What is Sensory Processing?
Sensory processing is how our nervous system receives, organizes, and responds to sensory information from our bodies and the environment. We all have eight sensory systems:
- Visual (sight)
- Auditory (hearing)
- Tactile (touch)
- Gustatory (taste)
- Olfactory (smell)
- Vestibular (movement and balance)
- Proprioceptive (body awareness)
- Interoceptive (internal body signals)
When sensory processing works smoothly, we barely notice it. But for many individuals, processing sensory input efficiently is challenging.
Signs of Sensory Processing Differences
Sensory Seeking Behaviors
- Constantly moving, touching, or climbing
- Seeking intense experiences (spinning, crashing)
- Touching everything
- Making noise, singing, or humming
- Craving strong flavors or crunchy foods
Sensory Avoiding Behaviors
- Covering ears at loud sounds
- Avoiding certain textures (food, clothing, art materials)
- Becoming overwhelmed in busy environments
- Resisting hair brushing, teeth brushing, or nail cutting
- Preferring bland foods
Mixed Patterns
Many individuals show both seeking and avoiding patterns—sometimes even with the same sense at different times. This is normal and highlights how dynamic sensory processing is.
Creating a Sensory-Supportive Home
General Principles
- Observe patterns: Notice when the individual struggles and when they thrive
- Create predictability: Routine helps the nervous system feel safe
- Provide choices: Let them participate in sensory decisions
- Build in breaks: Recovery time is essential
Room-by-Room Strategies
Bedroom
- Consider lighting (dimmer switches, warm bulbs)
- Reduce visual clutter
- Offer various bedding textures to find what feels right
- Try a white noise machine if sound is a factor
- Consider weighted blankets (consult with an OT for appropriate weight)
Bathroom
- Use visual timers for brushing teeth
- Let them choose their own toothbrush texture
- Try different water temperatures
- Use handheld showerheads for control
- Apply lotion firmly (light touch can feel worse)
Kitchen/Dining
- Allow movement during meals (wobble cushion, standing)
- Reduce visual distractions during eating
- Serve food on plain plates
- Offer preferred foods alongside challenging foods
- Keep mealtimes low-pressure
Living/Play Areas
- Create a "calm corner" with soft lighting and comfortable seating
- Provide movement opportunities (mini trampoline, crash pad)
- Organize items to reduce visual overwhelm
- Have fidgets available
- Include heavy work activities (carrying groceries, moving cushions)
Movement and Heavy Work
Movement and heavy work are powerful regulators. Heavy work involves activities that work the muscles and joints, providing calming proprioceptive input.
Easy Heavy Work Activities
- Carrying grocery bags or laundry baskets
- Pushing a shopping cart
- Climbing
- Wheelbarrow walks
- Squeezing stress balls or playdough
- Stirring thick batter
- Digging in the garden
- Pushing/pulling doors
- Bear hugs
Movement Activities
- Swinging
- Jumping on a trampoline
- Spinning (in moderation)
- Rocking
- Dancing
- Active play
Transitions Support
Transitions are often challenging because they require rapid sensory adjustment.
Strategies
- Give advance warning (visual timers, verbal cues)
- Use transition songs or routines
- Allow time to finish current activities
- Prepare sensory supports for the next environment
- Reduce demands during transitions
When to Seek Professional Support
Consider an occupational therapy evaluation if:
- Sensory sensitivities significantly impact daily life
- The individual can't participate in typical activities
- Meltdowns or shutdowns occur frequently
- Sleep is consistently disrupted
- Eating is very restricted
- Self-care tasks (dressing, bathing) are battles
- The family is struggling
An occupational therapist can identify the unique sensory profile and create a personalized "sensory diet" of activities and modifications.
Remember
Sensory differences are not behavioral problems. The individual isn't being difficult—their nervous system is working overtime to manage sensory input. With understanding and support, they can learn to navigate their sensory world more comfortably.