Sensory Processing and the DIR® Model
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Georgina Ahrens, Occupational Therapist
Director, Kids World Paediatric Therapy
DIR®/Floortime Trainer | Profectum Foundation Associate Faculty
At Kids World, all of our occupational therapists are DIR®/Floortime certified.
The DIR® model (Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship-based) recognises that each child's individual differences — including the way they process sensory and motor information — influence how they engage, communicate, regulate and participate.
Understanding these differences helps us adapt our interactions, activities and environments to support the child's Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities (FEDCs).
For example, if a child is overwhelmed by sensory information, expecting them to engage in complex communication or problem-solving at that moment may not be realistic.
Supporting their regulation may need to come first.
What Can Occupational Therapy Do?
Occupational therapists consider sensory processing in the context of participation in everyday life.
The goal isn't to eliminate sensory differences.
Instead, we want to understand whether those differences are making it harder for the child to do the things they need and want to do.
An occupational therapist may work with the child and family to:
Better understand the child's individual sensory profile
Identify sensory experiences that may contribute to regulation or overwhelm
Help the child develop awareness of their own sensory needs
Develop strategies for everyday routines and environments
Adapt activities or environments where appropriate
Support self-advocacy as the child develops
Help parents and carers understand what may be happening underneath particular responses
Depending on the child's needs, therapy may also involve sensory-motor experiences using movement, climbing, swinging, resistance, deep pressure and other activities within a carefully considered therapeutic environment.
What About a “Sensory Diet”?
Parents sometimes hear that their child needs a particular list of sensory activities or a “sensory diet”.
While particular activities can certainly be helpful, we don't believe sensory support should simply be a generic list of activities applied to every child.
Ten jumps on a trampoline, five wall pushes and some deep pressure aren't automatically regulating simply because they're described as “sensory strategies”.
What helps depends on the individual child, what their nervous system needs at that moment, the environment and what they're trying to do.
Our aim is to help children and the adults around them develop a better understanding of the child's sensory needs so that strategies are purposeful, flexible and meaningful.
Helping Children Understand Their Own Bodies
As children grow, an important goal is helping them develop greater awareness of their own sensory experiences.
A child may gradually learn:
“It's too noisy for me in here.”
“I need to move.”
“I don't like unexpected touch.”
“I need some quiet time after school.”
And eventually:
“Can I wear my headphones?”
“Can I have a movement break?”
“Please don't touch me without asking.”
Developing this awareness and the confidence to communicate what they need is an important part of self-advocacy.
Rather than teaching children simply to tolerate discomfort or hide their responses, we want them to increasingly understand their own bodies and develop strategies that help them participate in ways that work for them.
Understanding Rather Than Judging
Sensory processing gives us another way to become curious about the “why” behind a child's behaviour.
The child covering their ears isn't necessarily being difficult.
The child constantly moving isn't necessarily choosing not to listen.
The child refusing particular clothes may not simply be fussy.
The child who falls apart after school may have spent the entire day working extremely hard to manage the sensory and social demands around them.
Sensory processing won't explain every behaviour, but understanding a child's individual sensory experiences can give us valuable information about what participation feels like for them.
And when we understand more about the child's experience, we are better able to help them understand themselves.
Sensory Processing Support at Kids World
Kids World Paediatric Therapy provides occupational therapy for children and young people from our clinics in Lane Cove, Sydney.
Our occupational therapists take a strengths-based, neuro-affirming and relationship-focused approach to understanding sensory processing and how it may influence a child's regulation and participation in everyday life.
If sensory differences are making everyday activities more difficult for your child, an occupational therapy assessment can help explore their individual profile and identify whether additional support may be helpful.
Last reviewed: July 2026
Please note: This article provides general information and is not intended to replace individual assessment or advice from a qualified health professional. Every child is different, and recommendations should be considered in the context of their individual needs and circumstances.
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