Understanding the Link Between Anxiety and Sensory Processing Challenges

By Dr. Eva Lassey, PT, DPT

April 29, 2025

Understanding the Link Between Anxiety and Sensory Processing Challenges

Key Takeaways

  • Sensory Processing Disorder is a neurological difference in how a child's brain handles input from the senses, not a behavioral problem or a phase a child will simply outgrow.
  • Studies show that 40 to 60 out of 100 children with SPD also experience strong anxiety, and these children are more likely than their peers to have anxiety disorders.
  • Everyday sensory triggers like a sudden school bell, a noisy lunchroom, or scratchy socks can set off a child's fight-or-flight response, and repeated exposure can build into ongoing anxiety.
  • Practical supports such as creating a calm sensory-friendly space, following a sensory diet, practicing mindfulness, and helping children name their feelings can lower anxiety tied to sensory challenges.
  • Occupational, physical, and speech therapy each play a role in helping children with SPD and anxiety, and finding sensory differences early gives kids the best chance to thrive.

How are anxiety and sensory processing challenges connected, especially in kids? Many parents and helpers see that children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) often feel more anxious. But understanding why this happens—and how to help—can be hard. This guide is made for parents, teachers, therapists, and anyone who supports kids with sensory needs. Here, you’ll find useful tips, the latest ideas, and trusted information to better help kids dealing with both SPD and anxiety.

What You’ll Learn:

  • What Sensory Processing Disorder is and why it matters
  • How SPD and anxiety are connected
  • Easy ways to help kids handle anxiety caused by sensory challenges
  • How different therapies like occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), and speech therapy can help
  • Real stories, helpful resources, and how to find a therapist or clinic near you

What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a brain condition that makes it hard for kids to handle information from their senses. Kids with SPD might be very sensitive or not sensitive enough to things like loud sounds, bright lights, different textures, or moving around. These differences can change how kids feel, learn, and act every day.

Common Signs of SPD

  • Being bothered by clothing tags, seams, or textures

  • Strong reactions to loud noises or bright lights

  • Avoiding or wanting certain tastes, smells, or touches

  • Having trouble with tasks like buttoning shirts or riding a bike

  • Finding it hard to switch from one activity to another

  • Having mood swings or sudden upset feelings in busy or noisy places

Breaking Myths About SPD

There are many wrong ideas about SPD. It’s important to know the truth so we can better help kids:

  • Myth: SPD is just kids being “picky” or wanting attention.
    Fact: SPD is a real brain difference that affects how kids feel things.

  • Myth: Kids with SPD are acting badly on purpose.
    Fact: Their behavior usually means they feel overwhelmed, not that they’re misbehaving.

  • Myth: Kids will just “grow out of” SPD.
    Fact: SPD can last into teen and adult years without help.

  • Myth: Only kids have SPD.
    Fact: People of all ages can have SPD.

“It’s crucial to recognize that sensory processing differences are not behavioral issues, but neurological differences that require understanding and support.”

– Dr. Eva Lassey PT, DPT, SPD Specialist

The Connection Between SPD and Anxiety

How Sensory Processing Challenges and Anxiety Are Connected

Many kids with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) have a hard time when things feel unpredictable or too much for their nervous system to handle.

How Sensory Sensitivities Can Cause Anxiety

Think about a child who jumps at the sound of a school bell, feels upset in a noisy lunchroom, or gets bothered by the feel of their socks. These things aren’t just annoying for kids with SPD—they can actually make them feel very stressed and anxious.

“Sensory processing challenges can make it harder for a child to control their emotions, which can cause more anxiety.”
— Dr. Lucy Miller

What the Nervous System Does

The nervous system helps manage how we feel things and how we react emotionally. For kids with SPD, their “fight or flight” feeling can start from things that seem normal to others. If they face these tough feelings a lot, it can lead to ongoing anxiety.

Facts About SPD and Anxiety

  • Studies show that 40 to 60 out of 100 kids with SPD also have strong anxiety.

  • Kids with SPD are more likely to have anxiety disorders than other kids.

How This Affects Kids in Real Life

Without help, these kids might avoid friends, have a hard time at school, or feel bad about themselves. This makes both their sensory and emotional problems even harder.

Sensory Processing Integration Therapy

Practical Strategies for Managing Anxiety Related to SPD

How to Help Kids with Sensory Processing and Anxiety

Understanding sensory processing and anxiety is helpful only if we use it to take action. Here are some expert-backed tips for parents, teachers, and therapists:

1. Make a Sensory-Friendly Space

A calm space can really help. Think about cozy corners, soft lights, gentle sounds, and tidy areas at home and school.

“Making a sensory-friendly space can lower anxiety and help kids feel safe.”
— Dr. Eva Lassey PT, DPT

Tips for Home and School:

  • Use noise-canceling headphones for loud places

  • Give weighted blankets or vests for calming pressure

  • Let kids use fidget toys or quiet hands-on items while learning

  • Use soft fabrics, dim lights, and keep routines predictable

  • Put up visual schedules to help kids know what’s next

2. Sensory Diets

A “sensory diet” is a plan with activities to give kids the sensory input they need to focus and feel calm all day. This might include moving, deep pressure, or breathing exercises.

“Using sensory activities can help kids handle anxiety better.”
— Carol Kranowitz, author of The Out-of-Sync Child

Sensory Diet Ideas:

  • Jumping on a mini-trampoline

  • Brushing (with help from a therapist)

  • Using swings or rocking chairs

  • Squeezing playdough

  • Joint compressions

  • Taking movement breaks

  • Chewing chewy necklaces or crunchy snacks for kids who seek oral input

Talk to a pediatric occupational therapist to make a sensory diet just for your child.

3. Mindfulness and Relaxation

Teach kids how to notice when they feel anxious and practice calming ways to feel better. Mindfulness helps them reset after feeling overwhelmed.

Try these:

  • Deep breathing

  • Imagining a favorite calm place

  • Short, simple meditation

  • Relaxing muscles one at a time

4. Help Kids Talk About Their Feelings

Teach kids to name their feelings and share them. Use tools like:

  • Feelings charts or pictures

  • Social stories to practice tough situations

  • Talking openly about sensory triggers and worries

  • Praising them when they ask for help instead of having a meltdown

This helps kids speak up for themselves and feel stronger inside.

The Role of Therapy for Kids with SPD and Anxiety

How Therapy Helps Kids with Sensory and Anxiety Challenges

Professional therapy can really help children who struggle with sensory issues and anxiety. Here’s how:

Occupational Therapy (OT)
Occupational therapists use sensory integration therapy. This kind of therapy helps the brain get better at handling sensory information. They use play and special activities to help kids feel more comfortable with things that bother their senses.

Physical Therapy (PT)
Physical therapists help kids improve their body movement and coordination. For kids with SPD, PT can help them know where their body is in space (called proprioception), feel less worried about moving, and feel more confident.

Speech Therapy
Some kids with SPD have trouble understanding or using language, especially when they feel anxious. Speech therapists help kids learn to communicate better and teach words to express their feelings.

Why Early Help Matters
Finding sensory problems early and starting therapy quickly gives kids the best chance to do well.

“Early understanding of sensory differences and getting help right away gives kids and families the tools to succeed for life.”
— Dr. Eva Lassey PT, DPT

How to Find a Therapist

  • Ask your child’s pediatrician for a referral
  • Use the DrSensory Therapist Database to find a local expert in pediatric occupational therapy, pediatric physical therapy, or pediatric speech therapy
  • Visit the DrSensory Clinic Directory for a list of therapy clinics near you

Real-Life Stories and Case Studies

Case 1:

A 7-year-old girl with SPD and high anxiety around school noises started using noise-canceling headphones and took movement breaks throughout the day. With her classroom teacher’s support, her anxiety lessened, she stayed in class more often, and her academic confidence soared.

Case 2:

An 8-year-old boy who refused to wear “itchy” clothes benefited from deep-pressure therapy and parent education about appropriate clothing materials. This reduced morning battles and empowered him to dress independently.

Case 3:

A preschooler with difficulties expressing frustrations learned to use a “feelings card” system in speech therapy, reducing tantrums and improving peer friendships.

All cases underscore a key idea: When children receive support tailored to their sensory and emotional needs, real progress is possible.

Additional Resources and Support

For those eager to take the next step, an abundance of helpful resources is available:

Recommended Books

  • The Out-of-Sync Child by Carol Kranowitz
  • Sensational Kids by Dr. Lucy Miller

Websites and Organizations

Search for certified occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech therapists with experience in Sensory Processing Disorder and anxiety in children.

Locate pediatric therapy clinics specializing in sensory integration therapy, pediatric physical therapy, and pediatric speech therapy.

Supporting Children with SPD and Anxiety

Helping a child with sensory processing challenges and anxiety takes patience, learning, and getting help from professionals. Parents, teachers, and therapists can make a big difference by understanding the child, creating safe and supportive places, and using proven treatments.

The most important things for success are: finding the problem early, talking openly, and keeping support going.

If you want to learn more about or need help, visit the DrSensory Therapist Database or Clinic Directory to find a therapist or therapy clinic near you. Every step you take is a powerful investment in your child’s happiness and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my child with sensory processing issues seem so anxious?

For children with SPD, things that feel normal to others can trigger a fight-or-flight response, making it harder to manage emotions. Facing these overwhelming feelings often can lead to ongoing anxiety.

How common is anxiety in kids with sensory processing disorder?

Studies show that 40 to 60 out of every 100 children with SPD also have strong anxiety, and children with SPD are more likely to have anxiety disorders than other children.

What can I do at home to help my child's sensory-related anxiety?

Creating a calm, sensory-friendly space with soft lighting, quiet sounds, and predictable routines can help a child feel safe. Tools like noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, fidget toys, and visual schedules can also lower anxiety.

What is a sensory diet and can it help with anxiety?

A sensory diet is a plan of activities that gives a child the sensory input they need to focus and stay calm throughout the day, such as movement, deep pressure, or breathing exercises. Using these sensory activities can help kids handle anxiety better, and a pediatric occupational therapist can tailor a plan to your child.

Which therapies help children who have both SPD and anxiety?

Occupational therapists use sensory integration therapy to help the brain handle sensory information, physical therapists improve body awareness and coordination to ease worry about movement, and speech therapists help children communicate and express their feelings. Starting therapy early gives children the best chance to do well.