The Brain Charity

Many neurodivergent children – including autistic children, children with ADHD, dyspraxia, sensory processing differences and other neurodevelopmental conditions – experience the world differently through their senses.

Sensory processing differences can influence how a child experiences sounds, light, movement, touch, taste and their own bodily awareness. These experiences can affect behaviour, attention, emotional regulation and learning.

Sensory differences vary widely from child to child. A child may be highly sensitive to certain inputs (such as noise or touch), while actively seeking others (such as movement or deep pressure). These patterns are unique and may change over time or across environments.

Understanding these differences can help parents and carers support children in ways that reduce stress and build confidence.

Research shows that sensory processing differences are common in neurodivergent children and are an important part of how they interact with the world.

Although some behavioural responses may be interpreted as ‘challenging’, most reactions are adaptive responses to sensory overload or sensory need.

With the right understanding and support, children can develop strategies that help them feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn.

Practical strategies for understanding sensory needs:

• Observe patterns in behaviour and identify sensory triggers and supports; reframe “challenging” behaviour as communication of a sensory need.
• Share understanding between home and school and use simple language to help the child recognise and describe their sensory experiences.
• Adapt environments by reducing noise, adjusting lighting, and simplifying visual input to lower sensory overload. Keep note of what helps and what might be a trigger.

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