What are the Benefits of a Sensory Brush For Autism or The Wilbarger Brushing Protocol?

A sensory brush for autism, or therapy brush, is used as part of the Wilbarger brushing protocol, something that an occupational therapist, trained in sensory integration techniques, may prescribe as part of a home sensory program for your child. 

The technique is called “brushing” only because of the tool that is used, but it’s not with your typical hairbrush.

Key Takeaways

• A sensory brush is not a typical hairbrush; it is a specialized therapy tool used for deep-pressure input as part of the Wilbarger Brushing Protocol.

• Brushing therapy helps calm the nervous system, especially for children with tactile sensitivity, sensory seeking behaviors, or sensory defensiveness.

• The technique provides deep, firm pressure, not light strokes, which helps organize touch receptors and regulate arousal levels.

• When paired with joint compressions, the protocol can support improvements in focus, self-regulation, transitions, and motor coordination.

• Brushing is most effective when used consistently throughout the day as part of a sensory diet and guided by an occupational therapist trained in sensory integration.

What Is a Sensory Brush? 

A sensory brush looks like a surgical scrub brush, or a brush used to remove corn silk from a corncob.

A sensory brush or brushing program is often indicated for pediatric clients that have sensory dysfunction such as tactile sensitivity, hyperactivity, or general sensory dysregulation.

For information on Sensory Processing Disorder, check out our article here.

What Are the Benefits of Sensory Brushing for Autism? 

It can help patients who engage in unsafe or undesired behaviors or are sensory seeking. Brushing can help children who are slow-to-start, or overly cautious, and those that are picky eaters. Pediatric clients may benefit from brushing if they struggle with poor motor coordination or balance issues.  

Some of the sensory brush benefits are that it improves:

• focus
• the ability to handle new situations
• self-awareness
• self-organization
• self-control

It can increase a child’s ability to optimize their arousal and activity levels as well as decrease sensory defensiveness. The Wilbarger brushing protocol involves the sensory brush, paired with joint compressions, completed in a sequence and according to a schedule.

It can be done at school and home and should be carried out as part of a healthy sensory diet, several times per day.

How the Sensory Brushing Therapy Works

Brushing therapy provides deep-pressure tactile input to the skin using a small sensory brush. This technique targets the tactile and proprioceptive systems, which play key roles in body awareness, regulation, and movement.

Here’s how it works:

1. Deep Pressure to the Skin

Firm, even pressure is applied to the arms, legs, back, and other safe areas (avoiding the face, stomach, and chest).
This input helps calm overactive touch receptors that may trigger discomfort, anxiety, or sensory overload.

2. Regulates the Nervous System

The pressure helps the brain better process sensory information, which may:

• Lower stress reactions

• Improve attention

• Make transitions easier

• Reduce defensive or avoidant behaviors

3. Supports Arousal + Activity Levels

Brushing can help bring a child’s alertness to a more organized, “just-right” level—whether the child is:

• Under-responsive and slow-to-start

• Overstimulated

• Sensory seeking

4. Often Paired With Joint Compressions

After brushing, therapists typically add a short sequence of gentle compressions to:

• Shoulders

• Elbows

• Wrists

• Fingers

• Hips

• Knees

• Ankles

This adds proprioceptive input that helps stabilize and integrate the effects of brushing.

5. Part of a Sensory Diet Routine

For best results, brushing is done:

• Consistently

• At scheduled times

• As part of a child’s overall sensory support plan

It can prepare a child for overwhelming environments, calm them at bedtime, or help regulate during the school day.

What Are The Wilbarger Brushing Protocol Instructions? 

The technique is a deep-pressure input applied to the skin, firmly - so it does not scratch, itch or tickle.

By rubbing the brush across the skin, the pressure input targets touch receptors and helps a child organize his/her central nervous system.

This can calm down any over-active receptors that are misfiring and help bring a child’s level of alertness to a normal (calm) level.

When is The Best Time to Use Sensory Brushing?

Brushing is a good way to establish a sensory diet routine and add a preparatory activity.

For example, if a child has a difficult time tolerating a busy environment like a birthday party or holiday gathering, brushing can be used to ‘prepare’ the child’s nervous system to enter that situation, by aiding regulation. At bedtime, brushing can be used as part of a wind-down routine to signal the brain and body to get ready to sleep.

Read more about improving sleep for those with sensory processing disorder here. 

A warm cup of milk, a short yoga sequence, brushing and a bedtime story can prepare all the sensory systems for rest.

Another perfect place for brushing is in bonding between parent and child. Brushing can be similar to infant massage in principle, as it is done with a trusted caregiver and helps target the proprioceptive system and calm the tactile (touch) system. Brushing should be a desired activity for the child and enjoyed by both participants.

A song or quick story can add to the routine, and a bear hug or snuggle at the end can make the experience special and help the child look forward to the routine.

If you have had success with using a sensory brush with your child, we'd love to hear about it!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you use a sensory brush for autism?

You use a sensory brush by applying firm, even pressure on the arms, legs, and back. The brushing should never scratch or tickle. Avoid the face, chest, and stomach. An occupational therapist should show you the correct technique before starting.

How often should you use a sensory brush?

Brushing is usually done every 2 hours while the child is awake, especially at the beginning of the program. The exact schedule may be adjusted by an occupational therapist based on how the child responds.

What is the difference between a sensory brush and a regular brush?

A sensory brush is designed for deep-pressure sensory input and has soft, dense bristles that feel calming. A regular brush, like a hairbrush, is not made for sensory therapy and won’t give the same type of pressure or effect.

Can a sensory brush help with focus?

Yes. Many children show better focus after brushing because deep pressure input can help the nervous system feel calmer and more organized, making it easier to pay attention.

Can a sensory brush reduce anxiety?

Brushing can help reduce anxiety for some children by providing calming input to the nervous system. This deep pressure can lower sensory overload and help the child feel more relaxed.