Sensory Processing Disorder | Naturopathic and Homeopathic Treatment for Children
Telehealth Pediatric Care for Sensory Sensitivities and Regulation
Are you a parent seeking answers to your child’s sensory sensitivities, reactions, or behavioral challenges, and are looking for a more natural, individualized approach to care?
If your child has strong reactions to sounds, textures, smells, tastes, lights, or touch, or seems easily overwhelmed by everyday sensory experiences, you may be searching for answers about Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
Dr. Oskin works with families and children experiencing sensory challenges through naturopathic and homeopathic care, offering structured telehealth support designed for ongoing developmental needs.
What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), formerly called Sensory Integration Disorder, is a condition in which sensory messages, such as taste, touch, visual, and auditory input, are processed incorrectly by the brain. This can cause children to have inappropriate motor and behavioral responses to sensory stimuli.
Children with SPD process sensory information differently, which can affect how they experience and respond to their surroundings.
SPD was pioneered by occupational therapist and neuroscientist A. Jean Ayres, PhD, who described it as a neurological “traffic jam” that prevents parts of the brain from receiving and correctly interpreting sensory information.
Everyday activities like eating, riding a bike, or wearing certain textures depend on proper sensory integration. For children with SPD, environments like a noisy movie theater or a bright classroom can feel overwhelming.
It is estimated that one in 20 children experiences significant sensory processing challenges, including sensitivity to lights, sounds, odors, touch, balance, and taste. Some children are overresponsive to sensory input, while others may be underresponsive and show little reaction to pain, heat, or cold.
SPD is more common in children who are gifted and those with ADHD, Autism, and other developmental conditions.
Sensory Processing Challenges and The Effects on Daily Life?
Sensory processing difficulties can impact many areas of a child’s life, including behavior at home and school, emotional regulation, social interactions, sleep, and daily routines. These challenges can be exhausting for both the child and the family, especially when triggers are unpredictable or difficult to avoid.
Your child’s sensory problems may make it hard for you to participate in events that typical families take for granted, like going out to a restaurant, the movie theater, or a theme park.
These sensitivities can feel overwhelming, especially when progress feels slow or inconsistent. Dr. Oskin’s goal is to help you and your family manage these symptoms safely and effectively, all while supporting your child’s development and quality of life.
Conventional Treatment for Sensory Processing Disorder
Treatment for SPD is conventionally based on occupational therapy (OT). Play-based therapy sessions typically involve fun activities designed with sensory-stimulating environments. Occupational therapists often work with children in private clinics, hospital outpatient departments, and schools.
OT centers are often designed like playgrounds, and OT sessions may involve physical activities such as swinging and spinning, as well as tactile, visual, auditory, and taste experiences.
The goal of OT is to help children detect, regulate, interpret, and execute motor and behavioral responses appropriately to sensory stimuli so they can function more comfortably in everyday life.
Family involvement is often an important part of successful treatment.
Homeopathic and Naturopathic Treatment for Sensory Processing Disorder
Homeopathy can work well when combined with conventional occupational therapy (OT). While occupational therapy helps from the outside in by modifying the child’s environment and responses, homeopathy works from the inside out by stimulating the body’s healing response and supporting balance in the sensory system.
The benefits of homeopathic treatment for children with SPD include:
- Support for sensitivities to light, noise, odors, textures, taste, and touch
- Balancing underactive sensory responses to pain and temperature
- Improved regulation of sensory responses
- Support for emotional and behavioral reactions to sensory input
Because homeopathy is a holistic therapy, it may also support other concerns such as:
- Chronic ear infections
- Allergies
- Digestive problems
- Tantrums and behavioral challenges
- Language delays
Dr. Oskin’s Program-Based Approach to Sensory Processing Disorder Care
Sensory Processing Disorder is often part of a broader developmental pattern that requires ongoing support rather than one-time visits.
Dr. Oskin works through structured, all-inclusive programs rather than a fee-for-service model. This allows families to receive a treatment plan with consistent guidance, ongoing evaluation, and support as their child progresses.
Programs typically include:
- A 1.5 to 3-hour comprehensive new client consultation
- An individualized treatment plan
- Follow-up appointments of approximately 30 to 45 minutes every 4 to 6 weeks
- Programs range from 6 to 12 months, depending on the nature and duration of the condition. Longer-standing chronic conditions are most often 12-month programs
- Private messaging through the patient portal and direct text communication
- Access and support between appointments – Program clients have access to private messaging through the patient portal and direct text communication during standard business hours
Because sensory challenges can change over time, enrollment is capped to maintain space and flexibility for your family when you need support. This approach allows for adjustments and consistent support as your child progresses.
Sensory Processing Disorder Telehealth Care for Families Nationwide*
Dr. Oskin provides telehealth care for children and families experiencing chronic, complex health concerns, including Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, Autism, PANS/PANDAS, developmental disorders, metabolic conditions, and immune-related illnesses. For clients located in Arizona, laboratory testing and certain prescription medications may be incorporated when appropriate. For telehealth clients outside of Arizona, programs focus solely on naturopathic and homeopathic medicine.
All clients are required to maintain a local physician for acute care needs, physical exams, laboratory testing, imaging, diagnostic workup, well checkups, and medication management prescribed by other providers.
*Due to state regulations, telehealth services are not available to patients located in Florida, South Carolina, or Tennessee.
Homeopathy and Sensory Processing Problems Research Study
A 2011 paper by Praful Bravalia in India shows great promise for homeopathy’s ability to help children with sensory processing disorders. The outcomes-based study reported results from treating 123 children with autism at the Spandan Holistic Multidisciplinary Institute from 1998 to 2009. Because a large subset of children in the study had sensory processing issues, the group was able to collect valuable information on the effectiveness of homeopathy for children with SPDs.
Bravalia’s group measured treatment effectiveness with the ATEC (Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist) scoring system developed by Dr. Bernard Rimland of the Autism Research Institute. It is an internationally recognized scoring system to measure changes in autistic symptoms after any treatment and has four subsets that measure symptom scores across the following categories: communication, sociability, sensory problems, and health and behavior.
Thirty-two of the children in the study were included in a subgroup analysis because they had pronounced sensory problems at the study’s onset. Their ATEC scores decreased from 73.68 at the start of homeopathic treatment to 55.74 after 12 months and further to 46.41 after 18 months—a 43% reduction in sensory symptoms over a year and a half of treatment!
This demonstrates the effectiveness of homeopathy for treating sensory processing problems. Since SPDs are a long-standing chronic problem, this study was also valuable for showing the timeframe for expected measurable improvements in symptoms.
The ATEC scores indicate that commitment to chronic, long-term treatment will yield far better results than expecting an immediate, quick fix.
Reference: Bravalia, P. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Holistic Homeopathy. Homeopathic Links Spring 2011, Vol. 24: pp. 31-38.
Book Your Free Consultation with Dr. Oskin
If your child struggles with sensory sensitivities, emotional regulation, or behavioral responses to everyday stimuli, the next step is to schedule a consultation call.
Many families searching for naturopathic treatment for children with Sensory Processing Disorder come to Dr. Oskin after trying medications or therapies without lasting results.
During this call, you can discuss your child’s history, ask questions, and determine whether this approach may be the right fit.
Case Study: Sensory Processing Disorder
Alejandra was a feisty and intelligent 6-year-old female whose parents brought her for homeopathic treatment of violent temper tantrums and problems with loud noises, odors, and lights. She was so sensitive to odors that she could detect a faint, disturbing smell from the other side of the house. Loud noises irritated her to the point that she flew into a violent rage because they bothered her so much. She couldn’t tolerate bright lights and would always ask for the room to be dim, and needed sunglasses to go outside.
Within a month of homeopathic treatment, Alejandra’s parents reported that she was like a new kid. She stopped having violent tantrums and was markedly less sensitive to noise, odors, and light. Many children with sensory processing issues benefit from homeopathic treatment, as Alejandra did.
References: Bravalia, P. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Holistic Homeopathy. Homeopathic Links Spring 2011, Vol. 24: pp. 31-38.
Sensory Processing Disorder Treatment Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Sensory Processing Disorder in Children?
Sensory Processing Disorder is a condition in which the brain has difficulty processing and responding appropriately to sensory input, such as sound, touch, light, taste, smell, or movement. This can lead to overreactions or underreactions to everyday stimuli.
Can Sensory Processing Disorder be Treated Naturally?
Some families explore natural approaches such as homeopathy, nutrition, and lifestyle changes to support sensory regulation. These approaches are often used alongside therapies like occupational therapy (OT).
How Does Homeopathy Help Sensory Processing Disorder?
Homeopathy works by supporting the body’s ability to rebalance and regulate sensory responses. It may help improve sensitivity, emotional reactions, and overall function through individualized treatment.
How Long Does It Take To See Improvement in SPD?
Sensory Processing Disorder is typically a chronic condition, and improvements often happen gradually over time. Consistent care and follow-up are important for long-term progress.
Does Dr. Oskin Offer Telehealth for Sensory Processing Disorder?
Yes. Dr. Oskin provides telehealth care for families nationwide*. This allows for consistent support, follow-up, and guidance without the need for in-person visits.
*Due to state regulations, telehealth services are not available to patients located in Florida, South Carolina, or Tennessee.
What does Treatment With Dr.Oskin Include?
Programs include a comprehensive initial consultation, individualized treatment planning, and follow-up care every 4 to 6 weeks, typically over 6 to 12 months depending on the child’s needs.
How Do I Know If This Approach Is Right For My Child?
If your child struggles with sensory sensitivities, behavioral reactions, or emotional regulation and you are looking for a more individualized or natural approach, the next step is to schedule a free consultation.
Contact Dr. Oskin
Phone
480-716-7413
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