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In this episode, we dive deep into a critical question for therapists and caregivers: should we accommodate or desensitize? Sensory processing challenges can significantly impact a child’s daily life, and understanding when to offer accommodations and when to gently push for desensitization is key to promoting independence and improving quality of life.
Through real-life examples, we'll explore how these strategies work together to help children navigate their sensory world, from a variety of environments to everyday activities like dressing and playing. Plus, we’ll share practical tips for therapists and caregivers to develop personalized plans that promote both immediate comfort and long-term resilience.
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When a child struggles with sensory processing, parents and therapists often face a tough question: Should we accommodate their sensitivities or help them gradually adapt to challenging sensory experiences?
This debate recently gained traction on social media, with some professionals arguing that we should only accommodate sensory challenges while others stress the importance of sensory integration therapy. The truth? It’s not an either-or decision.
Both accommodations and sensory integration strategies have a role in helping children navigate the world comfortably and confidently. Let’s explore the differences between the two approaches, when to use them, and how they can work together to support a child’s sensory development.
Sensory accommodations involve modifying the environment or providing tools to help a child feel more comfortable and function more effectively. Instead of changing how a child processes sensory input, accommodations simply reduce the intensity or impact of the stimulus.
Noise-canceling headphones in a loud environment
Dimming the lights if a child is sensitive to bright lights
Providing fidget tools to help with focus
Allowing alternative seating (e.g., a wobble cushion or standing desk)
Choosing soft clothing for a child with tactile sensitivities
Accommodations help children participate in daily activities without overwhelming their sensory system. In school settings, for example, occupational therapists often recommend classroom accommodations to help students focus and learn effectively.
Sensory integration therapy (often referred to as desensitization) is the process of gently exposing a child to challenging sensory stimuli in a structured and therapeutic way. The goal is to help the nervous system develop more appropriate responses to sensory input over time.
Slow, gradual exposure: If a child dislikes certain textures, they might first touch them with a tool, then a fingertip, and eventually their whole hand.
Play-based approach: Swinging, bouncing, and tactile play can help the brain process sensory input more efficiently.
Building adaptive responses: A child who is afraid of movement (vestibular input) may start with gentle rocking before progressing to more dynamic activities like swinging or climbing.
If a child refuses to wear certain clothes due to tactile sensitivities, we won’t force them to wear uncomfortable clothing all day long. Instead, we might:
Start with wearing the fabric for just a few seconds.
Let them touch the fabric with their hands first.
Incorporate deep pressure activities (like weighted blankets or brushing techniques) to help their nervous system better tolerate touch.
Gradually introduce different fabrics through playful exploration.
Over time, these strategies help the brain learn to process sensory input in a more comfortable way—allowing the child to expand their clothing options without distress.
Since every child is unique, the best approach is often a combination of both accommodations and sensory integration.
The sensory challenge is causing immediate distress (e.g., loud environments, bright lights, strong smells).
The child needs to function successfully in daily life (e.g., wearing comfortable clothes to school).
The sensory input is not essential to their development (e.g., avoiding nails on a chalkboard because it’s not something they need to tolerate regularly).
Sensory sensitivity limits a child’s participation in everyday activities (e.g., refusing to wear clothes, avoiding playgrounds, or struggling in social settings).
The goal is to improve long-term sensory processing and adaptive responses.
The child is motivated to try new sensory experiences in a supportive, play-based setting.
Accommodations: To reduce sensory overload, the child wears earplugs, sunglasses, and a wetsuit or visits the pool during quiet hours.
Sensory Integration: Outside the pool, the child participates in vestibular and auditory activities to improve sensory processing over time.
This approach allows the child to enjoy swimming while also working on long-term sensory development.
If we only accommodate sensory sensitivities without working on sensory integration, we may unintentionally limit a child’s potential.
For example, if a child refuses to wear most clothing and we only provide accommodations, they might never learn to tolerate necessary fabrics—making dressing a lifelong struggle. Instead, a balanced approach that includes both accommodations and sensory integration can expand their comfort zone while still respecting their needs.
Occupational therapy aims to help children feel confident and capable in their daily lives. The approach should be individualized, based on the child’s specific needs and challenges.
Some children may always need accommodations—and that’s okay!
Other children may benefit from a mix of accommodations and gradual sensory integration.
Every child deserves a plan tailored to their unique sensory profile.
So, should we accommodate or desensitize? The answer is both.
Accommodations help children function in the moment, while sensory integration helps their nervous system adapt over time. The key is finding the right balance for each individual child.
At the end of the day, our goal is simple: help children feel comfortable, confident, and ready to take on the world—one sensory experience at a time.
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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