Sensory Reactivity Among School-Age Children and Parental Stress: Findings From the Population-Based InProS Study

SR differences among children are associated with increased stress levels for both parents, underscoring the need for family-centered support. Plain-Language Summary: Children respond to sensory experiences-such as touch, sound, or movement-differently. Some children may be more sensitive to certain stimuli, less responsive, or seek out intense sensations. This study explored whether differences in how children react to sensory input are linked to higher stress levels in their parents. Researchers surveyed 466 parents of children ages 3 to 7 yr and found that both mothers and fathers reported more stress when their children showed noticeable differences in sensory reactivity. Specific sensory challenges-such as tactile sensitivity, reduced responsiveness, and difficulty processing sounds-were particularly associated with increased parental stress. These findings highlight the importance of family-centered support to help parents manage sensory-related challenges. Occupational therapy practitioners can play a key role in providing guidance and strategies to reduce parental stress and improve family well-being.