Every child experiences the world through their senses. Children often learn over time to begin to filter out background noise, tolerate different textures, and manage the busy feeling of a crowded room. For some children, their brains receive the same sensory information as other children but their nervous systems respond to the input at a higher or lower intensity.
This is what professionals refer to as sensory processing differences or a unique sensory profile. Other terms which have been used historically but should be avoided are those such as Sensory Processing Disorder or Sensory Integrative Dysfunction. In order to include all neurotypes when addressing sensory processing our service elects to use the term sensory integration and processing differences affecting participation.
Children with unique sensory profiles might display strong behavioural and emotional reactions and it is important that people view these responses as beyond the child’s purposeful control. It is the way their nervous system is built, and with the right understanding and support, all children with sensory integration and processing differences can participate successfully in their daily lives.
How Sensory Integration and Processing Differences Can Affect Participation
Sensory integration and processing is unique from person to person. A child or teen’s unique sensory profile can influence emotional and behavioural responses, as well as comfort and participation in daily activities.
A Nervous System That Responds Intensely to Sensory Input
The nervous systems of some people may react to lower levels of sensory input. For example a light touch can feel painful or classroom sounds can feel deafeningly loud. Children with nervous systems that are more responsive to external sensory input often try to avoid certain places, textures, or activities in an effort to maintain a calm and alert state. This avoidance is not defiance; their body is sending them a genuine alarm signal. This can result in children or teens feeling overwhelmed by sensory input that many people barely notice.
A Nervous System That Requires More Sensory Input
The nervous systems of children may respond to higher levels, increased frequency or more intense sensory input. They may not notice when their name is called, appear not to feel pain, or not notice food on their face. They also may also take action to feed their sensory systems including fidgeting or finding it very hard to sit still. This is their way of giving their nervous system the input it is looking for.
The Seven Sensory Systems
Most of us grow up learning about the five senses. Occupational therapists who work in sensory integration work with at least 7 key sensory systems. Whilst in reality no sensory system works in isolation, often it can be helpful to break down the sensory systems in order to understand how sensory processing differences might affect a child’s participation. Children and teens might also have some senses which react to lower levels of sensory input whilst other senses require more sensory input.
1. Touch (Tactile)
Our touch sense not only helps us work out what is in contact with our body, but also has a deep role in feeling safe and secure. A child with a strongly responsive nervous system might:
- refuse foods with certain textures such as mushy, crunchy, or lumpy
- become very distressed at hair washing or nail cutting.
- dislike hugs or light physical contact.
2. Sound (Auditory)
The brain is constantly deciding which sounds to focus on and which to filter out. For some children, the hum of a refrigerator can feel just as loud as a person speaking directly to them, making it very hard to concentrate or stay calm.
3. Sight (Visual)
Bright lights, busy patterns, or flickering screens can feel overwhelming for some children. They may cover their eyes or find it hard to focus in a room with a lot of visual activity, such as a classroom covered in colourful displays. Other children may seek out visually stimulating environments or moving items.
4. Smell and Taste (Olfactory and Gustatory)
Some children have a very strong response to smells or tastes that others would barely notice. The smell of a cafe or the taste of toothpaste can feel genuinely unpleasant in a way that is hard for them to manage.
5. Balance (Vestibular)
Located in the inner ear, this system helps us understand where our head is in relation to the ground. Some children feel very anxious on swings or climbing frames, while others cannot seem to stop spinning or moving.
6. Body Position (Proprioception)
Signals from our muscles and joints tell us how much force to use — how tightly to grip a pencil or how gently to tap a friend on the shoulder. Children who find this difficult may seem clumsy or may bump into things on purpose because that physical input helps them feel where their body is.
7. Internal Body Signals (Interoception)
This system helps us notice what is happening inside our bodies — hunger, thirst, tiredness, or the need to use the bathroom. Some children with sensory processing differences do not pick up on these signals until they feel completely overwhelmed.
When to Seek Help
All children have unique sensory profiles. The question worth asking is whether your child’s responses to sensory experiences are getting in the way of everyday life — joining in at school, maintaining connections, or taking part in activities they would otherwise enjoy.
Some signs that a professional assessment could be helpful include:
- Avoiding specific textures, sounds, or activities to the point that it limits daily life.
- Meltdowns that seem very out of proportion to what triggered them, particularly in busy or unpredictable environments.
- A constant need to move, crash, or seek very intense physical experiences.
- Difficulty settling at mealtimes, bedtime, or during transitions between activities.
- Seeming not to notice pain, temperature changes, or physical discomfort.
How We Can Help
If you are concerned about your child’s sensory responses, you can contact Child Sense directly through our website or by phone to arrange an initial consultation. No referral is needed. Our team will guide you through the options that best match your child’s needs and set out clear next steps together with you.
The team at Child Sense offers a range of support for children with sensory integration challenges:
- Sensory Profile Assessments: We use a range of observational and standardised assessment tools such as the Evaluation of Ayres Sensory Integration to form a complete picture of your child or teens Sensory Profile.
- Individual Sensory Integration Therapy: Sessions use equipment such as swings, balance tools, and weighted materials to help your child’s brain process sensory information more comfortably.
- Motor Skill Development: For children who seem clumsy or find physical coordination difficult, we work on building confidence and control in movement.
- Parent Coaching: We help you understand your child’s sensory signals so you can recognise the signs of overload early and put simple strategies in place at home.
- Home and School Consultation: We work with families and teachers to make sure the strategies that help in therapy also work in the classroom and at the dinner table.