Occupational Therapy for Sensory Processing in Chicago

Does your child cover their ears when the vacuum runs? Do they refuse to wear certain clothes because they “hurt”? Or maybe they’re often bumping into things or constantly seeking movement?

You’re not alone. These are common signs of sensory processing differences that can make everyday life feel overwhelming.

Sensory processing is how the nervous system takes in information from the senses and turns it into responses like movement, attention, or emotion. When this process is disrupted, your child might feel stuck in “high alert” or seem unable to settle down, leading to anxiety, trouble focusing, or meltdowns that seem to come out of nowhere.

At Eyas Landing, our occupational therapists go beyond the behavior to discover what’s underneath. We consider your child’s individual sensory profile and needs, then work together with you to create a personalized therapy plan that reduces frustration and builds confidence.

How Occupational Therapy Helps

Our Chicago-based occupational therapists are trained in a variety of approaches for sensory processing, including Sensory Integration, The Zones of Regulation, and play-based treatments. We believe every child deserves a range of options—because no two sensory systems are alike.

Sensory Integration Techniques: Helping the brain and body organize sensory input through guided play and specialized exercises.
Therapeutic Listening: Using specific sound-based tools to improve attention, body awareness, and emotional regulation.
Wilbarger Protocol/Brushing Program: Gentle, structured activities to help children who are over- or under-responsive to touch.
Emotional Regulation Coaching: Teaching strategies for recognizing feelings and selecting sensory or movement tools to manage them.
Parent Coaching and Collaboration: Equipping families with practical tools to use at home, school, and in the community.

Through these evidence-based approaches, we help children:

Regulate Emotions: Learn to calm their bodies and minds when overstimulated.
Improve Focus: Build attention and persistence for school or play.
Try New Foods: Ease mealtime battles by exploring new textures without fear.
Participate in Daily Life: Make routines like dressing, hygiene, and transitions smoother.

We meet you where you are. Whether you join us in our West Loop clinic, at your home, in your child’s school, or through TeleHealth, therapy happens wherever your child thrives.

Our Sensory Processing Services

Eyas Landing is proud to offer an unmatched sensory experience. Our state-of-the-art gym is thoughtfully designed with children in mind, featuring:

Therapeutic Swings: For calming, organizing movement and building balance.
Trampolines & Spacious Play Zones: Giving kids space to jump, explore, and burn energy in safe, purposeful ways.
Climbing Equipment and Obstacle Courses: Helping develop coordination, strength, and body awareness.
Sensory Bins & Fine Motor Stations: Engaging touch, sight, and sound in creative, fun play.
Room to Explore: Our gym provides plenty of space for movement, discovery, and trying new things in a supportive and adaptable environment.

This rich sensory environment is paired with one-on-one guidance from compassionate therapists who draw from multiple treatment models to tailor activities that match your child’s unique needs.

Sensory Integration Therapy

We harness our sensory gym and a range of approaches to help your child’s nervous system process and respond to the world more smoothly—through guided swings, trampoline jumps, obstacle courses, or quiet zones for calm.

Feeding Therapy

For children sensitive to food textures, temperatures, or smells, our therapists use playful, no-pressure techniques in familiar and new environments—gradually helping your child become comfortable with a wider range of foods.

Emotional Regulation Coaching

Using visual tools and movement breaks, we teach your child to recognize their feelings and work toward a “just right” state, whether that means using a crash mat or soothing swing in our therapy space or choosing a quiet activity at home.

School & Home Consultations

We believe skills should transfer easily from the clinic to where real life happens. That’s why we design support plans for school and home, helping families and teachers adjust lighting, seating, or routines so children feel safe and ready to learn.

Ready to See Your Child Thrive?

If you’re concerned about sensory processing for your child, early intervention makes a world of difference. Let’s work together—in our expansive sensory gym or wherever you need us—to help your child feel confident, calm, and capable.

Contact Eyas Landing today to schedule an evaluation.

Our Occupational Therapy Team:

Together, the Occupational Therapy team seamlessly collaborates with each child’s entire therapeutic team to address best practices and individualized treatment plans. This collaboration between our highly-educated, compassionate staff maximize therapeutic outcomes and help support our clients to reach their fullest potential. At Eyas Landing, we value evidence-based practice, client-centeredness, community, diversity, collaboration, and flexibility.

Learn More About a Career with Eyas Landing

Why Choose Eyas Landing?

We don’t just treat “speech issues.” We treat the whole child, and we support the whole family. We believe therapy should reduce family stress, not add to it. That’s why flexibility is the foundation of our approach. We meet families where they are—emotionally, developmentally, and physically.

Flexible Therapy Settings

We offer evidence-based interventions in the environment that works best for your child:

Clinic-Based: Our state-of-the-art facility in Chicago’s West Loop is designed for sensory play and skill-building.
Home-Based: We work on skills in your natural environment, making daily routines easier.
School-Based: We collaborate with teachers to support academic success and social inclusion.
TeleHealth: Accessible support for adolescents or families needing remote flexibility.

A Multi-Disciplinary Team

Your child isn’t one-dimensional, and their care shouldn’t be either. Our occupational therapists collaborate closely with speech therapists, physical therapists, behavioral therapists (ABA), and social workers. This ensures that every part of your child’s development is supported under one roof.

Family-Centered Care

We partner with your family every step of the way. We don’t just work with your child for an hour and leave; we provide coaching and strategies you can use at home. Your goals become our goals.

Diagnosis and Conditions Our Occupational Therapists Treat:

Autism Spectrum Disorder
Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD
Sensory Processing Disorder

Developmental Delay

Down Syndrome
Cerebral Palsy
Neurological or Brain Injury

Picky Eaters

Generalized Anxiety

Handwriting or Fine Motor Delay

Premature Babies
Sports Injury
Torticollis

School and Test Anxiety
Adoption

Client-Focused Occupational Therapy Approach:

Neuro-Affirming Care
Intentional Relationship Model

Play-Based Therapy
DIR/Floortime

Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding
Food Chaining

Sensory Integration
Therapeutic Listening
Auditory Integration

Social Skills Programs
Emotional Regulation Programs
Handwriting Without Tears

Schedule an Occupational Therapy Evaluation

Next Steps to Starting Occupational Therapy

Evaluation And Outcome Measures

Initial Evaluations are completed with standardized measures, clinical observation and parent report components. Re-evaluations are completed every six months to determine progress. Eyas Landing therapists proactively collaborate with families and other professionals to increase positive outcomes

Plan Of Care

Eyas Landing treatment plans are individualized to meet each child’s unique strengths, interests and goals. Goals are reviewed weekly and daily treatment notes are emailed directly to parents. Eyas Landing therapists are skilled in utilizing the client’s interests and motivations to increase participation in challenging therapeutic activities.

Billing Options

Eyas Landing offers a variety of billing and payment options to support your child’s treatment. There is a dedicated and knowledgeable on-site staff that are here to answer any of your questions. Eyas Landing is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO, Blue Choice PPO, and Aetna PPO plans. Eyas Landing also accepts most out-of-network PPO plans, including United Healthcare and Cigna. Claims are submitted directly to your insurance company and staff can assist in disputing any denied claims.

Frequently Asked Questions About Occupational Therapy for Kids:

Do I need a doctor’s referral?
In many cases, yes, for insurance purposes. However, you can contact us directly to start the conversation. We can help guide you through the process of getting the necessary paperwork from your pediatrician.

My child has an IEP at school. Can we still do private therapy?
Absolutely. Many families find that school services are helpful but may not offer the 1:1 attention or frequency a child needs to make rapid progress. We often collaborate with school teams to ensure our goals align with their IEP, maximizing your child’s success.

Do you take insurance?
We accept a wide range of insurance plans and also work with families on Early Intervention funding. During your initial consultation, our intake team will verify your benefits so you know exactly what to expect.

What does an initial assessment look like?
A: It is a low-stress, play-based evaluation. We observe how your child moves, plays, and reacts to sensory input. We also spend time talking with you to understand your primary concerns and goals.