What is sensory processing?

Introduction Understanding sensory difference The senses Supporting sensory needs

Sensory processing refers to how the nervous system receives, interprets and responds to information from the senses.

Most people think about the five senses:

Vision (seeing)
Hearing (sound)
Touch
Taste
Smell

However, there are also important internal sensory systems:

Proprioception – awareness of body position and muscle pressure
Vestibular system – balance and movement (inner ear)
Interoception – awareness of internal body signals such as hunger, thirst or needing the toilet

In neurodivergent children, sensory processing can work differently because the brain may filter, amplify, or register sensory input in different ways.

Children may therefore:

experience certain sensations as much stronger or overwhelming
barely notice some sensations
actively seek sensory input
actively avoid sensory input

These responses reflect how that child’s nervous system processes the world.

Real world examples:

A child who is sensitive to sound may find everyday environments overwhelming.

In a busy classroom or a shopping centre, background noise that others filter out such as, chairs scraping, people talking, announcements can feel intense and distracting.

The child might cover their ears, become distressed, or try to leave the space.

Some children seek out movement through the vestibular system. You might notice a child who is constantly spinning, jumping, or climbing, even when others are sitting still.

This isn’t simply “high energy” their body is actively looking for movement input to feel regulated and focused.

A child with differences in tactile processing may react strongly to clothing or touch. They might refuse to wear certain fabrics, complain about labels or seams, or avoid messy play like finger painting.

What feels okay to others can feel uncomfortable or even painful to them.

Top tips to support children’s sensory processing:

A young boy sitting in a chair and touching a spikey rubber ball held by a man

When a child is overwhelmed, their nervous system is under stress, so the priority is to reduce that load rather than reason or correct behaviour.
Start by lowering sensory input where possible. This might mean moving to a quieter space, dimming lights, turning off background noise, or reducing the number of people nearby. Even small changes can make a big difference.
Keep your communication simple and calm. Use short phrases and a steady tone, such as “You’re safe” or “Let’s go somewhere quiet.” Too much language can add to the overload.
Offer supportive alternatives based on what the child needs. For example, you might provide:
Noise-reducing headphones in loud environments
A fidget or an object to hold
Access to movement (e.g. walking, jumping, stretching)
Deep pressure (like a firm hug, if the child finds this calming)

It’s also important to focus on co-regulation. Staying calm yourself helps the child’s nervous system settle. If an adult becomes anxious or reactive, it can increase the child’s distress.