Parents often tell me they feel stuck between “wait and see” and a mountain of meds that don’t address the root cause. In this conversation with my dear friend Maria Rickert Hong, we unpack natural remedies for sensory processing disorder—from nutrition to neurofeedback—that regulate the nervous system so behavior, learning, and connection can follow. When we calm the brain first, everything else becomes possible.
What natural remedies for sensory processing disorder actually help?
The biggest wins come from a regulation-first plan: reduce inflammatory load, support the gut–brain axis, and pair body-based therapies with brain-based tools. Start with food (gluten/dairy swaps, cut added sugars) and add targeted supports like magnesium or omega-3s with professional guidance. Then layer therapies that rewire sensory pathways.
Top helpers:
- Nutrition upgrades to lower inflammation and stabilize energy.
- Occupational therapy (sensory-informed) plus reflex integration to address retained primitives.
- Neurofeedback to organize brain networks and improve processing.
- Daily regulation tools: movement breaks, breathwork, sensory diet.
Real-life: Maria’s son saw asthma, eczema, constipation, and sensory symptoms improve after eliminating dairy, then progressed further with brain-based work—proof that internal healing plus rewiring changes outcomes.
How do I start nutrition changes without a total meltdown?
Go in tiers and make it doable. I coach families to pick a level and be consistent:
- 25% swaps: Better versions of favorite foods.
- 50% focus: Remove obvious triggers (e.g., dairy), add proteins, plants, and hydration.
- 75–100% therapeutic: Short-term gut-healing protocols guided by a pro.
Keep it calm and positive. Model the change, invite your child into choices, and celebrate small wins. Behavior is communication—when we lower sensory and inflammatory stress, kids cope better.
Can neurofeedback or OT fix sensory issues—or is there no silver bullet?
There’s no single magic fix, but the right combination works. Neurofeedback helps the brain shift out of chronic fight/flight and improves organization and processing; OT with sensory integration and reflex work builds body-brain coordination. Together, they reduce overwhelm and improve attention, transitions, and self-regulation. Regulate → Connect → Correct is the sequence I teach—and it sticks.
Quick wins:
- OT + reflex integration to address retained reflexes that fuel sensory defensiveness.
- Neurofeedback to calm overactive networks so therapy gains hold.
- Co-regulation scripts to keep you grounded when your child spikes.
How do I know if it’s sensory or behavior?
Ask: Is this persistent, predictable with triggers, and worse with fatigue/illness? Sensory-driven reactions often show up in crowds, loud spaces, or with clothing/food textures. When we support regulation, “defiance” usually drops because the nervous system isn’t on red alert. You’re not failing—strategies don’t work until the brain is calm.
When your child is dysregulated, it’s easy to feel helpless. The Regulation Rescue Kit gives you the scripts and strategies you need to stay grounded and in control. Become a Dysregulation Insider VIP at www.drroseann.com/newsletter and get your free kit today.
🗣️ “When we calm the brain first, the body finally gets the message that it’s safe to heal.” — Dr. Roseann
Takeaway & What’s Next
Natural remedies for sensory processing disorder work best as a both/and: fuel the body, then rewire sensory and brain pathways. Start small, stay consistent, and let regulation lead. For next steps, listen to Coping Skills for Kids with ADHD, SPD, Anxiety and Mood Issues to build a daily calm toolkit.
You’re not alone. Let’s calm the brain first—it’s gonna be OK.
FAQs
What are the first natural steps for sensory processing disorder?
Begin with food swaps and a simple sensory diet (movement, heavy work, breath). Add reflex work or neurofeedback as needed to support lasting change.
How do I talk to my pediatrician about going “natural”?
Bring a clear plan and ask for collaboration; if they won’t partner, add a naturopath/functional clinician while keeping your pediatrician for routine care.
Is medication ever required for SPD?
SPD itself isn’t treated with meds. We focus on regulating the nervous system so therapies and coping skills work better—and many families see fewer symptoms without adding meds.
How long until I see changes?
Some families notice improvements from diet within weeks; brain/behavior changes build with consistent OT/reflex work and neurofeedback over months.
Not sure where to start?
Take the guesswork out of helping your child. Use my free Solution Matcher to get a personalized plan for your child’s needs. Start here: www.drroseann.com/help
