Sensory processing is how the brain takes in information from our senses and makes sense of it.
We use our senses all day.
They help us:
Most children develop these skills as they grow. Everybody processes sensory information differently.
A person may:
Sensory processing differences can affect how a person feels, behaves and joins in with everyday life.
Understanding these differences can help families, schools and professionals work together to support children.
Every person is different. The examples below are a guide only.
| Sense | May need more input | May be sensitive to input |
|---|---|---|
| Sight |
|
|
| Smell |
|
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| Hearing |
|
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| Taste |
|
|
| Touch |
|
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| Body awareness (also known as proprioception) |
|
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| Balance and movement (also known as vestibular) |
|
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| Internal body signals (also known as interoception) | Reduced awareness:
| Increased awareness:
|
We recommend watching these videos.
They explain sensory processing and share practical ideas that can be used at home and in education settings.
Visit Developing skills for physical activities for activity ideas to develop sensory and movement skills.
Children's sensory needs are best supported when families, schools and professionals work together.
We use a 24-hour approach. This means we look at how a child can be supported at home, in education settings and in the community.
The following documents can be used to help you identify changes that may improve your child's sensory environment. They have been adapted from the Autism Education Trust tool.
These forms can be used in:
Early years environmental audit (PDF, 165KB)
Primary and secondary environmental audit (PDF, 165KB)
The following video provides an overview of sensory-motor development and simple strategies you can use in the classroom.
YouTube: Creating positive learning environments
The Sensory Lead approach helps schools and families understand and support a child's sensory needs.
We offer free training for:
For early years and primary schools, each setting chooses one or two members of staff to become Sensory Leads. For secondary schools and alternative education providers, we can be flexible with the delivery to suit your setting.
The training includes:
To learn more about becoming part of the Sensory Lead Approach
email: sensoryprocessing@ncic.nhs.uk
We also offer training for parents and carers.
The training includes:
This helps everyone support the child in a consistent way.
For information about training:
Email: sensoryprocessing@ncic.nhs.uk
After attending training, we encourage parents and carers to complete the:
Parent strategy recording sheet
This helps you keep track of the strategies you have tried and what effect they had.
Many families find that the information, videos and training on this page give them the support they need.
If your child is still finding things difficult after trying strategies for at least 3 months, you may wish to book a virtual clinic appointment.
A virtual clinic appointment provides advice and support. It is not a referral for specialist treatment.
Please:
You will have a 45 minute Microsoft Teams appointment with an Occupational Therapist.
The discussion will focus on:
Before the appointment, it can help to think about goals for your child.
For example:
After the appointment, you will receive a written summary and recommendations.
To request an appointment:
Email: sensoryprocessing@ncic.nhs.uk
Please include your completed Parent strategy recording sheet.
Information about:
Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust Sensory Service
Videos and resources about:
Making Sense of Sensory Behaviour [PDF, 265KB]
A practical guide for parents and carers.
Information and resources about sensory processing differences.
Making Sense with the Natural World [PDF, 8.3MB]
Ideas about how outdoor and natural environments can support sensory development.
Support for Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) from the NHS
A free video workshop about feeding and eating and how to help children who struggle
Information and practical advice from ERIC.org.uk to help children with sensory processing differences who experience toileting difficulties.
Advice and guidance from the National Autistic Society about supporting autistic children and young people with menstruation.
Children's Occupational Therapy Service
The website page for the Children's Occupational Therapy Service here in our SEND Local Offer
Information and strategies on sensory processing needs.
A programme created by an Occupational Therapist and delivered through Early Years services.
It supports:
Ask your child's education setting to contact their Early Years Adviser for more information.
A Cumbria-based community organisation run by parents and carers.
Products include:
Community Learning Disability Teams
Community Learning Disability Teams support children and families where there is a learning disability or autism diagnosis.
Neu Way Support provides early advice, guidance and practical support for families of children and young people with neurodevelopmental differences.
You do not need a diagnosis to use the service. Support is available if you:
Families can access information, local services, workshops and support groups to help them understand and support their child's needs.
If you need urgent help for your child's mental health or wellbeing, contact: