Some children cover their ears in a crowd. Others refuse a new shirt because of how the fabric feels, or can’t stop moving even when they need to sit still. Parents often read this as bad behavior. Kathy Schleifer, a pediatric occupational therapy expert in Pueblo, Colorado, says it more often points to a sensory problem that therapy can address.
Schleifer is the subject of a HelloNation article, “What Is Sensory Integration Therapy? A Parent’s Guide from Pueblo’s OT Experts,” released on June 26, 2026. The piece walks parents through what the therapy involves.
Play with a purpose
Sessions look like play, and that is by design. Therapists in Pueblo build an individual plan for each child, usually around swinging, climbing or handling textured materials. Schleifer and her team plan the sessions carefully so they strengthen neural connections. A child on a swing or a balance board is doing more than having fun. That child is training the brain to read motion and balance signals more smoothly.
According to the article, the payoff builds over time: better focus, calmer behavior and more participation in daily routines. Coordination and emotional regulation improve as well.
Not the same as autism
Many parents ask whether sensory difficulties mean autism. Schleifer says no, not automatically. A child can struggle with sensory input without being on the autism spectrum, and an autistic child may or may not be sensitive to sensory input. Before therapy starts, occupational therapists in Pueblo evaluate each child to map a sensory profile, so treatment matches that child’s needs and developmental goals.
What progress looks like
The goal is confidence, not changing who a child is. Schleifer describes progress as small but meaningful: wearing new clothes without a fuss, getting through a class without restlessness, joining a noisy group activity without distress. As children learn to handle sensory input, meltdowns and frustration tend to fall. Families report smoother transitions and better communication.
Parents have a job too. Therapists give families strategies for home and school, such as weighted blankets, fidget tools or a quiet space to retreat to. A child who once feared certain sounds, for example, might learn to cope by pairing movement with focused breathing. Consistent follow-through from caregivers helps gains made in the clinic carry into everyday life.
Schleifer’s approach in Pueblo also covers mealtime stress, dressing struggles and school difficulties, which her team treats as chances for growth.
The article was released through PRNewswire. HelloNation describes itself as a media platform that connects readers with professionals and businesses, using what it calls “edvertising,” a blend of educational content and storytelling.
