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The ‘Big Sensory Cup’ Theory: Why Some Kids Just Can’t Sit Still

Why does my child need so much sensory input? Some children have what we call a ‘Big Sensory Cup.’ This means their nervous system requires a lot of movement, touch, or sound to feel ‘full’ and regulated. Until that cup is filled with sensory input, they may struggle to sit still, focus, or stay calm. 

If you’ve ever felt like your child has a ‘motor that never stops,’ you aren’t alone, once you understood the Big Cup vs. Small Cup theory, everything changes. 

Is your child a ‘Big Cup’ or a ‘Small Cup’? 

Think of your child’s sensory system like a literal cup. 

  • The Small Cup (Sensory Sensitive): For children with a ‘small cup’, it only takes a tiny bit of noise, bright light, or a scratchy shirt tag to fill it up. When the cup overflows, they might have a meltdown or show behaviours like wanting to hide away. 
  • The Big Cup (Sensory Seeker): For children with a ‘big cup’, hey need to move, crash, spin, and touch everything just to get enough ‘fuel’ to feel their body. If their cup is empty, they go looking for input – often by wiggling in their chair or tapping their pencil. 

 

Finding the Perfect Balance at Share My Ability 

At Share My Ability, our specialised facilities in Penrith are designed with both cups in mind. For the ‘Big Cup’ sensory seekers, our inclusive indoor play centre offers the space to crash, climb, and swing – safely filling that cup to the brim in a way that’s hard to do in a living room. For our ‘Small Cup’ more sensory sensitive friends, we offer low-sensory environments with our quiet Zen Zone where children can regulate at their own pace without the fear of an ‘overflow’. For parents and carers of children with all types of sensory needs, you can feel at ease knowing there’s no need to worry about potential meltdowns or moments of overwhelm. Our friendly and experienced staff are understanding and well-equipped to support all reactions and expressions in a calm, supportive way. Our goal at Share My Ability is to create a space where every child’s sensory needs are understood and celebrated! 

 

Easy Ways to Fill their Cup or Keep it from Overflowing at Home 

You don’t need a sensory gym at home to help your sensory seeker – a few simple additions from the Sensory Store to your home and routines can make a big difference! 

  • A ‘Heavy Friend’ – our Warmies Weighted Animals are perfect for lap-time or as a ‘cuddle buddy’ during transitions, combining weight and a gentle lavender scent, helping to settle a restless body. 
  • Active Seating – adding a Wriggle Cushion or Fidget Chair Bands to their chair can allow your child to receive sensory input and move their body, helping them stay focused on the task at hand – whether it’s eating their veggies or finishing homework. 
  • Sensory Earmuffs – earmuffs are a great way to block out background noise in busy environments or just at home to give little brains a break from processing sound input. 
  • Sensory-Friendly Sunscreen – no more sticky sunscreen or nasty chemical smells, Whipscreen sunscreen is light on the skin and comes in anti-scent as well as 3 fun scents. 

 

A Final Thought for Parents: Remember, whether it be big cup or small cup, your child is communicating in the best way they know how. When we shape the environment to help them feel safe and supported, those tricky moments often settle. 

Visit us at Share My Ability today for lots of fun in a sensory-friendly environment and check out the Sensory Store online to explore their full range! 

 

 References:

Together Occupational Therapy 
Tumble n Dots Paediatric Therapy 

 

Waiver and Release Form Share My Ability

Issued August 2021

Please read the following terms carefully. By participating in any class, activity or using any equipment provided by Nepean Area Disabilities Organisation (the Owner) you consent to, and agree to release the Owner from liability according to, these terms. Unless the Owner notifies you otherwise, this waiver and release will apply to all activities undertaken by you at Share My Ability (the premises).

You acknowledge that:

  • are over 18 years of age (if not, a parent/guardian must sign on your behalf)
  • understand that the using equipment provided by, and/or engaging in activities at, the premises is a form of physical activity and that there are inherent risks in undertaking any form of physical exercise
  • have disclosed, or will disclose to the Owner prior to commencing your session, any pre-existing conditions that may place you at a higher risk of injury or inhibit your ability to participate in certain activities or using certain equipment, this includes, but is not limited to:
    • injuries, pain or recent surgery
    • pregnancy or if you have recently given birth
    • respiratory or heart conditions or high blood pressure
    • physical condition or lack of mobility which may prevent safe use of the equipment
  • agree to notify the Owner and its Representatives (staff members) if you experience any pain throughout the session and will immediately stop participating in the session if requested by the Owner or its representatives
  • acknowledge that, based on information you provide, the Owner may decide not to allow you to participate in a session or activity, or use a certain piece of equipment, or may require you to provide a medical certificate affirming that you are able to participate in a session or activity or use a certain piece of equipment before allowing you to join, at the Owner’s sole discretion
  • acknowledge that recommendations or instruction provided by the Owner or Representatives may not be tailored for your particular skill or ability level and it is your responsibility to assess whether you are able or want to participate in all or part of a session or activity
  • acknowledge you are solely responsible for ensuring that your physical environment is suitable for your participation in any session or activity; and
  • agree that sessions may be recorded by the Owner for quality control or promotional purposes. If you do not consent to the Owner using video or still images taken during the session for promotional purposes, please notify the Owner in writing.

 

To the extent permitted at law, you release and hold the Owner (and where applicable its, directors, employees and representatives) harmless from any liability, cost, expense, damages or claims (including claims of negligence) arising from or which may be suffered or incurred in connection with your participation in any sessions or activities provided by the Owner.