Sensory Integration and Processing Therapy in Bentonville, AR
The tag inside a t-shirt. The hand dryer in a public bathroom. Leaving the playground for the car. When ordinary moments feel harder for your child than they look, sensory processing is often part of the picture. We help you understand what your child's body is telling them, and what helps.
At Radiance Pediatric Therapy, we support children across Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas whose sensory experiences shape how their days go. Our care is child-led, play-based, and family-focused, and it is built around your child's strengths and interests rather than around a checklist of skills.
The basics
What Is Sensory Integration and Processing?
Sensory processing is how the brain takes in information from the body and the world, sorts it, and decides what to do with it. Every child does this differently. A child who is over-responsive takes in more than they can comfortably manage, so a busy classroom or a crowded grocery aisle can feel like a lot. A child who is under-responsive takes in less, so they go looking for more movement, more pressure, and more input to feel settled and ready.
You may also see these differences called Sensory Processing Disorder or SPD. We use the language of sensory processing differences, because what we see in the clinic is a child whose nervous system works in a particular way, and a set of supports that can make daily life feel easier.
Sensory integration therapy is the occupational therapy approach used to support those differences. It uses carefully chosen play and movement to give your child's nervous system the input it is looking for, in a setting where they feel safe and in charge. The framework comes from the work of Dr. A. Jean Ayres, an occupational therapist and researcher whose Ayres Sensory Integration® model remains the foundation for this area of practice.
These differences show up in the moments parents ask us about most. Two of the most common are picky eating, where a child eats a narrow range of foods, often by texture or smell, and potty training, where a child may not reliably notice the signals their body is sending. We support both.
Beyond the five you know
The Eight Sensory Systems
Most of us grew up learning five senses. There are eight, and the three that get left out are often the ones doing the most work behind a hard morning.
When to reach out
Signs Your Child May Benefit
Every child develops on their own timeline. You might consider an evaluation if you notice your child:
Noticing these things does not mean something is wrong with your child — it simply means they may thrive with the right supports in place.
You don't need a formal diagnosis or referral to reach out. If you're wondering whether your child might benefit from occupational therapy, we're here to talk it through with you.
What to expect
What a Session Looks Like
Sessions run 45 to 60 minutes in our bright, sensory-rich clinic space. Your child might swing and sit-and-spin on our rotation board equipment, climb and crash and build in the movement spaces, or dig into fine-motor play with beads, crafts, and games. The activities follow their interests, because children learn best when they are having fun.
You are always welcome in the room. We will point out what we are working on as we go, and we finish with one or two things you can try at home before we see you again.
Experience you can trust
Our Approach and Credentials
Sensory integration is a core focus of our practice, and it is a named clinical specialty for our owner and founder. Care is individualized, and we match the therapist to what your child needs.
A true partnership
How We Partner With Your Family
Sensory support works best when it lives in the routines you already have. You will leave each visit with simple, realistic strategies that fit your real mornings: what to try before a grocery trip, how to set up a calmer bedtime, what to keep in the car for a hard transition. We will explain the reasoning in plain language, so you can adjust when the day does not go to plan.
Parents and caregivers are essential partners here, not bystanders. With your written permission, we also share practical strategies with your child's preschool teacher or other providers, so the same supports carry over wherever your child spends their day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between sensory processing differences and sensory integration therapy?
Sensory processing differences describe how your child takes in and organizes information from their body and the world around them. Sensory integration therapy is the occupational therapy approach we use to support those differences, using play and movement so that daily routines feel more manageable at home, at school, and in the community.
Does my child need a diagnosis before starting?
You don't need a formal diagnosis to reach out. An evaluation can help clarify whether occupational therapy services are recommended for your child. A referral from your child's pediatrician is required before evaluation and treatment, and we coordinate with them to obtain it.
How often will my child come, and how soon might we notice a change?
Most children attend once or twice per week, depending on their needs, goals, and insurance coverage. Progress is different for every child and depends on their needs, goals, and how often we meet. Some families notice small changes within a few weeks, while other goals take longer. We check in regularly so you always know where things stand.
Do you support sensory needs in preschools or through virtual visits?
Yes. We see children in our Bentonville clinic, inside local preschools, and through virtual sessions. With your written permission, we share evaluation summaries, goals, and practical strategies with teachers and other providers so support carries over.
