The Connection Between Childhood Trauma and Sensory Processing: What Every OT Needs to Know – PART 2

A critical research review that validates what we see in our therapy rooms every day

The Research That Changes Everything – recap from last week

The groundbreaking scoping review by Matson, Barnes-Brown, and Stonall (2024) has finally put scientific backing behind what many of us have observed clinically: childhood trauma fundamentally alters sensory processing and motor development. 

The study identified six key findings that should transform how we think about our sensory clients:

1. Trauma Disrupts the Foundation
2. The Critical Window
3. It's Not Just About Regulation
4. The Layered Trauma Effect
5. The Brain-Body Disconnect
6. Bottom-Up Therapy Works 

This research perfectly validates the SenseUp Model's layered approach:

The research confirms that you cannot effectively address the higher levels without first establishing safety and integration at the foundational sensory level.

The second clinical practice changes That Will Transform Your Impact

Assess and Address Trauma History in ALL Sensory Clients

Instead of: Only focusing on sensory processing patterns

New approach: Understand that sensory difficulties may be trauma responses requiring a trauma-informed lens

Practical application:

• Include questions about early medical interventions, family stress, and social experiences in your assessments
• Look for signs of the three trauma types (sensory, social, shame) in your observations
• Recognise that resistance or avoidance may indicate nervous system protection rather than non-compliance

Therapy Nugget: The "Body Emotion" Language Reframe

What: Change how you talk about sensory responses to build body trust

Use variations of the following phrases (individualised of course!):

• "Your body is telling you something important"
• "Let's listen to what your nervous system needs"
• "Your body is working hard to keep you safe"
• "What would help your body feel ready?"

Why it works: This language validates the child's internal experience and rebuilds the connection between brain and body that trauma has disrupted.

** and its not just the words, but also the delivery! Your body is calm, your voice is melodic and curious and you provide the time and space for the child to look inward.

The Gap Between What We Know and What We Do

The research is clear: childhood trauma fundamentally alters sensory processing, yet most occupational therapists receive minimal training in trauma-informed sensory practice. We're seeing increasing numbers of neurodivergent children with complex presentations, and our traditional approaches often fall short.

The uncomfortable truth: If we're not assessing for and addressing trauma in our sensory clients, we may inadvertently be perpetuating the very disconnection and overwhelm we're trying to heal.

Our profession has evolved, and we need the tools to meet our clients where they are.

Consider this: Every child you see who has experienced trauma (and research suggests this is the majority of our clients) and needs a therapist who understands how trauma affects their sensory system. Without this knowledge, we risk:

• Misinterpreting trauma responses as sensory seeking/avoiding
• Using strategies that inadvertently activate fight/flight responses
• Missing opportunities for genuine nervous system healing
• Perpetuating the shame and disconnection these children already carry

The children in our therapy rooms are presenting with increasingly complex needs. Rates of childhood trauma are rising, neurodivergent children face additional layers of social and sensory trauma, and traditional approaches are proving insufficient. They need therapists who understand that their sensory challenges aren't just "wiring differences" but often represent their nervous system's brilliant attempt to survive in an overwhelming world.

The research is telling us what many of us have felt intuitively: we need to do something different… about fundamentally shifting how you understand and support the children who trust you with their future.

Continue Your Professional Development

If this research resonated with you, you'll love our upcoming Sensory Profiling & Strategy Development Series (26 August & 2 September). We'll explore systematic clinical reasoning frameworks for interpreting complex sensory presentations - including those trauma-informed insights that help you understand the "why" behind challenging assessment results. Plus, live attendees stand a chance to win incredible prizes, including our TSAC Lite Course valued at $2,997!

Learn more about the Masterclass Series →  

2025 Spring Masterclass 2Part Series