Understanding Sensory Processing: A Complete Guide for Parents
Sensory processing refers to how our nervous system receives messages from our senses and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioral responses. For most people, this process happens automatically and efficiently. However, for many neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with autism, ADHD, or specific sensory processing differences, this system works differently.
When a person has sensory processing differences, their brain either over-responds or under-responds to sensory information, or they have difficulty organizing sensory input into appropriate responses. This can significantly impact daily functioning, emotional regulation, and overall quality of life.
The Eight Sensory Systems
Understanding all eight sensory systems helps parents recognize where their child may experience differences:
- Visual: Sight - processing what we see
- Auditory: Hearing - processing sounds
- Tactile: Touch - processing physical contact, textures, pressure
- Olfactory: Smell - processing scents and odors
- Gustatory: Taste - processing flavors and food textures
- Vestibular: Balance - processing movement and head position
- Proprioceptive: Body awareness - processing where our body is in space
- Interoceptive: Internal sensations - processing signals from internal organs (hunger, thirst, need for toilet)
Types of Sensory Processing Differences
Sensory processing differences can manifest in various ways, and many neurodivergent individuals experience a combination of these patterns:
Sensory Hypersensitivity (Over-Responsivity)
When someone is hypersensitive to sensory input, their brain registers sensations more intensely than typical. This can make ordinary sensations feel overwhelming or even painful.
Common signs include:
- Covering ears at sounds others find normal
- Being bothered by clothing tags or seams
- Finding certain lights painfully bright
- Strong aversion to certain food textures
- Becoming distressed in busy, noisy environments
Sensory Hyposensitivity (Under-Responsivity)
When someone is hyposensitive to sensory input, their brain registers sensations less intensely than typical. This can lead to seeking out more intense sensory experiences.
Common signs include:
- Not noticing pain or extreme temperatures
- Seeking intense movement (spinning, jumping, crashing)
- Preferring strong flavors or spicy foods
- Enjoying loud noises or making loud sounds
- Touching objects or people frequently
Sensory Seeking
Sensory seeking behavior involves actively pursuing sensory experiences, often intensely or for extended periods. This helps the person regulate their nervous system.
Common signs include:
- Spinning, rocking, or bouncing repeatedly
- Chewing on objects or clothing
- Seeking deep pressure (tight hugs, heavy blankets)
- Visual stimming (watching spinning objects, flicking fingers near eyes)
- Making repetitive sounds or noises
Sensory Discrimination Issues
Difficulty distinguishing between similar sensory inputs can make it challenging to interpret information accurately.
Common signs include:
- Trouble locating objects without looking directly at them
- Difficulty distinguishing between similar sounds
- Problems with handwriting or manipulating small objects
- Challenges with body position awareness
- Difficulty judging force when handling objects
“Understanding sensory processing is not about ‘fixing’ differences, but about creating environments and strategies that support neurodivergent individuals to thrive with their unique sensory profiles.”
The Impact of Sensory Processing Differences
Sensory processing differences can affect many aspects of daily life:
Daily Activities
- Eating: Food selectivity, mealtime stress
- Dressing: Sensitivity to clothing textures, tags, seams
- Bathing: Discomfort with water sensations, temperature changes
- Toileting: Difficulty with body awareness, texture sensitivities
- Sleep: Trouble filtering sensory input to relax for sleep
Learning and School
- Difficulty filtering classroom noise to focus on the teacher
- Challenges sitting still due to vestibular or proprioceptive needs
- Overwhelm in crowded hallways or cafeterias
- Difficulty with handwriting due to tactile or proprioceptive differences
- Problems transitioning between activities or environments
Supporting Sensory Processing Differences
Understanding your child’s unique sensory profile is the first step toward providing effective support.
Creating Sensory-Friendly Environments
- Reduce overwhelming sensory input when possible
- Provide alternative sensory options
- Create quiet spaces for breaks
- Use visual schedules to prepare for sensory challenges
- Offer sensory tools and accommodations
Building Sensory Regulation Skills
- Teach your child to recognize their sensory needs
- Develop a “sensory toolkit” of helpful strategies
- Practice calming techniques
- Build in regular sensory breaks
- Celebrate progress and self-advocacy
Using Tediverse for Sensory Support
Tediverse offers several features to help track and support sensory processing needs:
- Episode tracker to identify sensory triggers and patterns
- Visual schedules to prepare for sensory challenges
- Communication tools to share sensory information with schools
- Progress tracking to monitor sensory regulation development
Practical Strategies for Each Sensory System
Visual System
Strategies for visual sensitivities and needs:
- Use natural lighting when possible
- Provide sunglasses or a hat for bright environments
- Create visual calm areas with minimal visual distractions
- Use colored overlays for reading if helpful
Auditory System
Supporting auditory processing needs:
- Provide noise-cancelling headphones or ear defenders
- Use white noise machines to mask distracting sounds
- Give advance warning of loud noises when possible
- Create quiet spaces for auditory breaks
Tactile System
Addressing touch sensitivities and needs:
- Remove clothing tags and choose soft, comfortable fabrics
- Provide fidget toys and textured objects for exploration
- Use deep pressure activities (weighted blankets, tight hugs)
- Gradually introduce new textures in a safe environment
When to Seek Professional Support
While many sensory strategies can be implemented at home, sometimes professional support is beneficial.
Consider Professional Assessment When:
- Sensory issues significantly impact daily functioning
- Your child shows extreme responses to sensory input
- School activities are consistently difficult due to sensory challenges
- Safety concerns arise from sensory-seeking or avoiding behaviors
- Family life is significantly affected by sensory challenges
An occupational therapist with training in sensory integration can provide comprehensive assessment and targeted intervention strategies. They can help develop a sensory diet - a personalized plan of activities to help your child stay regulated throughout the day.
Moving Forward with Understanding
Sensory processing differences are a common and significant aspect of neurodivergence. By understanding your child’s unique sensory profile and providing appropriate support, you can help them navigate their world more comfortably and successfully. Remember that sensory needs can change over time, so ongoing observation and adaptation of strategies is important.
The goal isn’t to eliminate all sensory challenges, but to help your child develop the skills and strategies they need to thrive. With patience, understanding, and the right support, children with sensory processing differences can learn to navigate their sensory world with confidence.
Remember: Every child’s sensory profile is unique. What works for one child may not work for another. Trust your instincts as a parent and work collaboratively with your child to find strategies that support their individual needs.