Sensory processing is a critical part of every child’s development, but some kids have sensory processing issues that can impact every area of their life. Find out exactly what sensory processing is and when to be concerned about sensory issues.
Have you been hearing the term sensory processing and wondering what it is? Most people have no idea what sensory processing is, but it’s something that every human being relies on every single hour of the day. And, when it isn’t working efficiently it can cause all sorts of challenges and disturbances in a child or adult’s life.
As an occupational therapist, sensory processing is my specialty.
So let’s dive into everything you need to know about sensory processing…
What is Sensory Processing?
We must begin with, what does sensory processing mean? Sensory processing is a function or process of the brain that receives, sorts, and decides how and if to respond to a multitude of sensations from the 8 senses:
- Vision
- Sound (auditory)
- Smell
- Taste
- Touch
- Proprioception (body awareness)
- Interoception (internal sensations)
- Vestibular (movement)
Also referred to as Sensory Integration, this process allows children and adults to behave in expected and meaningful ways in their various environments throughout the day.
Sensory processing is a critical part of every child’s development. As parents we instinctively expose our kids to new sensations as they develop. We put them in a swing, show them pictures in a book, play music, hold and cuddle them.
All of those sensations they receive help form the brain, and that’s why giving any child the opportunity to participate in activities that stimulate their senses is good for their development.
What is an Example of Sensory Processing?
The brain’s sensory processing is ALWAYS at work.
For instance, as a child sits at a desk at school their sensory processing is sorting out the sensations of the way the chair feels under them, the clothes on their body, the smell of lunch being cooked down the hall, the sound of the teachers voice, and the light that’s flickering overhead in the corner.
Often, many of these sensations are ignored like the way the clothing feels on our body or the slow flicker of the light, while others are given attention like the teacher’s voice and the smell of lunch which results in learning what is being taught and a hungry grumbling tummy.
However, sensory processing is unique to every child, to every person, because it’s based on neurological connections. How one child perceives and responds to sensory input can be quite different from the next child and the child after that.
For example, a different child might be highly distracted by the flickering light, they can’t stop noticing it. Their sensory processing is choosing to register that sensory information.
Or, they might be bothered by the jeans their mom made them wear to school. They feel scratchy and uncomfortable. Again, sensory processing is allowing that sensation to register.
In both of these last two examples of sensory processing this can cause a child to struggle to pay attention and learn. If these challenges arise day after day, kids often get labeled as “bad” or “difficult,” but that isn’t what’s going on at all.
Watch this short video and see how hidden sensory issues can be:
Some Kids have Sensory Processing Issues…
Sometimes these differences in sensory processing, or what you can think of as neurodivergence are referred to as “sensory issues,” not my favorite term, but it does indicate that some kids’ sensory processing doesn’t have the typical response we’d expect.
While different is good, “sensory issues” can become problematic when they interfere with a child’s daily life.
If the sensory system is over-responding, under-responding, or seeking more sensory experiences then kids can struggle to pay attention, social interactions, learn, sit at the table, or sleep.
Over-responding sensory systems often cause kids to have sensitivities, sometimes extreme to touching different textures, smells, tastes, loud noises, bright lights, or movement such as swinging or rough housing.
Under-responding sensory systems (also called low registration) often leave kids distracted, lethargic, and “zoned out”.
And, kids that seek sensations often never stop moving, are labeled “wild”, make big messes, lick odd things, smell everything in their environment, and constantly touch everything!
Sensory processing is a spectrum so each child can fall at varying degrees of any of these types of sensory processing difficulties. In fact, all of us have some tendencies in these areas, it becomes a problem or is considered a neurological disorder when sensory processing has a big impact on everyday life in a negative way.
Because sensory issues can look like a kid being bad, sensitive, or quirky, check out 10 commonly missed “sensory red flags.”
Are Sensory Issues the Same Thing as Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?
Many kids and adults have sensory issues, and don’t have or need a diagnosis. If sensory issues are having a significant daily impact on an individual’s life then they may receive a Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) diagnosis.
While SPD isn’t an official diagnosis that is in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) that clinicians use to diagnose, it is a widely accepted disorder by occupational therapists and various other health professionals.
Right now occupational therapists typically evaluate children for sensory processing disorder. Some symptoms of SPD are:
- Impulsively moving often and/or dangerously
- High sensitivities to lights, sounds, smells, textures, tastes, or movement
- Lethargy despite being well rested and nourished
- Poor attention and following direction as a result of sensory processing
- Poor following directions as a result of sensory processing
- Experiences sensory overload or meltdowns from too much sensory stimulation on a regular basis
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep as a result of sensory processing
However, these are just some of the signs, and often it’s the combination of several or more of these signs that points to an individual having SPD. If you want to see more signs and learn more about the sub-types of this diagnosis head to 33 Signs of Sensory Processing Disorder.
Why Do Some Kids Have Sensory Issues?
Some risk factors for sensory issues are birth complications, drug/alcohol exposure in utero, and premature birth because the sensory system is one of the last to develop in utero.
However, many kids have sensory issues that don’t have any of these risk factors. Some theorize environmental toxins, but we don’t have any definitive evidence.
Does Having Sensory Issues Mean a Child Has Autism or ADHD?
Sensory issues or SPD are a separate neurological difficulty, and many children struggle with sensory challenges that don’t have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, it seems that at least 80% of kids with Autism also have a comorbidity with SPD, and 40% of kids with ADHD.
It’s common to see these diagnoses together, but they are each their own stand alone neurological diagnosis.
How to Help Kids with Sensory Issues: Treatment Options
Kids that have Sensory Processing Disorder, or any sensory issues that are impacting their life may qualify for occupational therapy, even more specifically sensory integration therapy, which is done through a specially trained occupational therapist.
This therapy usually takes place once a week and works to create more efficient neurological connections and pathways that change an individual’s sensory processing.
Young children will often see the quickest results, as their brains are more plastic, or malleable. However, it is still possible to see these changes in older children as well.
Another treatment option is utilizing a sensory diet on a daily basis to help your child manage their various sensory challenges throughout the day. This is usually set up by an occupational therapist, but it’s important that the sensory diet is effective and able to be managed by parents.
Inside our RISE with Sensory program we teach parents a 4 step formula for creating their own sensory diet and adjusting as needed daily and over time. You can learn some beginning steps in our free workshop here.
Are Sensory Activities Beneficial for Sensory Issues?
In general sensory activities are beneficial to kids and adults alike because they have the power to regulate and ground our nervous system. And, as I mentioned earlier they also support all development.
But, sometimes sensory activities can cause a child to become dysregulated.
It all depends on what their unique sensory issues are, as we discussed above whether they are seekers, avoiders, or have low registration.
Of course, sensory issues can fluctuate throughout the day as well.
This is why it’s critical to never force a child to participate in a sensory activity, but to offer it and follow their lead.
You may want to start with heavy work activities, which are perfect for seekers. Or, focus on a specific type of sensory issue. For instance, let’s say your kid chews on everything all the time, then using oral sensory activities could be very helpful.
What Happens if Kids Don’t Get Treated for Sensory Processing Issues?
Unfortunately, because SPD isn’t an official diagnosis it does often run under the radar for some doctors, and kids might miss getting diagnosed. In this case, kids will face challenges and probably confusion about why their body or distraction seems to be working against them.
They may continue to struggle with learning, social skills, paying attention, severe picky eating, and difficulty sleeping.
Some kids will devise clever solutions and find ways to minimize their sensitivities or get their needs met with movement.
One thing you can do is teach your child about this incredible part of their brain, that is sensory processing. If you don’t find support from your doctor, there’s a lot you can do as a parent or teacher to empower and help your child.
No matter what type of sensory processing issues your child has, it’s helpful to explain sensory processing to them. We have a helpful article on how to explain sensory “issues” that includes a video created for kids that you can show them.
Grab the 21 Sensory Red Flags Free Printable
To get a better idea of what sensory issues, or red flags, are often missed in kids, click here to get a printable of 21 of the most commonly missed red flags. You can save this, share it with a caregiver or teacher as well, so they can begin to understand and support your child better.
References:
Crasta J., Davies P., and Gavin W.. Sensory Processing Mediates the Relationship Between Attention and Social Responsiveness in Young Adults With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). (2020). Am J Occup Ther. Aug. 2020, 74(Suppl_1) 7411505064. DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2020.74S1-RP103A
Davies, P.L. & Gavin, W.J. (2007). Validating the diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorders using EEG technology. Am J Occup Ther, 61(2), 176-189. DOI: 10.5014/ajot.61.2.176
Easterbrooks-Dick, O., May-Benson, T., & Teasdale, A. (2020). What’s the Prognosis? A Longitudinal Follow-Up of Children With Sensory Processing Challenges 8 to 32 Years Later. Am J Occup Ther, 74(4_Suppl_1), 7411520507p1. DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2020.74S1-PO9803
Mangeot, S. D., Miller, L. J., McIntosh, D. N., McGrath-Clarke, J., Simon, J., Hagerman, R. J., & Goldson, E. (2001). Sensory modulation dysfunction in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 43, 399-406. DOI: 10.1017/s0012162201000743
Miller, L. J., Anzalone, M. E., Lane, S. J., Cermak, S. A., & Osten, E. T. (2007). Concept evolution in sensory integration: A proposed nosology for diagnosis. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61(2), 135–142. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.61.2.135
Sensory Integration and the Child Jean A. Ayers (Western Psychological Services 1994)
Alisha Grogan is a licensed occupational therapist and founder of Your Kid’s Table. She has over 19 years experience with expertise in sensory processing and feeding development in babies, toddlers, and children. Alisha also has 3 boys of her own at home. Learn more about her here.
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Thank you for all of your helpful information! Would you say it can be recognizable even in infancy? I work with infants and occasionally will have some red flags but no way of knowing how to address it with parents. I hope to gain some more insight into this.
This is definitely visible in infants, although often signs aren’t more obvious until they’re toddlers. The key is to start slow. For instance is a baby is afraid of movement (like a baby swing), doing some gentle bouncing in a parents arms is a good place to start, then on their knee, and then maybe rolling them over a ball slowly. Let us know if you have specific instances!
watching this new video with my 10 year old son and he was pointing to all his senses as you were doing. He is non verbal but I think he is telling you that “he feels the same way too!”
Oh Liberty, that makes us so happy to hear! Love that you watched it with him and he identified similar feelings ❤️
Best,
Kalyn
This article does a great job of breaking down what sensory processing issues are. I am an Occupational Therapist in a preschool setting and I found the RISE sensory training super helpful to provide me with strategies/tools for all the types of sensory differences with my students. Great post!
I love how you compiled all this information. I am an OT working in early childhood (0-5yrs) in both home and school environments. You did such a great job touching on the many components of sensory processing while wording everything in detailed, friendly language. This is a great resource to share with parents and teachers to help build more understanding! Thank you!
Thanks for writing about this! I use sensory tools in my peace corner and a lot of sensorial activities for my students. They love it because it’s fun, and I love it because they need it! Children are meant to explore and grow from their experiences.
So true! Exactly! Thank you for reading and sharing!
Best,
Kalyn
We bought mealtime works and always love listening to Alisha! Thanks for consistently providing such helpful info!
Very helpful information detailing SPD. I have taken a few of your courses and I always come away with useful ways of helping our little guy.
Hi there! Awesome!! So glad to hear, thank you for sticking with us 🙂
Best,
Kalyn
Hi Olivia! So glad to hear this, thank you!
Best,
Kalyn
Great info! Could you give more ideas about how to offer different food textures ? My son has DS and sensory diet help him. But in his eating he doesn’t tolerate some textures as lettuce (green leafs) or even chips. Thanks!
Hi Joserrith! We have more tips/info in another blog post— check it out here! In general, keep offering without pressure. Try serving foods similar in texture, but different— gradually working your way towards the texture they struggle with. You may also try sensory bins or oral motor exercises, such as using a toothbrush to brush the insides of your child’s mouth. Hope this helps!
Best,
Kalyn
My daughter is 2yrs old and her sensory processing issues are making her a picky eater. We’re working on this and I look forward to more desensitization strategies!
Thank you for all your helpful info!
Hi Katrin! Thanks for reading! We have free workshops for both sensory and picky eating, in case you’re interested 🙂 Check them out here!
Best,
Kalyn
Hi liked your video as its easy for the kids to understand about the things happening outside in the enviornment and inside their body. As an Occupational Therapist I strongly beleive educating not only parent but the kids too about their sensory prefrences is very important as it will help them to regulate themselves better.
Wish you can post the video about picky eater explaining what does the food taste for the kids if they have oromotor sensitivity, how difficult it is to chew the food due to poor oromotor muscles. And why do they gag? And also how they should try eating new food.
Thank you for reading and thank you for your suggestions! 🙂
Best,
Kalyn
Yay Hetal! You are 1 of our winners! We will be in touch via email soon!
I learned that sensory processing is VERY important and can affect MANY areas of life skills. It is often the reason for behaviors that cause kids to be labeled as “bad”, “difficult”, “uncooperative” or other such terms. It is vitally important for parents, teachers, and kids to understand the results of sensory processing issues.
100%!! Thanks for reading!!
Best,
Kalyn
Thank you for the awesome video! I never thought about explaining sensory processing to my kiddo. I also learned there were more sensory disorders other than just SPD. I really appreciated all the info in this article!
Thank you for this post. It is very informative and insightful.
Yay Ali! You are 1 of our winners! We will be in touch soon via email!
Thank you so much! It was such a pleasant surprise to open that email!!!
Very helpful, a lot of information, love how you explained from the beginning what is Sensory Processing and why they have problems focusing, sent information to my sister for her grandchildren who I’m positive will help her understand what Sensory Processing is! Thanks for everything
Tenho vários pacientes com disfunção de processamento sensorial e seletividade alimentar, normalmente encaminho para as terapeutas ocupacionais. Nas atividades de seletividade alimentar (no consultório de nutrição) eu incluo também o jardim sensorial trabalhado com vários tipos de alimentos, cores e textura para ir contribuindo no tratamento deste transtorno.
❤️
Love this!! My son def has sensory issues! We’re working on making more food together so he can get used to diff feelings. Thanks for this!
this is such useful information to share with our families
so many of our students are struggling with sensory disorders
my son definitely had issues with sensory processing while growing up but now that he’s 7, i think he’s improved a lot. thanks for this informative article!
Thank you for a very thorough article explaining SPD and how it is a separate diagnosis. The list of symptoms was extremely helpful. I am a dietitian and am checking out your sensory diet as I would like to know more!
I’m thankful for this information even as a clinician, as you make it easy to share with my parents so they, too, can understand their child’s needs as it relates to feeding and all other areas of their life!
Thank you so much for all this valuable information. This is something that can become so overwhelming for children and parents as well, when not knowing how to address it.
Hi there! Thank YOU! Yes, exactly! Our goal is to help spread awareness and provide as much help as we can to all families struggling with this!
Best,
Kalyn
Thank you for all the useful information. I want to share this with my family. Thank you again!!!
loved the video and look forward to sharing it with my granddaughter, Always very important to help her understand and feel good about her unique neurodiversity. Unfortunately the video didn’t play to the end? Any way to see the complete version? Thanks so much for sharing your passion and spreading so many positive ripples.
Hey Granny!
The only thing that got cut off was the word “you” at the end- instagram did that, so nothing else I can do but refilm it. But, that’s all you missed:)
Saving this in my resource file for parents! I also appreciate the references for my OTR brain! 🙂 Thank you!
Awesome! Thank YOU!
Best,
Kalyn
I am a pediatric OT and sensory always is one of the hardest things to explain, but like a comment above you explain things in a very easy to understand format!
Thats always our goal! Thank you for reading!
Best,
Kalyn
Thank you for the video. My 2 1/2 year old has a lot of sensory issues and also is diagnosed with autism. I am really looking forward to learning more and hopefully be able to help him with his extreme picky eating.
I love how you emphasize that each kid is uniques and different and that’s a good thing! I have been learning so much from your content, thank you!
Of course! That part is so important ❤️ Thank you for reading!
Best,
Kalyn
I have a 3 year old and I believe he struggles with sensory processing disorder. He’s currently on a waitlist for an autism evaluation too. Your article taught me that sensory processing is actually a spectrum, which is quite helpful because it seems as though he is both a sensory seeker and avoider! I’m trying my best to find the tools that work for him. It’s a challenge for sure!
Thank you for reading! It’s definitely a challenge— but you are not alone! ❤️
Best,
Kalyn
Thanks for this great resource that is simple and clear enough to share with my parents who have kiddos that have sensory processing differences.
I love the way you make the videos easy to understand, in a language even children can get if they are watching. I will be showing the SP stuff to my son’s dr and see what she says!
Thank you for your great feedback, Tammy! So glad you enjoyed the post!
Best,
Kalyn
My kiddos loves your video explaination! ❤️
Aw yay! Love to hear that! 🙂
Best,
Kalyn
Thank you very much for the information. Your explanation is very clear and now I understand certain things.
That’s always our goal! So glad you enjoyed it.
Best,
Kalyn
Thank you for the great information! I am a pediatric OT and I’m always looking for information to send to parents. I am definitely recommending this post to them!
Love to hear that! Thank you, Hannah!
Best,
Kalyn
Very informative. Very nice, short and comprehensive. Liked it a lot. Thanks for all you do!
I appreciate your knowledge and sharing of it
Thank you so much for your help
Yay Mary! You are 1 of our winners! We will be in touch via email soon!
Thank you so much for sharing Alisha❤️ You’re a legend! I would love to get some printable on sensory activities for my 6 year old… he has autism. Thank you
This video was so helpful! I can’t wait to show it to my kiddos! Thank you!
Great video and info. My son is autistic and seems to have a LOT of sensory issues. Especially with his little sister. We need to find ways to get him to bond with her and deal with his sensory issues he has with her screaming and other noises.
Thank you, Carmel! And we gotcha covered with a sensory printable! Click here!
Best,
Kalyn
What a wonderful video and easy for children to understand! I am so grateful for your posts, RISE with sensory and working with our private OT. My son started going to OT weekly in March and between that and us working the RISE methods at home he has decreased his sessions now to 2x a month! Without RISE I feel like I would be lost at home so a million thank yous for your easy to understand explanations of all things sensory!
Oh Christine, this is FANTASTIC!! Thank you for sharing your feedback with us— we are thrilled to hear it has helped you and your family 🙂
Best,
Kalyn
Love the video to break it down for kids, great information thank you!
I really enjoying all your blogs. I’m able to bring back very useful strategies to the caregivers I work with in our childcare environment.
YAY Cheryl, you are 1 of our winners! We will be in touch soon via email with your gift card!
Such great general information for sensory processing. I love the idea and strategies for explaining sensory processing to your child!
This is such helpful information. My son has sensory processing challenges and this is a great article to share with family so they can understand him better. Thank you!
Woah! I am apart of the Rise program but just learned that difficulties with sleep can be from SPD. I definitely need to learn more about this! Thank you so much for sharing
Love the site-so much great information–thanks
Love all your information. Whenever I e see a new email, instagram, Facebook, etc from you I know I’m about to receive helpful information for my ASD, SPD child Thank you so much!!
Ahh that makes us so happy! Thank you for being here with us!
Best,
Kalyn
Great information, however your video stopped part way through and suggested viewing on instagram. I do not have Instagram (and don’t really want it…one more distraction). What was viewable was well done. Thank you. I, too am a (pediatric) OT and had hoped to share the video with patients and their parents. Keep up the good work.
Thank you so much for sharing this helpful information!
As always your articles are informative and helps me to better understand my granddaughters struggles! Thank you
I didn’t realize there were several sensory integration disorders. Thank you so much for the information on this topic and your blog. It’s always super informative and helpful. As a mother of twins and one of them having down syndrome, im constantly seaking ways to create sensory activities/opportunities for them 🙂
Thank you for this. My 9yo is struggling big time. She’s been sensory since birth, but now we’re looking at a possible anxiety disorder. But your articles are always the first I seek out for help. Knowledge is power!
You’re so welcome, Jean! Glad you’re along for the journey with us!
Best,
Kalyn
Very helpful information. I work with Young children 1-4years of age. I appreciate everything you post.
Thank you for the information. I love that more people are learning about sensory processing and how to help children. I have worked in the OT field for years and it seems to be an ever growing concern.
Exactly!! So true. Thank you for reading!
Best,
Kalyn
thank you for this useful info!
Love your blogs and info sessions. It has helped me so much since finding out my DD has SPD
Thank you for your information. This is the first time i am hear about this and its interesting.keep writing.
This is great information. I know quite a bit about this, having researched it for a few months now but I’m still at a loss as to what exercises will work to calm my twins down at night!
We have a few different blog posts about calming activities- here’s one of them! For more, search keyword “calm” on our website. Hope they can help with your twins’ nighttime routines!
Best,
Kalyn
We’re just now starting Sensory Integration Therapy with my 7 year old. Thank you for this explanation!
Great information and well elaborated. Thank you for sharing.
Awesome! You’re so welcome!
Best,
Kalyn
It’s so interesting how these 3 are so different yet so connected. Thank you for this information!
Definitely! Thank you for reading!
Best,
Kalyn