You may have heard the term sensory processing, especially if your child is neurodiverse. It can sound complicated, but the idea is actually quite simple.
Sensory processing is how our brains understand and respond to information from our senses. This includes what we see, hear, smell, taste, and touch, as well as our sense of movement and awareness of where our body is in space.
What might sensory differences look like?
Every child experiences the world differently. Some children may be more sensitive to certain sensations, while others may not notice them as much.
You might notice your child:
Avoids certain clothing (like tags or tight fabrics)
Has big reactions to everyday sounds
Doesn’t always respond when spoken to
Needs lots of movement to stay focused
Is very sensitive to certain foods or smells
Doesn’t seem bothered by bumps or injuries that would usually hurt
Reacts strongly to touch (for example, brushing teeth can be upsetting)
These behaviours are often your child’s way of responding to how their body processes sensory information.
A Simple Way to Think About It: The “Cup” Analogy
Imagine your child has a “cup” for each sense (touch, sound, movement, etc.).
The liquid in the cup represents sensory input
Each cup is a different size
Some cups fill up quickly, while others take a lot more to fill
If a cup overflows, your child may feel overwhelmed and react strongly. If a cup is too empty, your child may seek more input (like moving constantly or touching everything).
How Can You Support Your Child?
An occupational therapist can help you better understand your child’s sensory needs. This might involve:
Formal assessments
Conversations about your child’s daily routines and challenges
Together, you can develop strategies to help your child:
Cope with sensory experiences
Feel more comfortable during daily activities
Stay regulated and calm throughout the day
With the right support, children can build skills to better manage their sensory world and participate more easily in everyday life.
