Table of Contents
Sensory Foundations
Understanding sensory processing and how to support sensory needs for optimal development
Understanding Sensory Processing
Sensory processing is the brain's ability to receive, organize, and respond to sensory information from our environment and our bodies. When this process works smoothly, we can navigate our world with ease. When it doesn't, everyday experiences can become overwhelming or underwhelming.
What Are Sensory Issues?
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), also called Sensory Integration Dysfunction, is a condition where the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes through the senses. While not currently recognized as a standalone diagnosis in the DSM-5, sensory processing challenges are widely recognized by occupational therapists, parents, and clinicians as real and impactful conditions that affect daily functioning.
How Sensory Processing Works
Think of sensory processing like a traffic control system in the brain. Information from our senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, movement, body position, and internal body signals) flows into the brain like cars on a highway. The brain must sort, organize, and direct this information to the right places. When this system works well, we can focus, learn, and respond appropriately. When it doesn't, we might feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or confused by everyday sensations.
The Three Main Types of SPD
Difficulty regulating responses to sensory input. This is the most common type and includes:
Over-Responsivity (Hypersensitive)
The child responds too strongly to sensory input. They may avoid textures, cover their ears at normal sounds, or have meltdowns in busy environments.
Under-Responsivity (Hyposensitive)
The child doesn't respond enough to sensory input. They may not notice pain, seek intense sensations, or appear lethargic and unengaged.
Sensory Seeking/Craving
The child constantly seeks sensory input in an intense way. They may crash into things, spin excessively, or constantly touch everything around them.
Difficulty using sensory information to plan and execute movements. This includes:
Dyspraxia (Poor Motor Planning)
Difficulty planning and executing coordinated movements, learning new motor tasks, or imitating movements.
Postural Disorder
Difficulty maintaining posture and balance. The child may appear floppy, slouch, tire easily, or have poor core strength.
Difficulty interpreting the qualities of sensory input (location, intensity, timing, similarities, or differences). The child might struggle to tell similar sensations apart or locate where touch occurred on their body.
Hyper-Sensitivity (Over-Responsive)
- •Sensations feel too intense or overwhelming
- •May avoid certain textures, sounds, or lights
- •Can trigger fight-or-flight responses
- •Often leads to anxiety and avoidance behaviors
Hypo-Sensitivity (Under-Responsive)
- •Sensations feel muted or don't register
- •May seek intense sensory experiences
- •Might not notice pain, temperature, or hunger
- •Can appear passive or unengaged
Why Do Kids Have Sensory Issues?
Sensory processing challenges arise from differences in how the nervous system develops and functions. While we don't fully understand all the causes, research has identified several contributing factors:
Brain imaging studies show that individuals with sensory processing challenges have differences in how their brains organize and integrate sensory information. The neural pathways that carry sensory signals may be wired differently, causing signals to be processed too strongly, too weakly, or in a disorganized manner. The brainstem and thalamus, which act as sensory relay stations, may not filter or prioritize information effectively.
SPD often runs in families, suggesting a genetic component. If a parent has sensory sensitivities, their children are more likely to have them too. Research is ongoing to identify specific genes involved in sensory processing.
Premature birth, low birth weight, prenatal stress, exposure to toxins, or complications during pregnancy or delivery can affect nervous system development. Babies born prematurely often have immature sensory systems and may be more sensitive to touch, sound, and light.
Early sensory experiences shape brain development. Lack of varied sensory input (deprivation) or overwhelming sensory experiences (overstimulation) during critical developmental periods can impact sensory processing. Trauma, neglect, or institutional care can also affect sensory system development.
Sensory processing challenges frequently occur alongside other neurodevelopmental conditions:
- •Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): 90-95% of autistic individuals have sensory processing differences
- •ADHD: 40-60% of children with ADHD have sensory processing challenges
- •Anxiety Disorders: Sensory sensitivities can contribute to anxiety, and anxiety can heighten sensory responses
- •Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD): Often co-occurs with sensory-based motor challenges
Video: Understanding Sensory Processing
This video provides an overview of sensory processing and how it affects children's daily lives.
Video: A Child's View of Sensory Processing
Hear directly from a child about their experience with sensory processing challenges (5 minutes).
How Sensory Issues Affect Growth & Development
Sensory processing challenges don't just affect how a child experiences individual sensations—they cascade into multiple areas of development and daily functioning. Understanding these impacts helps us provide better support and intervention.
Eating & Mealtimes
Picky eating due to texture, taste, or smell sensitivities. May gag on certain foods, avoid food groups, or only eat beige foods. Can lead to nutritional concerns and family stress.
Dressing
Refusal to wear certain fabrics, seams, tags, or tight clothing. May insist on same clothes daily or refuse weather-appropriate clothing. Morning routines become battles.
Bathing & Grooming
Distress during hairwashing, tooth brushing, or nail cutting. May avoid bathing or conversely, seek water for hours. Hair brushing can be painful.
Sleeping
Difficulty falling asleep due to sensory awareness of sheets, room temperature, or sounds. May need very specific conditions. Sleep deprivation affects whole family.
Sensory processing challenges directly affect a child's ability to regulate their emotions and behavior:
- Meltdowns & Tantrums: What looks like behavior problems are often sensory overload. The child's nervous system is overwhelmed and they can't cope.
- Anxiety & Fear: Unpredictable sensory experiences create anxiety. The child may become rigid, controlling, or avoidant to manage their sensory world.
- Low Frustration Tolerance: Constant sensory discomfort means less capacity to handle other challenges. Small problems feel big.
- Self-Esteem Issues: Repeated failure at "simple" tasks (eating, dressing, participating) erodes confidence. Child may feel "broken" or different.
Sensory challenges create barriers to social connection and play:
Playground Avoidance: Loud, unpredictable environments with running, shouting, and physical contact may be overwhelming. Child misses opportunities to develop social skills and friendships.
Birthday Party Struggles: Multiple sensory triggers (noise, crowds, unexpected touches, food pressure, bright decorations) make parties difficult. Families may stop attending social events.
Limited Play Skills: Tactile sensitivities may prevent messy play (sand, paint, playdough). Vestibular challenges affect swinging, climbing, sports. Proprioceptive issues impact rough-and-tumble play.
Peer Rejection: Other children may not understand sensory behaviors (covering ears, refusing to hold hands, avoiding group activities). Child may be labeled "difficult" or "weird."
Attention & Focus
Classroom sensory input (fluorescent lights, pencil sharpener sounds, classmate movements) competes for attention. Child uses energy filtering stimuli instead of learning.
Fine Motor Skills
Tactile defensiveness affects pencil grip. Poor proprioception impacts handwriting pressure. Visual-motor integration challenges affect copying from board.
Posture & Stamina
Poor postural control means difficulty sitting at desk. Child may slouch, lean, fidget, or fatigue quickly. Appears inattentive when actually struggling with body position.
Following Instructions
Auditory processing challenges or sensory overload make it hard to process verbal directions. Child may miss information or appear non-compliant.
Sensory systems (especially vestibular and proprioceptive) are foundational for motor skills:
Gross Motor Skills
- •Delayed milestones (walking, running, jumping)
- •Poor coordination and balance
- •Avoidance of playground equipment
- •Difficulty with sports and physical activities
Fine Motor Skills
- •Poor pencil grasp and handwriting
- •Difficulty with buttons, zippers, laces
- •Challenges with cutting, coloring, crafts
- •Utensil use struggles at mealtimes
The tactile system in the mouth (oral-motor control) and auditory processing are critical for speech:
- Articulation Challenges: Oral tactile sensitivity or poor oral-motor proprioception affects tongue, lip, and jaw movements needed for clear speech.
- Auditory Processing: Difficulty discriminating speech sounds affects phonological awareness, a foundation for reading.
- Feeding-Speech Connection: Limited food textures means limited oral-motor practice, which can impact speech sound development.
Video: A Day in the Life of a Child with SPD
Experience what a typical day looks like for a child with sensory processing challenges.
Developmental Paths: Typical vs. Sensory Processing Disorder
Infancy
0-12 months
Typical Development
- ✓Enjoys being held and cuddled
- ✓Responds positively to gentle touch and rocking
- ✓Tolerates different textures and clothing
- ✓Adapts to routine sounds in environment
- ✓Explores toys with mouth and hands
- ✓Develops regular sleep and feeding patterns
- ✓Calms with soothing strategies (rocking, nursing, pacifier)
With Sensory Processing Disorder
- !May arch back, cry during holding, or crave constant holding
- !Extreme distress with diaper changes or bathing
- !Refuses certain clothing textures or is bothered by tags/seams
- !Startles easily to sounds or appears not to hear
- !Avoids mouthing toys or excessively mouths everything
- !Irregular sleep patterns, difficulty settling, frequent waking
- !Difficult to soothe, inconsolable crying, or very passive/lethargic
Important Note on Development
Every child develops at their own pace, and these are general patterns. A child may show some SPD characteristics in one area but not others. The key is recognizing patterns that significantly interfere with daily functioning, learning, or well-being. Early identification and intervention can dramatically improve outcomes and help children develop effective strategies to navigate their sensory world.
The 8 Sensory Systems
Explore each system to understand how it works, signs of dysfunction, and practical strategies
Tactile System (Touch)
System 1 of 8
Sensory Details
The tactile system is our sense of touch, processed through receptors in our skin that detect pressure, temperature, pain, and texture. This system has two main functions:
The tactile system is the largest sensory system in the body and is critical for emotional security, body awareness, motor planning, and social interaction. Touch is the first sense to develop in utero and forms the foundation for bonding and emotional regulation.
Also called "tactile defensiveness" - touch feels threatening or painful
Touch doesn't register strongly enough - seeks intense input
Key Takeaways: The 8 Sensory Systems
Understanding all eight sensory systems helps us recognize that "behavior" is often sensory-driven communication. A child who won't sit still may need vestibular input. A child who refuses to eat may have gustatory, olfactory, or tactile sensitivities. A child who has frequent meltdowns may have poor interoceptive awareness.
Every child's sensory profile is unique. One child may be over-responsive to touch but under-responsive to movement. Another may seek proprioceptive input while avoiding auditory stimulation. There is no "one size fits all" approach - intervention must be individualized based on the child's specific patterns.
The hidden senses (vestibular, proprioceptive, interoceptive) are just as important as the traditional five senses - often more so for children with sensory processing disorder. These systems form the foundation for attention, emotional regulation, motor skills, and learning.
Working with an occupational therapist trained in sensory integration can help you understand your child's unique sensory profile and develop effective strategies. Early identification and intervention make a significant difference in outcomes.
Strategies & Tools
Strategies & Support
Explore practical strategies, environment modifications, and professional guidance for sensory processing
Sensory Diets: Planned Sensory Input Throughout the Day
Category 1 of 7
A sensory diet is not about food—it's a personalized plan of activities designed to provide the sensory input your child needs to stay focused, organized, and calm throughout the day. Just as we need regular meals to maintain energy, children with sensory processing challenges need regular sensory "snacks" to maintain optimal arousal levels.
Strategy Details
Work with an occupational therapist to create a personalized sensory diet for your child. The timing, intensity, and type of activities should be tailored to your child's specific needs and preferences.
Do's and Don'ts for Parents
DO: Supportive Actions
- ✓Believe your child: If they say something hurts, is too loud, or feels bad, trust their sensory experience even if it doesn't bother you.
- ✓Observe and document patterns: Keep notes on what triggers meltdowns and what helps. Share this information with professionals.
- ✓Prepare for transitions: Give warnings, use timers, and provide sensory tools during changes in routine or environment.
- ✓Offer choices and control: Let your child choose between acceptable options (this shirt or that one, swing or trampoline).
- ✓Use deep pressure before light touch: Firm hugs and massage are usually better tolerated than tickles or light strokes.
- ✓Build on successes: Celebrate small victories. Expanded diet by one food? That's huge!
- ✓Educate family, teachers, and caregivers: Help others understand that sensory challenges are real, not behavior problems.
- ✓Provide movement breaks: Don't expect long periods of sitting. Build in regular movement opportunities.
- ✓Create sensory-friendly spaces: Designate calm corners and active zones where your child can regulate.
- ✓Model self-regulation: Show your child how you manage your own stress and sensory needs.
- ✓Connect with other families: Support groups help you feel less alone and share strategies.
- ✓Be patient with the process: Sensory integration takes time. Progress isn't always linear.
DON'T: Actions to Avoid
- ✗Don't force sensory experiences: Forced exposure can increase anxiety and worsen sensory defensiveness. Go at your child's pace.
- ✗Don't punish sensory-driven behaviors: Refusing to eat, covering ears, or needing movement aren't defiance—they're survival responses.
- ✗Don't dismiss or minimize: "You're being too sensitive" or "Just try harder" invalidates real struggles.
- ✗Don't use tickling as play: For tactile defensive children, tickling activates threat response, not laughter.
- ✗Don't make food a battle: Pressure increases anxiety. Focus on safe foods and slow exposure without demands.
- ✗Don't compare to other children: "Your sister eats everything" or "Other kids don't complain" is hurtful and unhelpful.
- ✗Don't overschedule: Children with SPD need downtime to decompress. Constant activities lead to overwhelm.
- ✗Don't ignore red flags: Hoping they'll "grow out of it" delays intervention. Trust your gut and seek evaluation.
- ✗Don't assume it's just behavior: "Misbehavior" is often sensory overwhelm or unmet sensory needs.
- ✗Don't use sensory tools as rewards/punishments: Weighted blankets, fidgets, and movement breaks are needs, not privileges to be earned.
- ✗Don't expect consistency: Sensory tolerance varies by day, energy level, and accumulated stress. Yesterday's success may be today's struggle.
- ✗Don't forget to care for yourself: Caregiver burnout is real. You can't pour from an empty cup—prioritize your own regulation and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Message of Hope
If you're reading this page, you're already taking the most important step: seeking to understand your child's sensory world. Parenting a child with sensory processing challenges can be exhausting, isolating, and overwhelming. Some days you may feel like you're failing. You're not.
Every accommodation you make, every meltdown you help them through, every time you advocate for their needs—you're teaching your child that their experience is valid and that they deserve support. You're building their self-awareness and self-advocacy skills that will serve them for life.
Progress isn't linear. There will be setbacks. But with understanding, patience, appropriate intervention, and community support, children with sensory processing challenges can and do thrive. They learn to navigate a world that wasn't designed for their nervous systems. They discover their strengths. They find their people.
You are not alone on this journey. Reach out for support. Trust your child. Trust yourself. You've got this.