Sensory processing differences affect how children receive, interpret, and respond to sensory information from their environment. Understanding these differences is crucial for supporting children who may struggle with everyday activities due to sensory challenges.
What is Sensory Processing?
Sensory processing is how our nervous system receives sensory information and turns it into appropriate motor and behavioral responses. We have more than just the five senses we learned about in school:
The Classic Five Senses
- Sight (Visual): Processing visual information
- Sound (Auditory): Processing sounds and noise
- Touch (Tactile): Processing textures and touch
- Taste (Gustatory): Processing flavors
- Smell (Olfactory): Processing scents and odors
The Hidden Senses
- Proprioception: Body awareness and position
- Vestibular: Balance and movement
- Interoception: Internal body signals (hunger, thirst, need for bathroom)
Types of Sensory Differences
Children with sensory processing differences typically fall into one of three categories:
1. Sensory Over-Responsivity (Hypersensitive)
These children have heightened responses to sensory input and may:
- Cover their ears in noisy environments
- Refuse to wear certain clothing textures
- Become overwhelmed by bright lights
- Have strong reactions to smells
- Avoid messy play activities
2. Sensory Under-Responsivity (Hyposensitive)
These children have decreased responses to sensory input and may:
- Seek out intense sensory experiences
- Not notice when their name is called
- Crave movement and spinning
- Touch everything and everyone
- Have a high pain tolerance
3. Sensory Craving
These children actively seek sensory input and may:
- Constantly move or fidget
- Make loud noises or sounds
- Seek out rough play
- Chew on non-food items
- Love intense flavors or textures
"Many children show a combination of these patterns, being over-responsive to some sensory input while under-responsive to others. Each child's sensory profile is unique."
Recognizing the Signs
Sensory processing differences can impact many areas of daily life. Here are common signs to watch for:
- Difficulty with dressing (tags, seams, certain fabrics)
- Challenges with grooming (hair brushing, teeth brushing, nail cutting)
- Picky eating or extreme food preferences
- Sleep difficulties
- Toilet training challenges
- Avoiding social situations or group activities
- Difficulty with transitions and changes
- Emotional meltdowns in certain environments
- Anxiety in new or unpredictable situations
- Difficulty reading social cues
- Difficulty concentrating in noisy environments
- Challenges with fine motor tasks like writing
- Trouble sitting still for age-appropriate periods
- Difficulty following multi-step directions
- Inconsistent performance across different settings
Supporting Strategies
Once you understand your child's sensory profile, you can implement strategies to support their needs:
Environmental Modifications
For Over-Responsive Children
- Reduce background noise
- Use soft, natural lighting
- Provide quiet spaces for breaks
- Offer clothing choices
- Use unscented products
For Under-Responsive Children
- Provide extra sensory input
- Use visual and auditory cues
- Offer movement opportunities
- Include textured materials
- Use bright, contrasting colors
Sensory Tools and Equipment
Various tools can help children regulate their sensory systems:
Noise-Reducing Tools
Headphones, earplugs, white noise machines
Seating Options
Therapy balls, weighted lap pads, fidget cushions
Tactile Tools
Fidget toys, stress balls, textured fabrics
Daily Routine Strategies
- Sensory breaks: Build in regular sensory breaks throughout the day
- Preparation: Prepare your child for sensory-rich environments
- Choice: Offer choices when possible to give your child control
- Timing: Schedule challenging activities when your child is most regulated
- Gradual exposure: Slowly introduce new sensory experiences
When to Seek Help
Consider consulting with an occupational therapist if sensory differences are:
Red Flags
- Significantly impacting daily activities
- Affecting school performance or social relationships
- Causing frequent meltdowns or distress
- Limiting participation in age-appropriate activities
- Not improving with environmental modifications
What to Expect from Occupational Therapy
An occupational therapist can:
- Conduct a comprehensive sensory assessment
- Develop a personalized sensory diet
- Provide specific strategies and tools
- Work with schools to implement accommodations
- Support the whole family in understanding sensory needs
Remember
Sensory processing differences are neurological variations, not behavioral problems. With understanding, patience, and appropriate support, children with sensory challenges can learn to navigate their world successfully.