Supporting sensory processing differences

Sensory processing is how our body receives, understands, and reacts to information that comes through our senses.

Sensory processing happens in 3 steps:

1. Sensory input: information is received through your senses, for example, a sound through your ears.
2. Processing: the information is sent to your brain. The brain processes the information and makes sense of it. For example, it decides what the sound is and what it means.
3. Reaction: The brain then decides how to react to this information. For example, to look and see where this sound is coming from.

Sensory processing - Enable Ireland (video)

The 8 senses

We have 5 main senses:

• smell
• sight
• taste
• touch
• hearing

We have 3 more senses that give us information about:

• balance and movement - vestibular
• where our body is in space - proprioception
• being hungry, thirsty, hot, cold, or in pain - interoception

Differences in sensory processing

We all react to the information that comes through our senses differently. This can affect how we behave and act in daily life.

Sensory reactivity

Sensory reactivity refers to how we react to sensory information. Sometimes people have difficulties and can react too much, or too little.

A person with sensory processing differences may:

• be too active or not active enough
• seek to touch, squeeze, chew, and smell
• be sensitive to sounds, noises or certain textures, like clothes labels
• need to move and fidget to concentrate or focus
• dislike or avoid busy environments or activities

People can show a mix of these behaviours. This can depend on the environment they are in or how they are feeling.

Self-regulation

Self-regulation is how we feel, respond, and stay balanced in everyday situations. It includes how we handle emotions, sensory input and thoughts. It helps us to feel safe, stay focused and take part in daily life.

It is made up of different types of responses:

• sensory
• emotional
• motor
• physiological
• behavioural
• cognitive

Children develop self-regulation over time. It's supported by caring relationships, routines, and tools that help them feel calm and in control.

Emotional and sensory regulation are linked. How a child feels, often depends on how their body is experiencing the world around them.

Supporting sensory processing differences

You can support your child's sensory needs through everyday activities. This helps you explore different senses in ways that feel safe and enjoyable.

Lifestyle and routine

• Keep a routine and structure to your day.
• Try to reduce stress at home, do not put pressure on yourselves.
• Aim for a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and good sleep.
• Be active every day.
• Keep in contact with family and friends.
• Encourage play and fun together.

Your environment

Small changes to your home or at school can make a difference.

You can:

• dim or adjust the lighting
• reduce background noise like the TV or radio
• be aware of strong smells
• make or find a quiet space where your child can go
• change the layout of a room
  

Sensory-motor activities

Sensory-motor activities involve movement and the senses working together. They often use the whole body and multiple sensory systems.

They can help children feel calm, focused, or more alert. They can support emotional regulation by helping children connect with their bodies and feel more grounded.

They include:

• running, jumping or dancing
• pushing, pulling, carrying or dragging
• ball games, dog walks, yoga stretches
• household chores - carrying in the groceries, unloading laundry, tidying toys

Sensory-motor activities often have a lasting, calming effect on the nervous system and help children learn what types of movement or sensations help them feel better.

Choose activities that:

• include a mix of alerting and calming activities
• are fun and interesting