Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder
When everyday experiences feel “too much” or “not enough,” your child may be struggling with how their brain processes sensory information.
Download our Sensory Systems Guide
What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) occurs when the brain has difficulty receiving, interpreting, or responding to sensory messages from the body and environment.
For some children, the world can feel too bright, too loud, or too scratchy. For others, it may not register enough — they crave more movement, pressure, or sound to feel “just right.”
Every child experiences sensory input differently. But when those differences start to interfere with daily routines, play, or learning, it may be time to take a closer look.
Most of us think of five senses, but there are actually eight systems that work together to help your child make sense of their world.
👀 Visual (Sight):
How your child processes what they see.
👂 Auditory (Sound):
How they respond to sounds, tone, and volume.
🖐️ Tactile (Touch):
How textures and sensations feel on their skin.
👃 Olfactory (Smell):
How they react to scents in their environment.
👅 Gustatory (Taste):
How they experience flavors and textures in food.
⚖️ Vestibular (Movement):
Balance and movement awareness.
💪 Proprioceptive (Body Awareness):
Understanding where the body is in space and how much force to use.
🫀 Interoception:
How your child senses what’s happening inside their body — like hunger, thirst, temperature, or needing the bathroom.
💡 Tip: Each sensory system plays a key role in how your child feels calm, focused, and ready to learn.
When the Brain Gets Mixed Messages
Sometimes the brain underreacts (hyposensitive) or overreacts (hypersensitive) to sensory input — and some children show both patterns in different situations.
| Sensory Seeking Under-Responsive (Hyposensitive) | Sensory Avoiding Over-Responsive (Hypersensitive) |
|---|---|
| Doesn’t notice name being called | Covers ears for everyday sounds |
| Constantly seeks movement or touch | Avoids messy play or certain textures |
| Chews or mouths non-food objects | Dislikes bright lights or busy visuals |
| Appears “in their own world” | Startles easily |
Every child has sensory preferences, but when responses become intense or unpredictable, sensory processing difficulties may be part of the picture.
Common Signs You Might Notice
- Frequent meltdowns in noisy, crowded, or unpredictable places
- Difficulty with transitions or unexpected changes
- Avoids hugs, or on the other hand, seeks constant rough play
- Trouble sitting still or focusing during quiet activities
- Overreacts to textures, sounds, or clothing tags
- Appears clumsy or unaware of personal space
Trust your instincts — you know your child best. If everyday experiences seem unusually hard, support is available.
How Occupational Therapy Can Help
Occupational therapists (OTs) specialize in understanding how sensory processing affects behavior, learning, and participation in daily life.
An OT can help by:
- Observing how your child responds to sensory input
- Identifying triggers and strengths
- Designing a personalized sensory plan that helps your child feel calm and organized
- Coaching parents and caregivers with practical tools for home, school, and community
With the right support, children can build new pathways in the brain — learning to regulate, participate, and thrive.
Support Starts With Understanding
You don’t need to have all the answers right away.
Learning how your child experiences the world is the first step toward helping them find balance and confidence.
Free Resource:
Want to better understand how each sense supports your child’s development?
Download our Sensory Systems Guide