Understanding Sensory Processing Differences in Kids
A vacuum cleaner roars to life, a door slams by accident, or even the buzz of a blender sends your child running to their room, hands clamped over their ears. Sound familiar? For some children, everyday sights, sounds, and textures can feel completely overwhelming. For others, these same sensations barely register at all.
If you have ever watched your child cover their ears, refuse to wear a certain fabric, or seek out endless spinning and jumping, you may have wondered what is going on. These behaviours can sometimes be linked to sensory processing differences, which is the way a child’s brain receives, interprets, and responds to sensory information.
While not a formal diagnosis, understanding sensory processing issues can make a huge difference. It can help us make sense of unexpected meltdowns, puzzling behaviours, or the small everyday struggles that seem to appear out of nowhere. More importantly, it gives us ways to help our children feel comfortable, confident, and able to explore their world.
What Is Sensory Processing?
Our brains are constantly taking in information from the world around us through our senses - touch, sight, sound, taste, smell, and movement. Sensory processing is just a fancy way of describing how we make sense of all that input and decide how to react to it.
When sensory signals are processed differently, children may become either overly sensitive to certain input or need much more stimulation before they notice it. Some actively seek out extra sensory input to feel balanced. The more we understand what our kids are experiencing, the better we can help them feel comfortable and confident in exploring the world around them.
Types of Sensory Challenges
Hypersensitivity (Over responsive)
Some children react strongly to sensory input – they pick up everything. Sudden noises, a scratchy shirt, or bright lights can feel overwhelming, and even painful.
Signs may include:
Covering their ears in noisy places
Avoiding certain clothes because they “feel wrong”
Discomfort around strong smells or bright lights
Hyposensitivity (Under responsive)
Other children do not register sensory input as easily, needing more sensory input for them to notice and react.
Signs may include:
Not noticing small injuries or temperature changes
Bumping into furniture or people without realising it
Not responding when their name is called
Sensory Seeking Behaviours
Then, there are children who actively crave sensory input. And you can bet that they’ll find the most creative ways to get it.
Signs may include:
Constant spinning, jumping, or climbing
Making loud noises just for the sensation
Wanting to feel deep pressure (e.g., tight hugs, squeezing into small spaces)
Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers
Create sensory-friendly spaces at home
Tailor the environment to your child’s sensory preferences. Think soft lighting, fidget toys, or even a cosy weighted blanket.
Build in sensory breaks
These can be calming (e.g., deep breaths, cuddles) or energising (e.g., jumping jacks, dancing), depending on what your child needs.
Keep routines predictable
Children with sensory processing differences often feel calmer and secure when they know what comes next.
Work with teachers
Share what works at home so teachers can support your child’s sensory needs at their learning environment.
When To Seek Professional Support
Not all sensory behaviours are a problem. But it might be time to talk to a professional if they are:
Creating significant stress at home or school
Causing your child to avoid everyday activities
Making it hard to keep up in class or make friends
You can start by speaking with your paediatrician or GP. They can help assess your child’s sensory needs, and if needed, refer you to an occupational therapist. Occupational therapy is often play-based and can give your child the tools to manage their sensory world with more ease.
Final Thoughts
Every child experiences the world in their own unique way. For some, the sensory world feels too much or too little. With understanding, patience and the right strategies, we can help our children not just cope, but thrive with curiosity, comfort and confidence.
