Childhood Map

Discover the amazing things 5-year-olds are learning — from climbing and jumping to friendships, feelings, and first words on a page. Each skill comes with fun activities you can try together.

Sensory Integration

The neurological process of organizing sensory input from the body and environment to produce appropriate motor, behavioral, and emotional responses.

Sources (4)
  • Ayres Sensory Integration Framework
  • Montessori (Sensorial Area)
  • Waldorf/Steiner (Nature & Senses)
  • OT Practice Framework (OTPF-4)
8 Subdomains
Vestibular Processing Proprioceptive Processing Tactile Processing Visual Processing Auditory Processing Interoception Sensory Modulation Praxis & Motor Planning7
Sensory Modulation

Regulating responses to sensory input to maintain an appropriate level of alertness and behavioral response.

Examples & Achievements

  • Transitions between quiet and active activities without major difficulty
  • Tolerates typical environmental sounds (hand dryer, vacuum) without covering ears
  • Recovers from sensory overload with brief support
  • Maintains calm-alert state during structured classroom activities

How to Measure

  • Sensory Profile 2 (Dunn) - quadrant scores within typical range
  • Sensory Processing Measure (SPM)
  • Teacher/parent report of sensory-related behavioral concerns
Sources (3)
  • Ayres SI
  • OT Practice Framework
  • Dunn Sensory Profile

Childhood MapSensory Integration

Sensory Modulation

Regulating responses to sensory input to maintain an appropriate level of alertness and behavioral response.