Research: Sensory Reactivity Among School-Age Children and Parental Stress: Findings From the Population-Based InProS Study

ASI WISE explores AJOT’s Jan / Feb 2026 Special Section on Sensory Integration and Participation

Sensory Reactivity Among School-Age Children and Parental Stress: Findings From the Population-Based InProS Study

Authors: Rocío Muñoz-Sánchez, Miriam Hurtado-Pomares, Iris Juárez-Leal, Sara Jorquera-Cabrera, Jessica Piñero, Eva-María Navarrete-Muñoz, Desirée Valera-Gran

Occupational Therapists working with children who experience sensory reactivity and are between 3 and 7 years old may be interested in this article, which examines how sensory reactivity in the absence of other diagnoses may affect parental stress levels. This study was conducted in Spain using a cross-sectional design, which may also interest therapists based in Spain or who are interested in research using cross-sectional methodology.

This article invites us to consider that between 5 -30% of typically developing children show sensory reactivity differences. The researchers found that sensory reactivity is correlated with increased stress in both parents as measured using the short version of the Parental Stress Scale, and suggested that tactile sensitivity, reduced responsivity and difficulty processing sounds showed a particularly strong correlation.

These authors highlight the need for family-centred support and understanding of sensory reactivity.

For those of us within the ASI Wise & Sensory Project community of practice, it is encouraging to see stronger calls for resources that support and develop understanding of a person’s own unique sensory patterns. Sensory Ladders® are tools created in co-production providing individualised visual maps to support the development and awareness of self, and the communication of support needs, in therapy and beyond. Our Sensory Ladders® webinar and starter pack are FREE to access for anyone. These resources support the roles of therapists, parents, educators, health and social care staff in creating shared plans and sensory strategies and solutions that support participation in everyday life for the people we care for or serve.

Sensory Ladders® were created to provide an intentional approach for developing ideas and strategies to support anyone, anywhere and anytime. They provide increased awareness and a personal narrative of each Sensory Ladders owner’s sensory life to share. Co-creating and drawing together ideas and strategies for times when everyday ‘doing’ feels harder can support praxis and reduce barriers to participation.

We are working with a dedicated and generous community of volunteers to translate this resource into as many languages as possible.

The Spanish translation of Sensory Ladders® is now available on our website.

Click here to access this free resource in Spanish: Sensory Ladders Español or other languages Sensory Ladders Across the Globe

To find out more about our Sensory Ladders® Global Translation Project, click here: Sensory Ladders Global Translation Project