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Matt Sloan is a certified occupational therapy assistant specializing in sensory integration therapy. Matt is also a fitness professional, coach, and has worked as a special education teacher and adaptive PE teacher. Matt has been involved in education for over 25 years working with kids and adults of all abilities in a multitude of settings.
Matt now runs Sensory Fitness - a program developed to incorporate sensory integration therapy and fitness that is intentional about exercise, games, and activities to build bodies for an organized mind.
Sensory Fitness offers in person and virtual classes for kids and adults and provides trainings for parents, educators, health practitioners, and it is Matt’s mission to improve regulation, motor skills, attention, and self-awareness through promoting movement, intentional activities and play.
Matt’s Instagram @sensory_fitness_llc
Episode 40 - Interview with Alex from Sensory Digest
All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram
What if fitness and occupational therapy could come together to help children thrive? That’s exactly the approach Matt Sloan, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L) and founder ofSensory Fitness, brings to the table.
Matt shares how his work blends sensory integration therapy with fitness-based strategies to support children with sensory processing challenges—while also offering hope and real-world solutions to families and professionals alike.
Before becoming a COTA, Matt spent over 13 years as a special education teacher. Frustrated by the mountain of paperwork and lack of time spent with students, he eventually transitioned to occupational therapy, where he discovered the powerful impact of sensory integration therapy.
“I didn’t have the words for what I was already doing intuitively,” Matt says. “Once I learned about sensory integration, it was like magic—it just clicked.”
Matt now runs Sensory Fitness, a movement-based program that supports children and adults through play, physical activity, and sensory-informed strategies.
Sensory Fitness is a one-on-one, play-based approach that combines sensory integration principles with modern fitness. Each session includes:
Proprioceptive and vestibular input through swinging, climbing, jumping, and crashing.
Use of tactile activities and primitive movement patterns.
Tailored, client-led experiences that support emotional regulation, coordination, and motor planning.
Instead of separating fitness and therapy, Matt blends them—meeting foundational sensory needs while building strength, confidence, and focus.
“Mental health is bodily health. It’s all connected,” Matt explains.
One of Matt’s biggest goals is to help parents and professionals reframe challenging behavior. Too often, children are seen as “defiant” or “unmotivated” when they’re actually dysregulated due to unmet sensory needs.
Some common signs of sensory dysregulation include:
Emotional outbursts or aggression.
Difficulty sitting still or focusing.
Resistance to certain textures, sounds, or movements.
Constant crashing, spinning, or touching objects.
Matt uses sensory strategies—like heavy work, tactile play, and movement-based games—to meet kids where they are and help them regulate in a supportive, non-judgmental way.
“Sometimes it’s not that they won’t follow directions—it’s that they can’t yet. That shift in understanding is huge.”
Even as a therapist, Matt admits that recognizing sensory needs in his own children took time.
“My son would crash into things, draw on himself, and zone out in the sand. He was clearly a tactile seeker, but I missed it at first.”
This honest reflection resonates with many parents. You don’t need to be an expert to start tuning into your child’s sensory preferences—just observe what activities calm or energize them, and build from there.
Start small and stay curious. Whether it's five minutes of movement before school or incorporating tactile play into daily routines, little changes make a big difference.
One of the most powerful takeaways? Kids need more movement—now more than ever.
Today’s children often spend long hours sitting in classrooms or using screens, limiting the natural movement they need for regulation and development. Matt points out:
Movement supports emotional regulation, sleep, and focus.
Outdoor play and active games can reduce meltdowns and increase confidence.
Simple tools like a swing, scooter board, or crash pad at home can provide critical input.
“It’s not about exercise—it’s about helping the brain and body connect in meaningful ways.”
Matt’s work doesn’t stop at the gym. He’s also focused on training parents, teachers, and fitness professionals to recognize sensory needs and use movement-based strategies.
His vision includes:
Expanding sensory fitness programs to adults.
Offering workshops for professionals.
Helping gyms and schools become more sensory-friendly.
Exploring ways to accept insurance and increase access for families.
“If a clinic isn’t an option, maybe the gym is. We need more accessible solutions.”
Here are Matt’s top tips for getting started with sensory fitness:
Pay attention to what activities your child gravitates toward. Do they love spinning, crashing into things, or seeking quiet, enclosed spaces?
Even 10 minutes of heavy work or movement in the morning can improve focus and behavior.
Whether it’s a game of tug-of-war, jumping on a trampoline, or crawling through a tunnel, use fun and engaging activities to support sensory needs.
It’s okay if a strategy doesn’t work the first time. Sensory needs fluctuate, and every child is different. Keep trying.
Matt’s work with Sensory Fitness perfectly reflects this mission.By combining play, movement, and empathy, we can help children—and adults—feel more confident, regulated, and connected in their daily lives.
“Don’t be afraid to try something new. If something doesn’t feel right, follow your gut. Keep searching until you find what works.”
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
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This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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