In "Clumsy's Very Noisy Day," Clumsy struggles with sounds that his friends barely notice. What seems like a minor background noise to others feels overwhelming to him. This is just one example of how children can experience their sensory world differently—like having superhero-level sensitivity!
What is Sensory Processing?
Sensory processing is how our nervous system receives, organizes, and responds to information from our senses. We're familiar with the five basic senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch), but we actually have eight sensory systems:
- Visual - What we see
- Auditory - What we hear
- Olfactory - What we smell
- Gustatory - What we taste
- Tactile - What we feel through touch
- Proprioceptive - Awareness of body position and movement (muscles and joints)
- Vestibular - Balance and spatial orientation
- Interoception - Internal body sensations (hunger, thirst, need for bathroom)
Most people process sensory information without much conscious thought. But some children (and adults) process sensory input differently, experiencing heightened or reduced sensitivity to certain stimuli.
Sensory Superheroes: How Children Experience Sensory Differences
Children with sensory processing differences might be considered "Sensory Superheroes" because their senses work differently—sometimes with extraordinary sensitivity or unique perception patterns. These differences aren't flaws; they're just different ways of experiencing the world.
Sensory Superpowers Come in Different Forms:
- Super-Sensors - Children who are hypersensitive (over-responsive) to sensory input
- Sensory Seekers - Children who are hyposensitive (under-responsive) and crave more sensory input
- Sensory Fluctuators - Children whose sensitivity changes depending on environment, stress level, or other factors
- Mixed-Pattern Processors - Children who may be over-responsive to some sensory input and under-responsive to others
Signs Your Child Might Be a Sensory Superhero
Important Note: Many children have occasional sensory preferences or sensitivities. It's when these significantly impact daily life that they might indicate sensory processing differences. This guide is meant to help you recognize patterns, not to diagnose. If you have concerns, consult with an occupational therapist who specializes in sensory processing.
Signs of Sensory Super-Sensitivity (Over-Responsiveness)
| Sensory System |
Possible Signs |
| Auditory (Sound) |
- Covers ears in noisy environments
- Distressed by sudden or loud sounds (vacuum cleaners, hand dryers)
- Bothered by sounds others don't notice
- Struggles in busy, noisy environments like shopping centers
|
| Visual |
- Squints or shields eyes in bright light
- Overwhelmed by busy visual environments
- Notices small visual details others miss
- Prefers dim lighting
|
| Tactile (Touch) |
- Dislikes certain clothing textures, tags, seams
- Resists messy play (sand, finger paint, slime)
- Upset by getting hands dirty
- Dislikes certain personal care activities (hair washing, nail cutting)
- Avoids or is distressed by light touch
|
| Gustatory/Olfactory (Taste/Smell) |
- Extreme food preferences or limited diet based on textures
- Gags easily with certain food textures
- Strong reactions to smells others barely notice
- Notices odors before others do
|
| Vestibular (Movement/Balance) |
- Fearful of feet leaving the ground
- Avoids playground equipment
- Gets motion sick easily
- Dislikes having head tilted back
- Fearful of heights or uneven surfaces
|
| Proprioceptive (Body Position) |
- Appears stiff or rigid in movement
- Dislikes being hugged or squeezed
- Avoids pushing/pulling activities
- Uses too little pressure when writing
|
Signs of Sensory Seeking (Under-Responsiveness)
| Sensory System |
Possible Signs |
| Auditory (Sound) |
- Makes loud noises or seeks noisy environments
- Doesn't respond when name is called
- Loves loud music or TV
- May not notice sounds that distract others
|
| Visual |
- Drawn to bright, flashing lights or colorful visual displays
- Stares intently at objects or people
- Loves busy, colorful environments
- May miss visual cues or details others notice
|
| Tactile (Touch) |
- Seeks deep pressure (tight hugs, heavy blankets)
- Loves messy play and tactile exploration
- May not notice cuts, bruises, or temperature extremes
- Touches everything and everyone
- Puts non-food items in mouth frequently past typical age
|
| Gustatory/Olfactory (Taste/Smell) |
- Craves intense flavors (very spicy, sour, or strong foods)
- Licks or mouths objects frequently
- Doesn't seem bothered by strong odors
- May not notice food smells that others find appetizing
|
| Vestibular (Movement/Balance) |
- Constant movement, spinning, jumping
- Loves swinging, roller coasters, being upside down
- Takes physical risks without fear
- Has trouble sitting still
- Seems to have boundless energy
|
| Proprioceptive (Body Position) |
- Bumps into people/objects frequently
- Uses too much force (breaks toys, presses too hard when writing)
- Loves "heavy work" activities (pushing, pulling, carrying heavy things)
- Jumps, crashes, and bumps into things deliberately
- Seeks tight spaces to squeeze into
|
How Sensory Processing Differences Affect Daily Life
When a child has sensory processing differences, various aspects of daily life can be challenging:
- Daily routines: Morning preparation, bathing, dressing, bedtime
- Mealtimes: Food selectivity, mealtime behavior, trying new foods
- Social situations: Birthday parties, family gatherings, playgrounds
- School: Classroom participation, transitions, cafeteria, physical education
- Emotional regulation: Higher likelihood of meltdowns due to sensory overload
- Self-concept: May feel "different" or misunderstood
Supporting Your Sensory Superhero
General Strategies
- Recognize and validate: "I can see those sounds are really loud for you."
- Provide predictability: Prepare for transitions and new sensory environments.
- Respect sensory preferences: Work with your child's sensory needs rather than against them.
- Create sensory-friendly spaces: Have a calm corner or area at home for regulation.
- Build sensory breaks: Incorporate movement and sensory activities throughout the day.
- Use visual supports: Pictures and schedules can help with transitions and expectations.
- Find the right balance: Gentle exposure to new sensory experiences while respecting limits.
For the Super-Sensor (Over-Responsive Child)
- Environmental modifications: Dim lights, reduce noise, create calm spaces
- Sensory tools: Noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, comfortable clothing
- Gradual exposure: Introduce new sensory experiences slowly and supportively
- Prepare and preview: Explain what sensory experiences to expect in new situations
- Respect boundaries: Don't force uncomfortable sensory experiences
- Establish escape plans: Have signals and strategies for when sensory input becomes too much
For the Sensory Seeker (Under-Responsive Child)
- Scheduled movement breaks: Jumping, spinning, climbing, dancing
- Heavy work activities: Carrying groceries, pushing vacuum, playground activities
- Sensory-rich play: Tactile bins, playdough, slime, water play
- Fidget tools: Appropriate items to provide sensory input while sitting
- Chewy/crunchy snacks: Offer appropriate oral sensory input
- Weighted items: Blankets, stuffed animals, or lap pads (under professional guidance)
From Clumsy's World: Sensory Success Stories
In "Clumsy and the Very Noisy Day," Clumsy learns to use noise-canceling headphones in overwhelming environments and his friends learn to give him a "quiet signal" when they're going somewhere noisy. This helps Clumsy participate in activities he would otherwise avoid.
In "Minnie Tickledust's Texture Adventure," Minnie (who loves all textures) helps her friend who dislikes messy play by creating a "touch-and-feel" game with different levels of messiness, allowing her friend to progress at her own comfort level.
When to Seek Professional Support
Consider consulting an occupational therapist with sensory integration training if:
- Sensory issues significantly impact daily life, learning, or social participation
- Your child shows extreme distress during routine sensory experiences
- Sensory seeking behaviors are unsafe or disruptive
- Your child is becoming increasingly limited in where they will go or what they will do
- Your family is experiencing significant stress due to sensory-related challenges
Resources for Further Support
- Talk to your child's pediatrician about a referral to an occupational therapist
- Connect with your school's special education department about sensory support
- Join parent groups for children with sensory processing differences
- Explore books about sensory processing to learn more
Celebrating Sensory Differences
Remember that sensory processing differences are just that—differences, not deficits. Many children with sensory processing differences have extraordinary gifts that come from their unique neurological wiring, including creativity, attention to detail, empathy, and problem-solving abilities.
By understanding and supporting your child's sensory needs, you're helping them navigate the world in a way that works for their unique nervous system. You're also teaching them that different isn't wrong—it's just different. And sometimes, being different means having special superpowers that others don't have.