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In this episode, we dive into the connection between sensory processing and executive function. We begin by defining sensory processing and its vital role in our daily lives. From the basic five senses of touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell, to the more complex senses of vestibular, proprioception, and interoception, we explore how each sense helps us navigate the world and regulate our physical and emotional responses.
Next, we define executive function and its core components. We explain how these skills are essential for tasks like planning, organizing, decision-making, and self-regulation.
We examine how difficulties with sensory processing—whether it’s over-responsiveness, under-responsiveness, or sensory-seeking behaviors—can disrupt focus, attention, impulse control, and emotional regulation. These challenges can make it harder to plan, organize, and complete tasks, impacting children and adults both at school, work, and in social settings.
Finally we share practical tips for supporting individuals with sensory processing difficulties in improving executive function. Learn how creating sensory-friendly environments, offering sensory breaks, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and incorporating calming sensory activities can help regulate emotions and enhance self-control.
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The Ultimate Guide to Sensory Processing Disorder
Did you know your child’s ability to stay organized, manage emotions, and complete daily tasks depends on sensory processing? Challenges like being overly sensitive, under-responsive, or craving sensory input can disrupt these executive functioning skills, but you can help your child thrive with the right strategies.
Most of us grew up learning about the five senses: touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing. But did you know we actually have eight?
The three "hidden" senses—proprioception, vestibular, and interoception—play a huge role in how we process the world around us. Here’s a quick overview:
This sense helps us understand where our body is in space and how much force to use when moving, thanks to receptors in our muscles and joints. Calming activities like pushing, pulling, or deep pressure (think bear hugs) can help regulate and ground the nervous system.
This sense, located in the receptors of our inner ears, helps us maintain balance and understand our body’s orientation in space. Movements like spinning, jumping, or swinging activate the vestibular system, which can be energizing for some and calming for others.
This is your body’s internal “check-in system,” letting you know if you’re hungry, thirsty, tired, or need to use the bathroom. It’s deeply connected to emotions, helping you recognize feelings like anxiety or calmness.
When these sensory systems are out of sync, it can lead to sensory processing challenges, which affect how children respond to the world. This, in turn, impacts their ability to focus, plan, organize, and regulate their emotions.
Executive functioning skills are like the brain’s “management team.” They help us stay organized, remember instructions, manage time, control impulses, and regulate emotions.
For kids, these skills are crucial for navigating daily life, like:
Completing homework without forgetting key instructions.
Regulating emotions during frustrating situations.
Planning and prioritizing tasks like cleaning their room or starting a big school project.
Here’s the kicker: The brain’s prefrontal cortex (where executive functioning skills live) doesn’t fully develop until the mid-20s. That means kids—even without sensory challenges—are naturally still learning and building these skills, creating an even bigger gap, and making school and everyday routines feel overwhelming.
Think of sensory processing as the foundation of a pyramid. At the very top are higher-level skills like emotional regulation, problem-solving, and time management—what we call executive functioning skills.
If the base (sensory processing) is lacking, it becomes much harder to access those higher-level skills. For example:
A child with vestibular processing difficulties might feel disoriented in a classroom with lots of movement, making it hard to focus on the teacher’s instructions.
A child with interoceptive challenges might not notice they’re hungry, tired, or anxious, leading to emotional outbursts.
A child with proprioceptive challenges might struggle with body awareness, making tasks like handwriting or organizing their backpack more difficult.
If we want to support executive functioning, we need to first ensure a strong sensory foundation.
When a child’s nervous system is calm and organized, they are better able to:
Remember instructions.
Plan and prioritize tasks.
Regulate their emotions and control impulses.
The key? Helping children achieve a state of "rest and digest," where their nervous system is calm, focused, and ready to learn. Here’s how you can start:
In Classrooms: Use tools like noise-canceling headphones, dimmed lighting, and a sensory corner with bean bags or fidgets.
At Home: Designate a calming space with soft lighting, soothing textures, and sensory tools like weighted blankets or compression vests.
Activities like jumping on a trampoline, swinging, or climbing can help regulate the nervous system.
If your child is in school, suggest adding sensory breaks to their IEP or 504 plan, such as walking laps, stretching, or doing wall pushes.
Spending time outside is a simple yet effective way to calm the sensory system.
Walking barefoot in grass, climbing trees, or playing on a playground can naturally regulate emotions and improve focus.
For big projects (like cleaning their room or completing a school assignment), help your child by breaking the task into smaller steps. For example:
Start with one category (e.g., putting away clothes).
Use visuals, like a photo of a clean room, to show the goal.
Celebrate each step with high fives or encouragement to keep them motivated.
Remember, kids need support to build these skills. Act as their “external prefrontal cortex” by modeling organization and planning:
Use checklists or planners to teach time management.
Role-play emotional regulation strategies, like deep breathing or visualizing a calm place.
While sensory processing challenges can feel overwhelming, the good news is that small, consistent changes can make a big difference. By supporting your child’s sensory needs, you’ll help lay the foundation for stronger executive functioning skills—and set them up for long-term success.
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.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
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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