Sensory processing
Using our senses to carry out everyday activities.
Our brain takes in information from all our senses to help us understand and respond to the world. This affects how we think, feel and behave.
Most people learn to process sensory input as they grow and develop.
Examples of behaviours linked to sensory sensitivity
Children can be under sensitive (seeking more sensory input) or over sensitive (avoiding sensory input). These behaviours can vary depending on the sensory system affected.
Children may be sensitive to some types of sensory input and less sensitive to others. This can affect how they behave and respond to everyday situations.
It helps when children and those around them understand and accept their sensory needs.
A system-wide graduated approach is being developed based on best practice.
Support is offered at different levels depending on the child’s needs:
- universal support - most children benefit from general support. This includes giving parents and professionals clear, helpful information
- targeted support: some children may need more focused help. This could include an assessment to understand their needs better
- specialist support: a small number of children may need specialist input. This always involves an assessment
Download the following documents for more information:
Document
Everyone processes sensory information, so it’s helpful to understand how it affects us.
Watch the following YouTube videos by North Cumbria Integrated Care (NCICNHS). We recommend watching them in order:
Here are some useful websites and booklets with practical advice and videos to support children with sensory needs:
Joining in with Sensory Differences on the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde website
Explains sensory processing and the 8 senses, includes videos and activity ideas to help support your child if they’re finding things difficult.
Sensory processing difficulties on the Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
Offers a wide range of videos to help with everyday activities.
Making Sense of Sensory Behaviour on the Falkirk Council website
A practical booklet for parents and carers, written by Falkirk Children with Disabilities Occupational Therapy Team.
Autism and sensory processing on the National Autistic Society (NAS)
Provides a wide range of resources to support children with sensory needs.
Making Sense with the Natural World booklet on the NHS Forth Valley website
A booklet from NHS Forth Valley showing how nature can support sensory activities.
Your child's school sensory environment
The Autism Education Trust has created a helpful tool to review your child’s sensory environment at school. It can help you spot things that might be changed to make learning and daily routines easier.
There are two versions of the tool, one for:
- pre-school and early years settings
- primary and secondary schools
You can also use these tools in other environments, such as clubs or community spaces.
Strategies for the classroom
An overview of sensory-motor development and simple strategies you can use in the classroom.
There are several services and programmes available to support children with sensory needs.
Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)
Local support for children with ARFID or suspected ARFID and for families affected by ARFID.
Support for ARFID on the Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS website
Programmes and training
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.
Sensory Lead Approach - schools and education providers can access free training for staff to become sensory leads. To find out more or check if your area is eligible, email sensoryprocessing@ncic.nhs.uk
Sensory therapy
Stitch Different website - community interest company run by parents and carers of children with Autism and related needs.
Learning disability and autism support
Autism Information and Support Hub on the Families Information website.
Learning disability and autism on the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS website.
Crisis Support on the Families Information website.
NHS community learning disability teams offer support for families and carers of children with learning disabilities and autism. Services vary by area: