constant jumping, spinning, or touching everything.

• Sometimes, the signal is too strict (sensory avoiding), and even a small amount of traffic (like a shirt tag or a normal sound) causes a massive jam (a meltdown or shutdown).

As an Occupational Therapist, my job isn't to 'fix' the traffic signal. It's to help your child build a better, wider road so the traffic flows smoothly. We do this through play.

Messy Play is Serious Work

In Occupational Therapy, we have a saying: Play is the work of a child. It's how they build pathways in the brain. And messy play (using hands, sand, water, clay) is one of the most powerful tools we have. This kind of play provides "proprioceptive" input (pressure to the joints and muscles) and "tactile" input (the sense of touch). These two senses are the most organizing and calming for the nervous system. When a child is digging their hands into a tub of atta (flour) or squeezing a stress ball, they are literally sending "calm down" and "pay attention" signals to their brain. This is why, at a specialized child development centre, you'll often see children having the most fun while getting their 'sensory diet' for the day!

Activity from Your OT: The "Magic Sensory Bin"

You don't need expensive toys. This is a simple, powerful activity you can set up at home. What it is: A simple container filled with a textured material that your child can explore with their hands.

What you need:

• A medium-sized plastic bin or parat (large flat plate).

• A "base" material: Uncooked rice, atta, rawa (semolina), chana (chickpeas), or sand (if you have outdoor space).

• "Tools": Spoons, cups, funnels, and small, safe toys (like small plastic animals or blocks).

How to do it:

1. Set the Scene: Lay down an old sheet or mat. This is important! It defines the "play space" and tells your child (and you!) that it's okay to make a mess here.

2. Introduce: Sit on the floor with your child. Don't give instructions. Just put your own hands in the rice. Scoop it, pour it, and let it run through your fingers.

3. Invite, Don't Force: Your child may be hesitant at first. That's okay! They might just want to use the spoon. Let them. The goal is exploration, not perfection.

4. Add a Challenge (Optional): Hide 5 small toys in the bin and ask them to find them using only their hands (not their eyes). This builds tactile discrimination.

Frequency: Aim for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times a week. Think of it as sensory "homework" that feels like play.

You Are Your Child's Best Guide

Remember, every child's sensory needs are unique. What works one day might not work the next, and that's perfectly okay. The journey with a neurodiverse child is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient with them, and most importantly, be patient with yourself. If you are feeling overwhelmed and looking for a child development centre in Bangalore East, or have specific questions about your child's needs, please know that help is available. Finding a team that understands your child's unique profile is the first and most important step.

At Shikhar.app, our goal is to empower you with the tools to be that guide.