Sensory Processing Therapy in Sharjah: Helping Your Child Feel Calm, Comfortable and Ready to Join In
The hand dryer at the mall sends your son running out in tears. Your daughter refuses every pair of socks you own. Haircuts end in screaming, and you've given up on birthday parties. Or maybe it's the opposite: your child never stops moving, crashes into the sofa on purpose, and chews every sleeve and pencil in sight.
None of this means your child is being difficult. Very often, it means their brain is handling sound, touch or movement differently from the way most people do.
Sensory processing support helps children cope with everyday sights, sounds, textures and movement, so daily routines, play and learning stop feeling like a constant battle. It starts by figuring out which sensations your child finds too much or not enough, then builds strategies, routines and small adjustments around those needs.
Asha Susan Mani, BCBA (USA), has supported children with sensory-related behavior challenges in the UAE for more than 20 years. Her practice is in Karama, Dubai, a straightforward drive for families coming from Al Nahda, Al Qasimia and Al Majaz. Online parent sessions are available anywhere in the UAE.
Sensory Processing Therapy in Sharjah: At a Glance
What it is: Support for children who find everyday sounds, textures or movement too much or not enough
Who it helps: Children from 14 months to 12 years, with or without autism or ADHD
What you get: A clear picture of your child's sensory needs, a simple plan for home and school, and coaching for you
How it works: We talk with you, watch your child, find what triggers their reactions, and build calming routines and strategies around them
How long: It starts with one consultation. Ongoing support is planned after that, based on your child's needs
Where: Karama, Dubai, a short drive from Sharjah, with online sessions anywhere in the UAE
Good to know: Asha uses a behavioral approach. If your child needs an occupational therapy (OT) assessment or sensory integration therapy, she'll let you know and work with the OT
What Is Sensory Processing Therapy?
Imagine every sense has a volume knob. For most of us, the knobs sit somewhere in the middle. We notice the air conditioning hum but tune it out, feel our clothes but forget about them, and move around without thinking much about balance.
For some children, those knobs are set differently. The hum of a fridge might feel as loud as a drill. A shirt label might feel like sandpaper. Or the volume might be so low that a child has to spin, jump and crash just to feel where their body is. Their reactions make complete sense once you realize how different the world feels to them.
What "Therapy" Actually Means Here
Sensory processing therapy isn't one single technique. It's a mix of understanding and support, which usually includes:
Working out which senses your child is over- or under-sensitive to
Seeing how those reactions show up in behavior, like meltdowns, refusals or constant movement
Changing the environment where possible, like quieter spaces, softer clothes or movement breaks
Building your child's ability to cope, step by step, with things they find hard
Teaching your child ways to calm down or get the input they need in a safe, appropriate way
Is Sensory Processing Disorder a Diagnosis?
This confuses a lot of parents. "Sensory processing disorder" is a widely used term, but it isn't listed as a separate diagnosis in the main manual doctors use (the DSM-5). Sensory differences are, however, recognized as part of autism, and they're common in children with ADHD too. Plenty of children have sensory differences without any other diagnosis at all.
What matters most isn't the label. It's how much your child's sensory reactions are affecting their day and what can be done to help. For a deeper look at sensory profiles and the senses involved, read our sensory processing guide.
Does My Child Need Sensory Processing Support?
Every child has likes and dislikes. A child who hates loud fireworks isn't necessarily a concern. It becomes worth looking into when sensory reactions start shaping the whole family's day. Sensory support may help if your child:
Covers their ears, cries or panics at everyday sounds like blenders, hand dryers or the call to prayer on a loudspeaker
Can't stand certain clothes, tags, seams or wet sleeves
Melts down in busy, bright or noisy places like malls, supermarkets and birthday parties
Fights bath time, hair washing, haircuts, nail cutting or tooth brushing
Eats a very small range of foods because of texture, smell or temperature
Is always on the move: spinning, jumping, crashing or climbing everything
Chews clothes, toys or pencils far more than other kids their age
Gets very upset when moving from one activity to the next
Struggles to focus or stay calm in a noisy classroom or nursery
Has autism, ADHD or a developmental delay, and sensory reactions are a big part of the picture
It's also for Sharjah parents who are tired of guessing and families who want a plan built around their own child rather than a list of generic sensory activities.
Sensory Challenges We Help With
Sensitivity to Noise, Light, Touch and Smell
When everyday sounds or textures feel painful, a child spends the day on high alert. That stress often comes out as tears, refusals or aggression. We find the specific triggers and look at ways to reduce, prepare for, or gradually get used to them.
Constant Movement and Sensory Seeking
Some children seem to have an engine that never switches off. They climb, spin and crash because their body needs more input to feel settled. Instead of just telling them to stop, we find safe, planned ways to give them what they need, like movement breaks or heavy work.
Meltdowns in Busy Places
Malls, weddings, school assemblies. For a sensitive child, these can be overwhelming within minutes. We help you plan outings, spot early signs of overload, and have a calm exit strategy ready.
Daily Routine Battles
Getting dressed, bath time, haircuts and teeth brushing shouldn't take an hour and end in tears. We break these routines down, adjust what we can, and build your child's tolerance step by step.
Picky Eating Linked to Texture
For some children, it's not about taste. It's about how food feels in their mouth. We look at what your child does accept and slowly widen the range, without forcing or turning meals into a fight.
Trouble with Transitions
Switching from one activity to another can be especially hard when a child is already working hard to stay regulated. Warnings, visual schedules and calming routines can make transitions much smoother.
Balance and Body Awareness
Some children seem clumsy, fall often, or don't know their own strength. Others are scared of swings or having their feet off the ground. We note these patterns and, where needed, recommend an occupational therapy assessment.
Staying Calm and Focused
A child who's overloaded, or under-stimulated, struggles to sit, listen and learn. We help find the right balance of calming and alerting activities through the day.
Sensory Struggles at Nursery or School
Classrooms are loud, bright and busy. When a teacher says your child can't sit still or keeps leaving the room, sensory needs may be part of the reason. We can share simple, practical adjustments with the school.
Not Knowing How to Respond
Should you push your child through it or let them avoid it? Most parents aren't sure. We help you find the middle ground so your child feels supported and keeps making progress.
No Real Plan
Random sensory activities can be fun, but they don't always target what your child actually needs. A clear plan does.
How Sensory Processing Support Works, Step by Step
Step 1: We Listen to Your Story
We start with you. Which sounds, textures or places set your child off? What does a meltdown look like? What helps them calm down? We also ask about your child's development, sleep, eating and health, because sensory needs rarely show up in just one area.
Step 2: We Look at Any Reports
If your child has seen an occupational therapist, speech therapist, pediatrician or other specialist, bring the reports. Asha reviews them so we build on what's already known.
Step 3: We Watch Your Child in Action
Asha spends time with your child and watches how they react to different sounds, textures, movement and changes in activity. Short phone videos from home are really useful, especially for bath time, mealtimes or outings.
Step 4: We Find the Patterns
This is where things start to make sense. Asha looks at which senses your child avoids or seeks, when reactions happen, and how they affect behavior. For example, a child who bolts from the classroom every day might not be misbehaving. The bell might be too loud.
Step 5: We Build a Sensory Support Plan
You'll get a plan made for your child. It might include changes at home, like a quiet corner or softer clothes. It might include planned movement breaks, step-by-step ways to make haircuts easier, or a visual schedule for tricky transitions. You agree on the goals together.
Step 6: We Help Your Child Build Coping Skills
Bit by bit, your child learns to handle the things that used to overwhelm them, and to ask for a break or a calming activity when they need one. Progress is gradual and always at a pace your child can manage.
Step 7: You Learn What Works at Home
Sensory needs show up all day long, so you're the most important part of the plan. Asha shows you how to spot early signs of overload, how to respond, and how to fit sensory strategies into everyday routines.
Step 8: We Review and Adjust
We check how things are going and change the plan as your child grows. If your child would benefit from a formal OT assessment or sensory integration therapy, Asha will tell you and can work alongside the OT.
The goal isn't to change who your child is. It's to make the world feel a bit more manageable for them and a lot more manageable for you. Families can expect:
A clear understanding of how your child experiences sound, touch, movement and other senses
A list of the sensory triggers that are making daily life hard
Goals made for your child, focused on real-life routines
Strategies to help your child cope with sensations they find difficult
Easier mornings, mealtimes, baths and bedtimes
Ways to help your child stay calm and focused during the day
Coaching for you, so you know what to do in the moment
Tips you can share with the nursery or school
Regular check-ins, with the plan updated as your child grows
Progress is usually gradual. A haircut that used to take three adults might, over time, take one adult and a favorite song. Those small wins add up.
Why It Helps to Get Sensory Support Early
When a child is overwhelmed by everyday sensations, they often start avoiding more and more: the park, the barber, family gatherings, and new foods. Over time, their world gets smaller. Getting support early helps stop that cycle before it becomes a habit.
NHS guidance on autism notes that many autistic children are more or less sensitive than others to things like noise, light and touch. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also lists unusual reactions to how things sound, smell, taste, look or feel among the features sometimes seen in autism. These differences are common, and they can be supported.
There are practical benefits to starting sooner, too. Your child gets more chances to join in at nursery, play with other kids and enjoy family outings. You learn early on how to set up your home and routines in a way that works for your child, instead of discovering it slowly through trial and error. And if your child needs extra help, like occupational therapy, you'll know sooner.
Why Sharjah Families Choose Asha for Sensory Support
Asha has been working with children in the UAE since 2004, and she was one of the first Board Certified Behavior Analysts in the country. Sensory-related behavior is something she sees every day, especially in children with autism and ADHD. Her strength is connecting the dots between what a child is sensing and how they're behaving and then turning that into clear steps families can follow.
Advanced training in Behavior Analysis, Florida Tech University
20+ years working with autism, ADHD, speech delay and developmental delays
7,000+ children supported, aged 14 months to 12 years
What She Specializes In
Sensory-related behavior challenges
Autism and developmental concerns
Behavior assessment and support
Communication and social skills
Parent coaching
Everyday and self-care skills
School readiness
Her Experience in the UAE
Has led ABA programs across Dubai, Sharjah and other emirates
Works with nurseries and schools to make sensory-friendly adjustments
Collaborates with occupational therapists where appropriate
Featured on Gulf News, MediaOne Gulf and NTV
Asha's Approach vs Occupational Therapy
Asha is a behavior analyst, not an occupational therapist. She looks at how sensory needs affect your child's behavior and daily life and builds practical strategies, routines and coping skills around them. Formal sensory evaluations and sensory integration therapy are usually done by an occupational therapist. If your child needs that, Asha will tell you and work alongside the OT so everyone is on the same page.
Author and Clinical Review
Author: Asha Susan Mani, BCBA (USA)
Title: Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Developmental Consultant
Location: Karama, Dubai, serving Sharjah and the UAE
Approaches: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), developmental psychology principles, sensory and behavioral support strategies
Last reviewed: 2026
What Parents Say
“Asha is doing wonderful work with children on the autism spectrum. She is
highly professional in her approach, very systematic in her treatment design and interventions, and an
excellent facilitator between home and school. Parents often report how quickly their children have
transitioned into mainstream schooling after working under Asha’s guidance.”
★★★★★
ON
Dr. Onita Nakra
Educational Psychologist, Dubai
“My appreciation for your outstanding efforts in helping so many children
return to mainstream education. As you are aware, parents often face significant emotional challenges while
raising such wonderful children, partly due to societal reactions and partly due to rigid systems. I can
confidently say that you have done a great deal to ease that burden and support families through their
journey.”
★★★★★
SR
Dr. Sundar R
Dubai
“Mrs. Asha has been working with our son, Ahmed Khan, and we have seen clear
improvement over the past few months. Initially, Ahmed had frequent emotional outbursts, difficulty
following instructions, short attention span, and struggled with transitions between activities. Mrs. Asha
developed a structured plan and introduced simple, consistent strategies such as visual schedules, clear
first–then instructions, positive reinforcement, and planned transition warnings. She also guided us on how
to respond calmly and consistently during challenging behaviours at home. She regularly reviewed his
progress, adjusted goals when needed, and ensured we were involved in every step of the process. Ahmed is
now more settled, follows instructions better, and has improved in managing daily routines and transitions.
We are very grateful for Mrs. Asha’s guidance and support.”
★★★★★
SK
Mrs. Sara Khan
Parent · Behaviour Support
“Mrs. Asha has been supporting our daughter, Lavanya Nair (4 years old), who
was diagnosed with ADHD and was facing significant behavioural challenges in nursery. Initially, Lavanya had
difficulty sitting in class, frequent impulsive behaviours, emotional outbursts, and struggled with
following group instructions. The nursery also reported concerns about her attention and participation in
structured activities. Mrs. Asha conducted a detailed assessment and introduced a structured ABA-based plan
in coordination with the therapy team. She implemented clear routines, visual supports, reinforcement
strategies, and short, achievable task instructions to improve attention and compliance. Over a period of 4
months, we saw noticeable improvements. Lavanya is now more regulated in class, follows simple instructions
better, and her tantrums have reduced significantly. We are very grateful to Mrs. Asha and her team for
their consistent support and close collaboration.”
★★★★★
PN
Mrs. Priya Nair
Parent · ADHD Support
“Our son, Philip Cruz (3.5 years old), was referred to Mrs. Asha by his
nursery, Chubby Cheeks Nursery, Dubai, due to concerns around limited communication, difficulty following
group instructions, and frequent frustration during structured activities. When we started, Philip often
struggled with transitions and would become upset during classroom routines. Mrs. Asha conducted a detailed
assessment and introduced a structured behaviour plan using visual cues, consistent routines, and positive
reinforcement strategies. She also worked closely with his ABA therapist and the nursery team to ensure a
consistent approach across all environments. Within a few months, we noticed clear improvements. Philip is
now more settled in class, follows instructions more consistently, and is gradually engaging better with
peers and teachers. We are very grateful to Mrs. Asha for her guidance and practical strategies.”
★★★★★
EC
Mrs. Elena Cruz
Parent · Behaviour Support
“Our son, Arjun Menon (5 years old), was referred to Mrs. Asha by his
pediatrician at Aster Clinic, Al Qusais, for ADHD-related concerns, including inattention, hyperactivity,
and difficulty following instructions at home and school. Mrs. Asha conducted an assessment and introduced a
structured behavior plan using visual schedules, clear routines, reinforcement strategies, and parent
guidance. She also coordinated closely with the ABA therapist and school to ensure consistency across all
settings. Within a few months, Arjun showed noticeable improvement in attention, behavior regulation, and
daily routines. We are very grateful for Mrs. Asha’s support and structured approach.”
★★★★★
NM
Mrs. Neha Menon
Parent · ADHD Support
Sensory Support vs. Generic Sensory Activities vs. Going It Alone
Individual Sensory Support
Generic Sensory Activities
Managing Alone
Starting point
Your child's own triggers and needs
Activities meant for all kids
Guessing
Focus
Real routines like dressing, eating and outings
Play sessions
Getting through the day
Plan
Clear goals, reviewed regularly
No specific goals
Trial and error
Parents
Coached on what to do and when
Left to pick activities
Unsure whether to push or avoid
Sensory bins and swings can be great fun. But without knowing why your child reacts the way they do, it's hard to know which activities will actually help. Sensory support is not a diagnosis either. If your child needs one, it comes from a psychologist, psychiatrist or developmental pediatrician.
Simple Sensory Strategies You Can Try at Home
While you're waiting for an appointment, these small changes help many children. Every child is different, so watch how yours responds and stop anything that seems to make things worse.
If Your Child Is Sensitive to Sound
Give a heads-up before loud noises, like "I'm going to turn on the blender in one minute"
Try ear defenders or noise-cancelling headphones for malls and events
Pick quieter times for shopping trips
If Your Child Is Sensitive to Touch or Clothing
Cut out labels and choose seamless socks and soft fabrics
Let your child help choose clothes from a few options you know they tolerate
Use firm, steady touch rather than light tickles, which many sensitive children find harder
If Your Child Seeks Movement
Build in "heavy work" through the day, like carrying shopping bags, pushing a laundry basket or doing wall push-ups
Offer short movement breaks before tasks that need sitting still
Give them safe ways to jump and climb, like a small trampoline or cushions on the floor
If Transitions Are Hard
Give a warning before changes: "Five more minutes, then bath"
Use a simple picture schedule so your child can see what's coming next
Try "first, then" language: "First shoes, then the park"
If Your Child Gets Overwhelmed Easily
Set up a quiet corner with soft lighting, cushions and a favorite toy
Learn your child's early warning signs, and step in before a full meltdown
If these don't help much, or things are getting harder, that's a good sign it's time for a proper plan.
Sensory Support for Families Across Sharjah
Asha's practice is in Karama, Dubai, and she supports many families from Sharjah. It's a straightforward trip from Al Nahda, Al Qasimia, Al Majaz, Al Taawun and Al Khan, and after-school slots help appointments fit around work and nursery runs.
If your child finds car journeys or new places tough, let us know. We can plan the first visit so it's as calm as possible. Online sessions are also available for parent coaching, reviewing videos from home and talking through new concerns.
Appointments run Saturday to Thursday, 9 AM to 7 PM. To check availability, please call or WhatsApp us at +971 54 329 1664.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's support that helps children cope with sounds, textures, movement and other sensations that feel too strong or not strong enough. The aim is to make everyday life, like dressing, eating and going out, easier and calmer.
Many Sharjah families see Asha at her practice in Karama, Dubai, a straightforward drive from Al Nahda and Al Qasimia. Call or WhatsApp +971 54 329 1664 to check a time.
It's a common term for when a child's brain responds to sensory input in a way that gets in the way of daily life. It isn't a separate diagnosis in the DSM-5, but sensory differences are recognized as part of autism and are common in ADHD.
Any child whose reactions to sound, touch, movement, light or food are making daily routines, play or school hard. That includes children with and without autism or ADHD.
We hear this so often. Some children hear sounds as much louder or sharper than we do, so a sudden noise can feel painful. Warnings, ear defenders and slow, gentle exposure can help a lot.
Tags, seams and certain fabrics can feel scratchy or even painful to a sensitive child. It's not stubbornness. Soft, seamless clothes and giving them some choice often make mornings much easier.
It can be. Some kids need extra movement to feel calm and focused. Instead of stopping it, we look for safe ways to give their body what it needs, like movement breaks and heavy work.
Yes. A loud, busy classroom can overload a sensitive child, while a sensory seeker might struggle to sit still. Simple changes, like a quiet corner or movement breaks, can make a big difference.
Yes. Sensory differences are very common in autism, and support can reduce meltdowns and help children join in more comfortably. Learn more about autism and sensory processing.
Often, yes. Many meltdowns are actually sensory overload. Once we know the trigger, we can change the environment and teach your child better ways to cope. Our page on ABA for challenging behaviors explains more.
We talk with you about triggers and routines, watch your child play and react to different things, and look at how their sensory needs affect their behavior. You'll leave with a plan.
It usually involves parent questionnaires, observation, and sometimes standardized tests. Formal sensory evaluations are often done by an occupational therapist. Asha looks at how sensory needs show up in behavior and daily life.
It depends on your child. Many families see some changes within a few weeks of using new strategies, but building tolerance to tough sensations usually takes longer.
It is contingent upon your child’s needs. Asha will then advise a schedule after the first review.
Yes, and you're the most important part. Sensory needs arise all day, so you'll learn what to do at home, in the car, and on outings.
Yes, these are some of the most common goals. We break routines into small steps and make adjustments so they feel less overwhelming.
It can, if texture or smell is the reason. We work slowly, without pressure. If there are concerns about growth or swallowing, see your pediatrician or a feeding specialist as well.
Yes. Warnings, picture schedules and calming routines can make transitions much smoother for sensitive children.
Please bring any reports from doctors, therapists, or the nursery, as well as short videos of the situations that are hardest for your child, such as bath time, meals, or outings.
No. You can book directly by phone or WhatsApp.
Yes, and they fit together well. ABA helps us understand how sensory needs affect behavior and teaches new coping skills.
You'll get a support plan with strategies for home and school. If your child needs an occupational therapy assessment, Asha will let you know.
Areas We Serve in Sharjah
We provide autism therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, ABA therapy, and child development support to families in Al Nahda Sharjah, Al Taawun, Al Khan, Al Qasba, Al Majaz, Al Mamzar, Al Qusais, Muwaileh, Al Yarmook, and Abu Shagara, as well as surrounding areas within approximately 10 km of Al Nahda, Sharjah.
Are Sounds, Textures or Busy Places Making Life Hard for Your Child? Talk to a Child Behavior Analyst Today
If everyday routines have turned into daily battles, you're not alone, and it's not your fault. Once you understand what your child is feeling, it becomes much easier to help them feel calm, comfortable and ready to join in.
A first conversation with Asha can help you understand your child's sensory reactions and give you a clear starting point.
Ask Asha a Question