Sensory integration.
Occupational Therapists do additional training to understand the body’s sensory processing systems and the significance of how these systems function.
At Sense Rugby NZ, we believe every child deserves to feel understood, included, and supported. By recognising and responding to sensory needs, we can help tamariki and rangatahi build confidence, connection, emotional regulation, and a lifelong sense of belonging.
What is sensory integration and why is it important?
At Sense Rugby NZ, we understand that every child experiences the world differently. Some tamariki and rangatahi may find busy environments, loud sounds, touch, movement, or everyday activities overwhelming or difficult to manage. Others may seek out movement, pressure, or sensory input to help them feel calm and focused.
Sensory integration is the brain’s ability to take in information from the senses, organise it, and respond in an appropriate way. This includes the five main senses, sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, but there are three other additional sensory systems that are equally as important when understanding emotional regulation, activity levels, attention, concentration and physiological arousal.
These sensory systems include:
Vestibular – helps us understand balance, movement, and where our head position is in relation to gravity and whether or not we are moving or just our surroundings are moving.
Proprioception – helps us understand body awareness, pressure, and movement through our muscles and joints.
Interoception – helps us notice what is happening inside our body, such as hunger, thirst, tiredness, emotions, breathing, or needing the toilet.
We need sensory input for our brains to develop and continue to function properly. When sensory processing is supported, children are better able to regulate their emotions, focus, learn new skills, move their bodies confidently, and connect with others. When sensory needs are misunderstood or not supported, children may feel anxious, overwhelmed, dysregulated, or disconnected.
We often describe the brain and body like an internal engine. Sometimes a child’s engine may be running too fast, making them feel restless or overwhelmed. Other times, it may be running slowly, making it hard to focus or engage. The right sensory input can help children reach a “just right” state where they feel calm, alert, and ready to participate.
Sensory integration is important because it supports how we function in everyday life. It helps children manage their emotions, build relationships, develop physical skills, and participate in learning and play.
When a child’s sensory needs are understood and supported, they are more likely to feel safe, confident, and included. This creates a strong foundation for wellbeing, development, and a sense of belonging. Sense Rugby provides whole-body sensory input that can help children regulate their nervous systems, build confidence, and develop social connections in a meaningful and fun environment.
Sensory Strategies
Every child has unique sensory needs, and different strategies can help children feel more regulated, support their nervous systems, and feel comfortable throughout the day, so they can feel safe, calm, and ready to learn and connect. These strategies may not be useful for all tamariki and rangatahi, the best way to understand what strategies may be helpful is to obtain a sensory profile from an OT.
Some helpful sensory strategies may include:
Movement activities such as swinging, climbing, jumping, running, trampolining, or animal walks (such as crab walking and bear walking).
“Heavy work” activities like carrying groceries, pushing or pulling objects, tug-of-war, or lifting and moving items.
Deep pressure input such as firm hugs, weighted blankets, tackle bags, bean bags, or back rubs.
Quiet sensory-safe spaces with soft lighting, calming music, books, or noise-cancelling headphones.
Fidget tools, chewing crunchy foods, chewing gum if appropriate, or drinking through a straw to support focus and regulation.
Reducing sensory overwhelm by lowering noise, reducing clutter, dimming bright lights, or creating predictable routines.
