Sensory processing
Learn how sensory processing differences can affect children and find information, training and support for families and education settings.
Sensory processing is how the brain takes in information from our senses and makes sense of it.
We use our senses throughout the day. They help us:
- understand the world around us
- move safely
- manage our feelings
- take part in everyday activities
Most children develop these skills as they grow. Some children process sensory information differently.
A child may:
- be more sensitive to some sensations
- need more sensory input
- experience both
Sensory processing differences can affect how a child feels, behaves and joins in with everyday life.
Understanding these differences can help families, schools and professionals work together to support children.
Common sensory processing differences
Every child is different. The examples below are a guide only.
Learn about sensory processing
Watch the following YouTube videos by North Cumbria Integrated Care (NCICNHS). They explain sensory processing and share practical ideas that can be used at home and in education settings.
Children's sensory needs are best supported when families, schools and professionals work together.
We use a 24-hour approach. This means we look at how a child can be supported at home, in education settings and in the community.
Sensory Lead approach
The Sensory Lead approach helps schools and families understand and support a child's sensory needs.
Training for schools and education settings
We offer free training for:
- early years settings
- schools
- education providers
Each setting chooses one or two members of staff to become Sensory Leads.
Training includes:
- information about sensory processing
- practical tools and resources
- resources to share with home
- ongoing support from the sensory service through optional online half-termly supervision
- a shared approach for home and education settings
Parent and carer training
Training is provided with SENDAC.
Visit the SENDAC Facebook page for booking information.
Training includes:
- information about sensory processing
- practical tools and resources
- resources to share with education settings
- access to ongoing support through our virtual clinic
- a shared approach between home and education settings
This helps everyone support the child in a consistent way.
After attending training, we encourage parents and carers to complete the Parent strategy recording sheet. This helps you keep track of the strategies you have tried and what effect they had.
Document
Virtual clinic appointments
Many families find that the information, videos and training on this page give them the support they need.
If your child is still finding things difficult after trying strategies for at least 3 months, you may wish to book a virtual clinic appointment.
A virtual clinic appointment provides advice and support. It is not a referral for specialist treatment.
Before requesting an appointment
Before requesting an appointment, we recommend that you:
- watch the sensory processing videos
- attend parent or carer training
- complete the Parent strategy recording sheet
- try the recommended strategies for at least 3 months
What happens during a virtual clinic
You will have a 45 minute Microsoft Teams appointment with an Occupational Therapist.
The discussion will focus on:
- the difficulties your child is experiencing
- strategies you have already tried
- what has worked well
- new ideas that may help
Before the appointment, it can help to think about goals for your child. For example:
- brushing their hair more independently
- joining family outings
- walking on the beach
- coping better at mealtimes
After the appointment, you will receive a written summary and recommendations.
Contact the sensory processing team
For information about training, virtual clinic appointments or becoming part of the Sensory Lead approach, contact us:
Email: sensoryprocessing@ncic.nhs.uk
You will need to include your completed Parent strategy recording sheet when requesting a virtual clinic appointment.
National resources
Sensory processing (NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde)
Information about sensory processing, common signs, practical advice and support options.
Sensory processing difficulties (Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust)
Offers a wide range of videos to help with everyday activities such as showering and bathing, teeth brushing, hair cutting and sleep.
Making Sense of Sensory Behaviour on the Falkirk Council website
A practical booklet for parents and carers.
Autism and sensory processing (National Autistic Society)
Information and resources about sensory processing differences.
Making Sense with the Natural World booklet on the NHS Forth Valley website
A booklet from NHS Forth Valley showing how the outdoor and natural environment can support sensory development.
Practical advice for schools and education settings on supporting children with Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).
Sensory needs and toileting (ERIC)
Information and practical advice to help children with sensory processing differences who experience toileting difficulties.
Menstruation (National Autistic Society)
Advice and guidance about supporting autistic children and young people with menstruation.
Autism Education Trust environmental audits
These tools can help identify changes that may improve sensory environments.
Available versions include:
Local resources
A practical guide to understanding and supporting sensory needs:
Document
Sensory processing needs (NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria)
Information about sensory processing.
Moving 2 Write
The Moving 2 Write programme helps children develop sensory-motor and pre-writing skills.
Pre-schools and early years settings can access the programme through their Early Years advisor.
Weighted products
Community interest company run by parents and carers who make bespoke weighted products
Learning disability and autism support
Neurodiversity and emotional wellbeing
Autism Information and Support Hub (Cumberland SEND Local Offer)
Learning disability and autism (NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria)
Community Learning Disability Teams support children and families where there is a learning disability or autism diagnosis.
Neu Way Support (Spring North)
Early advice, guidance and practical support for families of children and young people with neurodevelopmental differences.