Supporting children with sensory processing needs

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:

understand the world around us
move safely
manage our feelings
take part in everyday activities

Most people develop these skills as they grow. Everybody processes sensory information differently.

A person may:

be more sensitive to some sensations
need more sensory input
experience both

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.

Common sensory processing differences

Every person is different. The examples below are a guide only.

Sense	May need more input	May be sensitive to input
Sight	enjoys lights, reflections or moving objects likes lots of things to look at	dislikes bright lights wears a cap or hood to reduce light feels overwhelmed in busy places finds clutter, movement or lots of colours difficult
Smell	does not notice strong smells seeks out strong or unusual smells	notices smells that other people do not is bothered by perfume, aftershave or household scents
Hearing	talks loudly enjoys noisy places does not always respond when their name is called	covers their ears avoids noisy places worries about loud noises is distracted by background sounds
Taste	enjoys strong flavours likes spicy or salty foods chews or mouths non-food items	dislikes strong flavours prefers foods at a certain temperature gags on some foods finds new foods difficult to try eats only a small range of foods
Touch	enjoys messy play seeks out different textures touches objects often walks on their toes uses too much force when touching things	prefers touch on their own terms dislikes certain fabrics or clothing labels reacts strongly to unexpected touch walks on their toes
Body awareness	bumps into things trips or falls often leans on people or furniture looks at their feet when walking or using stairs	not usually described as being sensitive to input difficulties are more often linked to needing extra body awareness input
Balance and movement	finds it hard to sit still runs instead of walking enjoys spinning, swinging or hanging upside down	feels dizzy easily dislikes lifts or escalators gets travel sick finds busy places overwhelming
Internal body signals	Reduced awareness: does not notice when they are hurt or unwell does not recognise when they are hungry or full has difficulty noticing when they need the toilet does not realise they are too hot or too cold	Increased awareness: is very sensitive to pain often reports discomfort finds it hard to wait for food when hungry struggles when feeling too hot or too cold

Learn more about sensory processing

We recommend watching these videos.

They explain sensory processing and share practical ideas that can be used at home and in education settings.

How we use our senses

Recognising our sensory needs

Supporting our sensory needs

Visit Developing skills for physical activities for activity ideas to develop sensory and movement skills.

How we support children with sensory processing needs

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.

Sensory environment

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:

pre-school and early years settings
primary and secondary schools
other environments such as at home, clubs or community spaces

Early years environmental audit (PDF, 165KB)

Primary and secondary environmental audit (PDF, 165KB)

Strategies for the classroom

The following video provides an overview of sensory-motor development and simple strategies you can use in the classroom.

YouTube: Creating positive learning environments

Cumbria Sensory Lead approach

The Sensory Lead approach helps schools and families understand and support a child's sensory needs.

Support for schools and education settings

We offer free training for:

early years settings
primary schools
secondary schools
alternative education providers

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:

information about sensory processing
practical tools and resources
resources to share with home
ongoing support from the sensory service through optional online half-termly supervision
a shared approach for home and education settings

Please email: sensoryprocessing@ncic.nhs.uk to learn more about becoming part of the Sensory Lead Approach.

Support for parents and carers

We also offer training for parents and carers.

The training includes:

information about sensory processing
practical tools and resources
resources to share with education settings
access to ongoing support through our virtual clinic
a shared approach between home and education settings

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.

Virtual clinic appointments

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.

Before requesting an appointment

Please:

watch the sensory processing videos
attend parent or carer training
complete the Parent strategy recording sheet
try the recommended strategies for at least 3 months

What happens during a virtual clinic

You will have a 45 minute Microsoft Teams appointment with an Occupational Therapist.

The discussion will focus on:

the difficulties your child is experiencing
strategies you have already tried
what has worked well
new ideas that may help

Before the appointment, it can help to think about goals for your child.

For example:

brushing their hair more independently
joining family outings
walking on the beach
coping better at mealtimes

After the appointment, you will receive a written summary and recommendations.

Booking a virtual clinic appointment

To request an appointment:
Email: sensoryprocessing@ncic.nhs.uk

Please include your completed Parent strategy recording sheet.

National resources

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Information about:

sensory processing
common signs
practical advice
support options

Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust Sensory Service

Videos and resources about:

dressing
eating and mealtimes
toileting
bathing and showering
hair washing
tooth brushing
nail cutting
sleep
going out and about

Making Sense of Sensory Behaviour [PDF, 265KB]

A practical guide for parents and carers.

National Autistic Society

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.

Supporting a child with ARFID

Support for Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) from the NHS

Sensory needs and toileting

Information and practical advice from ERIC.org.uk to help children with sensory processing differences who experience toileting difficulties.

Autism and menstruation

Advice and guidance from the National Autistic Society about supporting autistic children and young people with menstruation.

Local resources

Children's Occupational Therapy Service

The website page for the Children's Occupational Therapy Service here in our SEND Local Offer

Sensory advice sheets

Information and strategies on sensory processing needs.

Moving 2 Write

A programme created by an Occupational Therapist and delivered through Early Years services.

It supports:

sensory and movement skills
early writing skills
taking part in classroom activities

Ask your child's education setting to contact their Early Years Adviser for more information.

A Stitch Different

A Cumbria-based community organisation run by parents and carers.

Products include:

weighted blankets
lap pads
neck wraps
body socks
compression bed sheets

Learning Disability and Autism Services

Community Learning Disability Teams

Community Learning Disability Teams support children and families where there is a learning disability or autism diagnosis.

Neu Way Support

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:

have questions about your child's development
are waiting for an assessment
have recently received a diagnosis
would like practical advice and support

Families can access information, local services, workshops and support groups to help them understand and support their child's needs.

Crisis support

If you need urgent help for your child's mental health or wellbeing, contact:

Westmorland and Furness - Crisis support
NHS 111
emergency services if there is an immediate risk of harm