At Sensory Tree, we are committed to transforming the practices of pediatric therapy by adopting a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach. We believe in moving away from traditional deficits-based models and towards an inclusive framework that celebrates each child's unique abilities. Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where children are empowered to facilitate their own success, fostering their growth through play, exploration, and individualized support. We strive to make the world more inclusive and accommodating, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive without being seen as needing to be "fixed."

Child-led, Play-based

Play-based therapy involves activities that look like fun but are carefully designed to target specific sensory and motor challenges. Being child-led means that your child guides the session, choosing activities that interest and motivate them. Children learn best through play, so by following their lead in a playful environment, your child makes stronger neural connections, leading to improved sensory integration, motor skills, and success in daily life.

Comprehensive, Sensory-centered

Understanding and integrating the sensory systems is crucial to truly supporting each child's development. Unlike typical therapy clinics that often overlook or minimally address sensory processing and integration, we place a strong emphasis on the sensory aspects that form the foundation of how our brains and bodies function.

Sensory processing is not just about being more or less sensitive to different things in the world; it is the foundation of how we interact with our environment, learn new skills, and engage in everyday activities.

Signs that your child may have difficulties related to sensory processing include but are not limited to:

Infancy/toddlerhood: 

Irritability

Poor sleep cycles

Intolerance of being held/cuddled

Poor tolerance of position changes

Frequent startles

Slowed development

Preschool age:

Short attention span

Clumsiness, poor articulation

Over/under-reaction to discomfort or pain

Fear of playground equipment and/or certain surfaces

Very messy or picky eater

Poor awareness of danger or avoidance of new things

Avoidance of peers, tendency to play with older or younger children

Early school age:

Fine motor problems

Hyperactivity

Impulsivity

Avoidance of textures in foods, activities & clothing

Difficulties with gross motor activities (may avoid or struggle)

Accidental roughness in play with peers or objects

School age:

Academic problems associated with attention and frustration

Behavioral problems

Poorly or compulsively organized

Reversing letters/numbers

Clumsiness

Difficulty with multi-step instructions or activities

Slower than peers with motor-based activities

Adolescence:

Organizational and time management problems

Loses or forgets things

Trouble finishing started tasks

Immature physical skills

Immature social relationships

May be socially isolated

Avoids team sports or chooses heavy contact sports

Fill out our sensory screener to see if your child may have signs of sensory processing differences: