From Sensory Overload to Self-Regulation:
How Calming the Nervous System Helps with Food Aversions, Picky Eating, and More
Does your child avoid getting messy? Resist trying new foods? Seem overwhelmed by smells, sounds, or even certain textures of clothing?
These are signs of sensory processing challenges, and they’re more common than you might think—especially in children with autism, anxiety, ADHD, or a history of developmental delays.
But here’s something many parents don’t hear enough:
👉 These behaviors aren’t just about preferences or personality—they’re often rooted in a dysregulated nervous system.
What Is Sensory Processing?
Sensory processing is how the brain takes in information from the world (via sight, sound, touch, taste, movement, and more), interprets it, and then responds.
For some kids, this system works smoothly. For others, the signals get stuck or become too intense. This can lead to:
Gagging or anxiety around food
Refusing to touch messy or sticky textures
Meltdowns in noisy environments
Avoidance of movement or active play
A strong need for routine or sameness
The CNS-Sensory Connection
The central nervous system (CNS)—which includes the brain and spinal cord—is responsible for processing all sensory input. When the CNS is in a state of stress (think: “fight, flight, or freeze”), it can become hyper-reactive to normal sensations.
This is why many children with sensory sensitivities also show signs of dysregulation:
Fast breathing or rapid heart rate
Rigid behaviors or difficulty transitioning
Trouble focusing or staying calm
Emotional outbursts with no clear trigger
Calming the CNS helps the brain better interpret sensory input—so sounds don’t seem so loud, clothes don’t feel so itchy, and food textures become less threatening.
What the Research Says
Polyvagal Theory (Porges, 2011) explains how a regulated nervous system is necessary for social engagement, play, and sensory tolerance. When kids feel “safe” in their bodies, they can explore and try new things.
Studies show that autonomic nervous system regulation improves feeding outcomes in children with food aversions (Williams et al., 2020; Chatoor, 2009).
Occupational therapy approaches using rhythmic movement, sensory integration, and nervous system regulation (like Alpha-Stim and iLs) have been shown to improve outcomes in children with sensory-based feeding challenges (Schaaf et al., 2014).
How We Support Sensory Processing Through Regulation
In my therapy sessions, we take a bottom-up approach:
Before asking a child to try new foods or play with finger paint, we focus on helping their nervous system feel safe and supported.
Tools I use include:
Rhythmic Movement Therapy to calm and organize the body
Integrated Listening Systems (ILS) to improve sensory processing and focus
TruVaga vagus nerve stimulation to activate the “rest and digest” system
Play-based sensory integration techniques to build tolerance gradually
Parent coaching for creating calming routines at home
Real-World Example
Let’s say a child refuses to touch yogurt or gag when trying new foods. Instead of pushing harder, we focus first on calming the nervous system. Through rhythmic movement, regulating tools, and low-pressure sensory play, the brain begins to interpret the food as less threatening. Over time, we build trust, tolerance, and eventually, acceptance.
In Summary
Sensory aversions are not “bad behavior.” They’re often signs of a nervous system that feels unsafe or overwhelmed. When we calm the body first, the brain can process input more clearly. That’s when growth happens—whether it’s licking a new food, finger painting with joy, or finally joining in during messy play.
Regulate first. Then build skills. That’s the foundation for lasting change.
