Sensory processing

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. Everybody process sensory information differently.

A person may:

  • be more sensitive to some sensations
  • need more sensory input
  • experience both

Sensory processing differences can affect how a person 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

People can be under sensitive (doesn't get enough sensory input) or over sensitive (gets too much sensory input).

Every person is different. The examples below are a guide only.

Sight

Under sensitive:

  • enjoys lights, reflections or moving objects
  • likes lots of things to look at.

Over sensitive:

  • dislikes bright lights
  • wears a cap or hood to reduce light
  • feels overwhelmed in busy places
  • finds clutter, movement or lots of colours difficult

Smell

Under sensitive:

  • does not notice strong smells
  • seeks out strong or unusual smells

Over sensitive:

  • notices smells that other people do not
  • is bothered by perfume, aftershave or household scents

Hearing

Under sensitive:

  • talks loudly
  • enjoys noisy places
  • does not always respond when their name is called

Over sensitive:

  • covers their ears
  • avoids noisy places
  • worries about loud noises
  • is distracted by background sounds

Taste

Under sensitive:

  • enjoys strong flavours
  • likes spicy or salty foods
  • chews or mouths non-food items

Over sensitive:

  • dislikes strong flavours
  • prefers foods at a certain temperature
  • gags on some foods
  • finds new foods difficult to try
  • eats only a small range of foods

Touch

Under sensitive:

  • enjoys messy play
  • seeks out different textures
  • touches objects often
  • walks on their toes
  • uses too much force when touching things

Over sensitive:

  • prefers touch on their own terms
  • dislikes certain fabrics or clothing labels
  • reacts strongly to unexpected touch

Body awareness (Proprioception)

Under sensitive:

  • bumps into things
  • trips or falls often
  • leans on people or furniture
  • looks at their feet when walking or using stairs

Body awareness (also known as Proprioception) difficulties are not usually described as sensitivity to input. They are more often linked to needing extra body awareness input.

Balance and movement (Vestibular)

Under sensitive:

  • finds it hard to sit still
  • runs instead of walking
  • enjoys spinning, swinging or hanging upside down

Over sensitive:

  • feels dizzy easily
  • dislikes lifts or escalators
  • gets travel sick
  • finds busy places overwhelming

Internal body signals (Interoception)

Reduced awareness:

  • does not notice when they are hurt or unwell
  • does not recognise when they are hungry or full
  • has difficulty noticing when they need the toilet
  • does not realise they are too hot or too cold

Increased awareness:

  • is very sensitive to pain
  • often reports discomfort
  • finds it hard to wait for food when hungry
  • struggles when feeling too hot or too cold

Children may be too sensitive to some types of sensory input and less sensitive to others. This can affect how they behave and respond to everyday situations.