Understanding sensory processing issues

Sensory processing issues are difficulties with organizing and responding to information that comes in through the senses. Kids may be oversensitive to sensory input, undersensitive, or both.

What are sensory processing issues? The term refers to trouble managing information that comes in through the senses. These issues, sometimes called sensory processing disorder or sensory integration disorder, can have a big impact on learning and on everyday life.

This guide can answer basic questions about sensory processing issues. You’ll also find expert advice, strategies to use at home, and information on the best supports for your child at school.

If you think your child might have sensory processing issues, learn about next steps you can take.

Snapshot: What sensory processing issues are

In some people, the brain has trouble organizing and responding to information from the senses. Certain sounds, sights, smells, textures, and tastes can create a feeling of “sensory overload.” Bright or flickering lights, loud noises, certain textures of food, and scratchy clothing are just some of the triggers that can make kids feel overwhelmed and upset.

There are two types of sensory processing challenges, and many kids experience a mix of the two. One is oversensitivity (hypersensitivity). This leads to sensory avoiding — kids avoid sensory input because it’s too overwhelming. The other is undersensitivity (hyposensitivity). This causes kids to be sensory seeking — they look for more sensory stimulation.

Often, kids with sensory processing issues are oversensitive. They try to avoid sensations they find intolerable.

But some kids seek more sensory input, not less. They may want to touch things and feel physical contact and pressure. They may also be undersensitive to pain and have an unusually high tolerance for it. That’s why they may prefer playing rough and not understand if they’re hurting someone.

Some kids may be both sensory avoiding and sensory seeking. They may be oversensitive to some sensations, and undersensitive to others. A child’s reactions can also change from one day to the next, or even throughout the day, depending on the environment or situation.

Sensory processing issues aren’t a specific learning disability. But they can still have a large impact on learning.

Dive deeper

• See a day in the life of a child with sensory processing issues.
• Read an expert’s explanation of “sensory overload.”

Sensory processing issues signs and symptoms

What you or your child’s teacher might see depends on two things. The first is the trigger — the sensory input that’s overwhelming your child. The second is the type of sensory processing challenge your child has.

Sensory Avoiding

Kids who are sensory avoiding may react to a wide range of triggers. These can include loud sounds, uncomfortable clothing, crowded spaces, or certain food smells or textures, among others. Whatever the trigger, the reaction can sometimes be extreme.

Sensory overload can lead to sensory meltdowns. These are very different from tantrums because they’re out of the child’s control.

Here are some other signs you might see in your child:

• Is easily overwhelmed by people and places
• Seeks out quiet spots in noisy, crowded environments
• Is easily startled by sudden noises
• Is bothered by bright light
• Refuses to wear itchy or otherwise uncomfortable clothing
• Avoids touching people or hugging them
• Has a strong reaction to the texture or smell of certain foods
• Refuses to try new foods and has a very limited diet of preferred foods
• Gets upset about small changes in routine or environment and avoids trying new things

Sensory information isn’t limited to the traditional five senses: sight, smell, taste, touch, and sound. Interoception is a lesser-known sense that helps you understand and feel what’s going on in your body. Kids who have trouble with it may have a harder time with toilet training or have an unexpected threshold for pain.

Two other senses, body awareness (proprioception) and spatial orientation (the vestibular sense), can also affect kids with sensory issues. Sensory avoiding kids may have trouble knowing where their body is in relation to other kids or their environment. Or they may be wary about using playground equipment like the swings.

Sensory seeking

Kids who are undersensitive to sensory input have the opposite situation. They often have a need for movement. And they may seek out input like spicy or sour tastes and physical contact and pressure.

Here are some other signs you might see in your child at different ages:

• Constantly touches objects
• Plays roughly and takes physical risks
• Has a high tolerance for pain
• Often squirms and fidgets
• Is constantly on the move
• Invades other people’s personal space
• Often gets distracted or feels anxious
• Is clumsy and uncoordinated

Keep in mind that kids aren’t always one or the other. Some kids may be sensory seeking in certain situations and sensory avoiding in others, depending on how that child is coping or self-regulating at the time. That’s why it’s so important to observe your child’s reactions and to try to anticipate what triggers them.

Dive deeper

• Get tips on helping your child cope with visual, tactile, noise, and taste sensitivity.
• Explore ideas for handling sensory-related meltdowns.
• See how to make a low-cost sensory-friendly chair.

What can co-occur with sensory processing issues

Sensory processing issues aren’t a diagnosis on their own. But they often co-occur with two conditions: ADHD and autism. Kids don’t have to have ADHD or autism to have sensory processing issues, however.

Some of the signs of ADHD may look similar to the signs of sensory processing issues. Kids with either of these conditions might need to be in constant motion, for instance. But the reasons would be different.

Like kids with ADHD, kids with sensory processing issues may also experience anxiety. Learn why kids with sensory issues can often feel anxious.

Dive deeper

• See a chart that compares sensory processing issues and ADHD.
• Find out why kids with ADHD may experience sensory overload.
• Read more about the connection between autism and sensory processing issues.

Possible causes of sensory processing issues

Researchers are looking into biological reasons for these issues. Some research suggests they can be genetic. Researchers are also looking into birth complications and other environmental factors. But so far, there’s no known cause of sensory processing issues.

ADHD and autism often co-occur with sensory issues. They don’t cause them, however.

Dive deeper

• Find out why telling kids with sensory issues to “just toughen up” is the wrong approach.
• Hear from a mom on how her son’s sensory issues helped her better understand herself.
• Get tips on explaining sensory issues to friends and family.

How sensory processing issues are diagnosed

Sensory processing issues aren’t a formal diagnosis, although they used to be diagnosed as “sensory processing disorder.” You might hear a professional evaluator say something like, “Your child has trouble processing sensory information.”

There are a few tests professionals can use to identify sensory processing issues. These include Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) and the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) checklist.

In general, though, the behaviors kids with sensory processing issues show are very visible and evident. It’s important to observe your child and take notes to share with professionals who might identify your child’s challenges.

Occupational therapists (OTs) are often qualified to identify and create treatment plans for sensory challenges in kids. Other professionals may be able to identify sensory processing issues, too. These include:

• Pediatricians
• Developmental-behavioral pediatricians
• Psychologists, including neuropsychologists
• School evaluators

Tracking your child’s behavior and reaction can help you identify patterns and triggers. But it can be hard to know where to start. Download an anxiety log to help identify why and when your child gets anxious or stressed.

Dive deeper

• See an expert explain what goes into an occupational therapy evaluation.
• Find out what a dad wishes others knew about parenting a child with sensory processing issues.
• Read how a couple got back their “parenting power” after years of mismanaging meltdowns.

How professionals can help with sensory processing issues

There are no medications for sensory processing issues. But there are professionals who can help your child learn strategies to cope with sensory challenges.

OTs often work with kids with sensory issues. They help kids find ways to be less overwhelmed by sensory input. You may have heard of a treatment known as sensory integration therapy. But more often therapists might create what’s called a sensory diet.

This is a tailored plan of physical activities. It helps kids learn to calm themselves and regulate their behavior and emotions. And that makes them more open to learning and socializing.

Here are some things that might be included in a sensory diet:

• Jumping jacks
• Rolling on a therapy ball
• Push-ups
• Hopping up and down
• Climbing ladders and going down slides

Some of these activities are heavy work, a type of activity that pushes or pulls against the body. Read how heavy work can help kids with sensory processing issues.

Child psychologists also work with kids who have sensory processing issues. They can use cognitive behavioral therapy to help kids talk through their feelings and frustrations caused by their challenges.

At school, your child might be able to get accommodations through a 504 plan. (If your child has an IEP for another issue, it could include accommodations for sensory issues, too.) The teacher may also give your child informal supports.

Classroom accommodations to help kids with sensory processing issues might include:

• Allowing your child to use a fidget
• Providing a quiet space or earplugs for noise sensitivity
• Telling your child ahead of time about a change in routine
• Seating your child away from doors, windows or buzzing lights
• Allowing your child to take exercise breaks to self-regulate

See more accommodations for sensory processing issues. Find out how to request a 504 plan for your child. And get tips for talking with your child’s teacher about sensory issues.

Dive deeper

• Download a sample sensory diet.
• Read about a teacher’s go-to-calming technique for overstimulated kids.
• Learn how to make a sensory bottle, or sensory tube, to help your child self-regulate.

How you can help your child with sensory processing issues

Dealing with the unexpected behaviors that come with sensory issues can be hard on the whole family. But once you know what’s causing them, it gets easier to know how to help. There are lots of strategies you can use at home and on the go:

• Learn how to make a sensory travel kit, and get tips for avoiding travel meltdowns.
• Explore sensory-friendly indoor activities.
• Find out what to do if your child refuses to wear winter clothing.
• Download a six-week holiday planner for kids with sensory issues.
• Learn ways to help your grade-schooler deal with school challenges.
• Read how to build a foundation of self-advocacy in young kids, and how to help grade-schoolers, middle-schoolers, and high-schoolers learn to self-advocate.
• Get tips on how to be an advocate for your child at school.
• Download a hands-on activity to identify your child’s strengths.

It’s important to find support for you, too:

• Listen as other parents discuss tough topics and offer advice.
• Connect and trade tips with other parents in our secure online community.