08/29/2026
What is it that we need in order to sustain our attention and perform at our best?
We are all different in what it takes to keep our arousal at the best level. Some people can’t cope with any noise while they are trying to think, while others need to have music on constantly. Meeting our arousal needs depends on how we process our sensory information.
The important thing to remember is that some people will need more of these sensory inputs to be at the optimum state of arousal and some will need less. We are then able to to “self-regulate” by getting our arousal levels right even when our environment changes. Self-regulating all of the sensory information can be very difficult for a child. Movement is commonly a way that a child will try and regulate so they can calm and focus. Forcing a child to sit still is counter-productive. When we work out what their sensory needs are we can help support them to meet their best arousal.
More information in my book
Guidance from The Therapist Parent
Available on my website www.thetherapistparent.com and Amazon paperback and eBook
