Sensory-Based Approaches for Improving Executive Function Skills in Kids
Executive function (EF) skills are essential for managing daily tasks, regulating emotions, and adapting to new situations. For autistic children and those with ADHD or sensory processing differences, executive function challenges can impact their ability to plan, organize, and shift between tasks.
Sensory-based interventions, which support the body’s ability to process and respond to sensory input, can play a key role in strengthening these skills.
This article explores the connection between sensory processing and executive function. It outlines evidence-based sensory strategies that therapists can use to help neurodivergent children improve EF skills in a neuroaffirming, strength-based way.
Understanding Executive Function and Its Challenges in Neurodivergent Children
Executive function refers to cognitive processes enabling individuals to plan, focus, and manage behaviors.
These skills include:
- Working memory: The ability to temporarily hold and manipulate information for tasks like following instructions or solving problems.
- Cognitive flexibility: The skill of shifting between different ideas, perspectives, or problem-solving approaches as needed.
- Impulse control: The ability to manage impulses, resist distractions, and regulate behavior.
- Planning: The capacity to set goals, develop steps to achieve them, and follow through with actions.
- Problem-solving: Using logic, reasoning, and available information to navigate challenges and find solutions.
- Organization: The ability to manage information, materials, and time effectively to stay on track.
- Attention: Maintaining focus on tasks, filtering out distractions, and sustaining engagement over time.
- Emotional regulation: Recognizing, managing, and responding to emotions in a balanced and adaptive way.
Neurodivergent individuals often experience EF challenges due to differences in sensory processing. Research indicates that sensory processing directly affects cognitive regulation (Craig et al., 2016).
When sensory input is overwhelming, insufficient, or not correctly processed, it impacts attention, memory, and self-regulation—key components of executive functioning.
Why Sensory-Based Interventions Support Executive Function
The nervous system constantly receives and interprets sensory input, which influences focus, emotional regulation, and cognitive performance.
For some kids, this input may be overwhelming, while for others, it may not be strong enough to support engagement.
When sensory input is well-regulated, it provides a foundation for executive function development by:
- Enhancing self-regulation (helping children manage sensory overload and maintain focus)
- Supporting cognitive processing (improving working memory, problem-solving, and decision-making)
- Promoting task engagement (helping children sustain attention and transition between activities effectively)
Studies show that sensory integration therapy can improve self-regulation and task performance in children with sensory processing differences (Schaaf et al., 2014).
Therapists can leverage sensory-based strategies to create optimal learning conditions for children struggling with executive function tasks.
Key Sensory-Based Interventions for Executive Function Development
Proprioceptive Activities for Impulse Control & Regulation
Proprioception, our sense of body awareness, is essential for self-regulation. Engaging in deep-pressure and heavy work activities helps calm the nervous system, allowing children to manage impulses and maintain focus.
Examples
- Carrying weighted backpacks or pushing heavy objects
- Resistance band exercises
- Animal walks (e.g., bear crawls, crab walks)
- Wall push-ups or deep-pressure massages
How It Supports EF:
- Reduces impulsive behaviors by promoting body awareness and regulation
- Prepares the brain for learning by stabilizing sensory input
Vestibular Input for Task Switching & Cognitive Flexibility
The vestibular system (balance and movement) plays an important role in attention and task-switching.
Movement promotes neural connections between different brain regions, particularly those involved in executive function, making it easier for children to shift focus between tasks. This can help kids with transitions and cognitive flexibility.
Examples
- Swinging (linear motion is calming; rotational motion can be alerting)
- Spinning on a swivel chair or using a balance board
- Rocking in a rocking chair or bouncing on a therapy ball
How It Supports EF:
- Enhances adaptability and response to new situations
- Regulating, allowing children to get back to baseline so they can learn.
Tactile Strategies for Organization & Sequencing
Tactile input (touch-based experiences) supports problem-solving and organizational skills.
Engaging in hands-on activities enhances sensory discrimination, making it easier to complete multi-step tasks by helping children differentiate between textures, shapes, and spatial positioning.
This improved ability to interpret sensory input allows them to sequence actions correctly, adjust their grip or pressure as needed, and navigate multi-step processes more efficiently.
Examples
- Sensory bins with rice, beans, or kinetic sand
- Fidget tools for focused learning
- Textured surfaces for tracing letters or shapes
How It Supports EF:
- Encourages sequential thinking and planning
- Provides a sensory foundation for structured tasks
Environmental Adaptations for Attention & Time Management
Creating a sensory-friendly environment can significantly impact executive function development by minimizing distractions and enhancing predictability.
Examples:
- Using visual schedules and timers
- Providing flexible seating options (e.g., wobble stools, bean bags)
- Implementing quiet zones with noise-reducing headphones
How It Supports EF:
- Reduces cognitive overload
- Promotes sustained attention and task completion
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Overusing sensory interventions without structure
Sensory activities should be purposeful and integrated into a structured framework. Over-reliance on sensory input without teaching executive function strategies can limit long-term progress.
Balance sensory strategies with explicit executive function training, such as scaffolding tasks and using visual organizers.
Not tailoring interventions to the child’s sensory profile
Each child has unique sensory preferences and needs. Conduct assessments, such as sensory checklists or observations, to determine which types of input are most beneficial.
Adjust interventions accordingly, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach.
Failing to collaborate across environments
Sensory strategies are most effective when reinforced consistently across home, school, and therapy settings.
Work closely with parents, teachers, and other professionals to develop a shared plan, ensuring interventions are uniformly applied. Providing training and resources to caregivers can help maintain consistency and improve outcomes.
Ignoring the child’s autonomy and preferences
Children should have a say in choosing sensory strategies that feel right for them. Sensory preferences vary from child to child, and many kids naturally recognize what helps them feel more comfortable and in control.
Giving children opportunities to make choices about their sensory supports helps them feel more in control, strengthens their self-awareness, and increases their willingness to use these strategies when needed.
Offering a range of options—like different fidget tools, seating choices, or calming techniques—lets kids experiment and find what works best for them. When they have the freedom to explore, they develop better self-regulation skills and a greater sense of independence.
Additionally, teaching kids how to advocate for themselves allows them to communicate when they need sensory input or adjustments in their environment, which supports their ability to stay focused and engaged.
Neglecting to monitor and adjust strategies
Sensory needs can change over time due to factors like developmental progress, environmental shifts, or new challenges at home or school. Additionally, internal states and physical conditions can also cause sensory needs to fluctuate.
When children are tired, hungry, or having a difficult day emotionally, they may become more sensitive to sensory input or require different types of regulation strategies than they usually would.
Recognizing these fluctuations is key to providing effective and adaptable support. Regular evaluation is essential to determine whether interventions remain effective.
This can involve observing behavioral changes, gathering feedback from the child and caregivers, and making necessary modifications.
A strategy that worked well for a child six months ago may no longer be effective, requiring adjustments to maintain regulation and engagement.
Tracking progress through journals, checklists, or therapist observations can help fine-tune interventions and ensure they continue to support executive function development.
FAQs
What are some signs that a sensory-based intervention is working?
Signs of success include improved self-regulation, longer attention spans, reduced anxiety or frustration, and increased ability to transition between tasks. A child may also demonstrate better emotional regulation and an increased willingness to participate in structured activities.
How can parents support sensory-based interventions at home?
Parents can enhance sensory strategies by integrating them into daily routines, creating a sensory-friendly environment, and collaborating closely with therapists to identify the most effective techniques. Providing kids access to tools like fidget items, movement breaks, and quiet spaces at home makes it easier for them to self-regulate.
Can sensory interventions benefit children without diagnosed sensory processing challenges?
Yes, all children can benefit from sensory-based strategies to support focus, self-regulation, and overall well-being. Sensory interventions help with emotional regulation, stress management, and transitions between activities, making them useful tools in both therapeutic and general educational settings.
Can sensory interventions replace executive function training?
No, sensory-based interventions should complement, not replace, explicit EF skill-building.
How long does it take to see results from sensory-based interventions?
This varies, but consistency and individualized approaches yield the best outcomes.
Are sensory interventions only for autistic children?
No, they can support any child struggling with executive function challenges.
Sensory-based interventions provide an effective, evidence-backed approach to enhance executive function development in neurodivergent children.
By integrating proprioceptive, vestibular, tactile, and environmental strategies into therapy sessions, therapists can help children strengthen self-regulation, planning, and cognitive flexibility.
A neuroaffirming approach ensures that interventions respect a child’s sensory needs while promoting skill development in a positive, supportive way.
Therapists can further enhance outcomes by collaborating with caregivers and educators to provide consistent sensory support across home, school, and therapy settings.
References
- Craig, F., Margari, F., Legrottaglie, A. R., Palumbi, R., de Giambattista, C., & Margari, L. (2016). A review of executive function deficits in autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 12, 1191–1202. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S104620
- Schaaf, R. C., Hunt, J., & Benevides, T. W. (2014). Occupational therapy using a sensory integration approach for children with autism: A feasibility, efficacy, and fidelity study. Autism, 18(6), 741-751. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24214165/
