Sensory processing
Our brain receives information from all our senses, which we use to interact with the world around us. This may be through our thoughts, feelings, behaviour. We all process sensory information which, for most people, develops as we grow and mature.
How sensory processing affects people
Examples of behaviours you might notice if your child is over sensitive or under sensitive to sensory input.
| Sensory system | If your child is under responsive, you might see: | If your child is over responsive, you might see: |
|---|---|---|
| Sight | Need lots of visual stimulation, for example, watching lights and reflective surfaces. | Dislikes bright light. Might want to wear a cap or have their hood up. Becomes overwhelmed by too many lights and colours. |
| Smell | Seems unaware of strong smells, may seek out strong smells, for example, smearing. | Notice smells that other people don’t. Bothered by typical household scents, for example, perfume, aftershave. |
| Hearing | Talking loudly. Enjoying loud noise. Not picking up on usual auditory cues, for example, they don’t realise if you say their name. | Avoid loud noise, cover ears, anxious before loud noises occur, distracted by background noises. |
| Taste | Eats/mouths non food items, craves strong tasting foods, for example, spicy, salty. | Dislikes strong tastes. Likes consistent temperature of foods. Gags on certain tastes. Struggles to try new food, fussy or picky eater. |
| Touch | May appear heavy handed, enjoys messy play and a variety of textures, touches things constantly, walking on their toes. | Seeks hugs/touch only on their terms. Can appear to overreact to another’s touch. Bothered by certain types of clothing or clothing labels, walking on their toes. |
| Proprioception - knowing where your body is in in the space without looking at it | Frequent bumps, trips and falls. Leans on furniture or other people. Relying on vision for movement (for example, looks at feet when going down stairs). | |
| Vestibular - helps with balance and spatial orientation | Has difficulty sitting still and seeks movement, runs rather than walks, enjoys spinning and being upside down. | Struggles with motion, for example in the car, escalators. Becomes dizzy easily, struggles in busy places watching a lot of movement. |
| Interoception - showing sensations that come from inside your body | May not notice when hurt or unwell. May not recognise feelings of hunger or fullness, poor awareness of needing to go to the toilet. May not recognise if feeling too hot or too cold. | May often report being in pain or is very sensitive to pain. May have a strong hunger impulse and struggle to wait for food if hungry. May struggle to cope when too hot or cold. |
Problems in processing a response to information from all our senses may result in being too sensitive to some stimuli and not sensitive enough to others.
It is often helpful for a person's sensory processing needs to be accepted and understood by themselves and others.
How we support children with sensory processing needs
In Cumbria and Lancashire, we are developing a system wide graduated approach [PDF 138KB] based on best practices.
Most children's needs can be met through universal support. Parents and professionals having supportive information.
Some children may require targeted support. This level of support may include workshops for parents/carers and professionals.
A small number of children may require specialist support, which may involve an assessment.
This is explained in more detail in the Sensory Processing Position Statement [PDF 292KB].
Find out more about sensory processing
As we all process sensory information, it’s important to understand how it can impact on us all.
We recommend you begin by watching the first video. This video will give you ideas of how to support your child. The second video gives more information around the language and terminology used:
Video 1
Understanding our senses and how they can impact on our ability to carry out our daily activities.
Video 2
Terminology and language used in relation to sensory processing.
More online resources:
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Joining in with Sensory Differences
This website has videos explaining sensory processing and the 8 senses. They also have ideas of things that you and your child can do to help if they are having difficulties.
The Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust Sensory Service
This website has a number of videos explaining about sensory processing as well as videos which support a range of day to day activities:
- dressing
- eating and mealtimes
- toileting
- showering and bathing
- hair washing
- teeth brushing
- nail cutting
- sleep
- going out and about
Making Sense of Sensory Behaviour [PDF 330KB]
A booklet with practical ideas for parents and carers written by Falkirk Children with Disabilities Occupational Therapy Team.
The National Autistic Society (NAS)
Lots of resources to support children with sensory needs.
Making Sense with the Natural World! Using the natural world to support sensory processing [PDF, 8.3MB]
A booklet developed by NHS Forth Valley exploring how the natural world is the perfect environment for sensory activities to take place.
The Autism Education Trust has developed a useful tool to help you look at your child's school sensory environment to identify things that can be changed to make it easier for your child. The form has been adapted so there is one for pre-school/early years environments and one for primary and secondary and these can be used for other non-education environments as well.
Early Years Environmental Audit [PDF, 409KB]
Local resources
Moving 2 Write - Pre-schools and early years’ classes are encouraged to access the Moving 2 Write programme through their Early Years advisors. This is a programme designed by an Occupational Therapist and run by an Early Years advisor. The programme supports the development of sensory-motor and pre-writing skills. Ask your setting to speak with their Early Years advisor about this.
Sensory Lead Approach - In many cases of Cumbria schools and education, providers can access free training for staff to become sensory leads for their setting and access ongoing support.
Email sensoryprocessing@ncic.nhs.uk for more information on the approach and which areas can apply for this.
A Stitch Different - is a Community Interest Company comprised of Cumbria parents/carers of young people with Autism and related needs who make bespoke weighted products including:
- blankets
- lap pads
- neck wraps
- compression products, including body socks and compression bed sheets
The NHS community learning disability teams provide support for families and carers of children with a learning disability and Autism. These links will give you information on what services you can access in the different areas across Cumbria.
Lancashire and South Cumbria Learning Disability and Autism Service
Autism Information and Support Hub
Westmorland and Furness Council are working to develop services to support children with neurodiversity and more information will be available once these are in place.