Educational information only
The content on Sensory Steps is provided for general educational purposes. It is not medical advice, occupational therapy advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment plan, and it is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified professional who has assessed your child in person.
Every guide on this site — from our sensory processing disorder checklist to our sensory diet activities — is written to help you understand sensory differences and make informed decisions. It is not a clinical assessment and should not be used as one.
About our clinical review
Our guides are reviewed by a licensed pediatric occupational therapist for factual accuracy. That review does not create a therapist–client relationship with any reader, and it is not an individualised recommendation for your child.
The reviewer checks that the information about sensory systems, product specifications, safety guidance, and developmental milestones is consistent with current professional literature and clinical practice. The reviewer does not assess your child, recommend a specific treatment plan, or endorse any particular product for your child's individual needs.
Every child is different
Sensory strategies that regulate one child can dysregulate another. Ages, weight limits, and durations given on this site are general guidance and are not individualised prescriptions. Introduce any new equipment or activity gradually and stop if your child becomes distressed.
For example, the weighted blanket guide explains the 10% rule as general guidance — but a qualified occupational therapist may recommend a different weight based on your child's specific profile, sensory preferences, and any co-occurring conditions.
Equipment safety
Suspended equipment, weighted products, chewable tools, and small-part activities all carry real risk of injury, strangulation, or choking. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and weight limits, supervise use, inspect equipment regularly, and stop using anything that shows wear or damage. Our specifications are guidance, not a substitute for the manufacturer's own documentation or, where relevant, a qualified installer.
Our guides to indoor sensory swings include joist and drywall installation guidance — but if you are unsure about your ceiling structure, consult a qualified installer before mounting any suspended equipment. Our chewelry guide covers silicone safety and breakaway clasp requirements, but no chew tool is risk-free for a child who bites with extreme force.
When to seek help
Contact a qualified professional promptly if your child shows self-injurious behaviour, a sudden and unexplained change in behaviour, loss of previously held skills, feeding or swallowing difficulties, or any suspected injury. In an emergency, contact your local emergency services.
If you suspect your child has a sensory processing difference and have not yet sought an assessment, start with your pediatrician or a licensed occupational therapist in your area. The information on this site can help you prepare for that conversation — our sensory seeking vs avoiding guide and interoception guide explain the key concepts in plain language — but it cannot replace a professional evaluation.
No warranty
We work hard to keep content accurate and current, but we make no warranty as to completeness or fitness for a particular purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Sensory Steps accepts no liability for any loss or injury arising from reliance on the information published here. You use this information at your own discretion.
Corrections and updates
If you believe any information on this site is inaccurate or outdated, please contact us at the email on the about page. We review every correction and update the relevant guide when warranted. Our editorial policy explains how we handle corrections, updates, and source citations.
Related pages
- About & our editorial process
- Editorial policy — how we research, review, and update every guide
- Affiliate disclosure — how this site is funded
- Parent testimonials — real stories from families who used our guides