Changing the way the neurological system responds to incoming
sensory stimuli, however, takes time—usually 6-12 months of ongoing therapy. In
the meantime, it is important that parents, educators, relatives, and other
professionals recognize that acting out behaviors may actually be a sensory-related
stress response, and the child may need support, soothing through co-regulation,
and intervention instead of behavioral interventions or punitive
responses.