Does your child struggle with loud sounds, certain textures, or overwhelming environments? Sensory processing differences are common in autism and ADHD. Krisie Cheng, BCBA uses evidence-based ABA strategies to help children build tolerance and thrive.
The nervous system constantly takes in information from the environment — sounds, textures, lights, smells, movement. For most children, the brain filters and organises this input automatically. For children with sensory processing differences, this filtering system works differently, leading to responses that can seem extreme or confusing to others.
Covering ears in noisy environments, distress at unexpected sounds, inability to concentrate in classrooms with background noise. Common in children with autism and ADHD.
Refusing certain fabrics, textures, or clothing. Reacting strongly to light touch or tags. Difficulty with food textures — often linked to selective eating patterns in autistic children.
Overwhelm in bright, busy, or visually cluttered environments. Difficulty functioning in classrooms with excessive decorations or displays, or in shopping centres and crowded public spaces.
Seeking deep pressure, crashing into things, or difficulty with body awareness and coordination — often a sign of under-sensitivity to proprioceptive input that the child is trying to self-regulate.
ABA does not try to stop a child from feeling overwhelmed — it works to understand what is driving each reaction, reduce the intensity of sensory responses over time, and build practical coping strategies for real-world environments.
Through observation and parent interview, Krisie maps exactly which inputs trigger overwhelming responses in your child — sound, texture, light, smell, movement — and in which environments they occur.
Sensory-driven behaviour (meltdowns, avoidance, self-stimulation) is analysed to understand its function. This ensures the intervention is addressing the real cause, not just the surface behaviour.
Systematic, gradual exposure to challenging sensory inputs — at a pace the child can manage — builds tolerance over time. Each step is reinforced positively, making the process as comfortable as possible.
Where gradual exposure isn't enough, environmental changes reduce sensory load. This might include seating adjustments at school, clothing changes at home, or modifications to daily routines.
Parents and caregivers are coached in how to support their child through sensory challenges at home, in the community, and in public settings — extending the impact of therapy into daily life.
Book a free 20-minute consultation to talk about your child's sensory challenges and how ABA support could help them thrive in daily life.
Call (604) 367-8302