What is Sensory Processing
Sensory processing refers to the way the nervous system receives, organises, and interprets information from the body and the environment, and then generates an appropriate response. In occupational therapy, effective sensory processing supports a person’s ability to engage in meaningful daily activities, such as self-care, play, learning, and social participation.
When sensory processing difficulties are present, the brain may have a hard time accurately interpreting sensory input. This can lead to responses that are either heightened (over-responsive), reduced (under-responsive), or sensory-seeking in nature. These differences can impact a person’s functional performance, emotional regulation, and participation in everyday life
What do sensory processing difficulties look like?
Sensory processing differences vary significantly between individuals and often require formal assessment by an occupational therapist to identify a person’s unique sensory profile. These differences are typically understood in terms of how they affect participation in daily occupations.
Below are some examples across sensory systems:
Tactile Processing (Touch)
Tactile processing refers to how a person interprets and responds to touch sensations from the skin.
- High interest in touching and feeling objects around them
- Avoids or may become upset at specific textures
- Withdraws from touch
- Reduced responses to pain, temperature, or touch
Everyday impact:
May affect dressing, feeding, play, hygiene routines, and emotional regulation during interactions.
Visual Processing (Sight)
Visual processing is how the brain interprets and makes sense of what is seen in the environment.
- Enjoys looking at spinning objects
- Avoids or is highly distressed by bright lights
- Easily distracted in visually busy spaces
Everyday impact:
May affect attention, learning, and navigation.
Auditory Processing (Hearing)
Auditory processing involves how the brain interprets and responds to sounds.
- Covers ears or becomes upset with certain sounds
- Delayed responses to name or verbal instructions
- Prefers specific parts of a song and plays it repeatedly
Everyday impact:
May impact communication, following instructions, attention, and social participation.
Olfactory Processing (Smell)
Olfactory processing is the ability to detect and interpret smells in the environment.
- Strong reactions to certain smells
- Avoids environments or foods due to smell
- Likes to smell strong or unusual scents
Everyday impact:
Can influence eating, tolerance of environments, and social engagement.
Gustatory Processing (Taste)
Gustatory processing refers to how taste sensations are experienced and interpreted.
- Strong preferences or aversions to certain tastes or textures
- Eats only a limited amount of food
- Seeks intense flavours
- Mouths objects as part of their play
Everyday impact:
Affects feeding, nutrition, and participation in mealtime routines.
Vestibular Processing (Movement & Balance)
Vestibular processing involves sensing movement, balance, and spatial orientation through the inner ear.
- Always on the go, with heighted energy levels
- Avoids movement or appears fearful of heights
- Difficulties with balance and coordination
Impact on occupations:
Impacts attention, movement, exploration of the environment
Proprioceptive Processing (Body Awareness)
Proprioception is the sense of body position and movement through muscles and joints.
- Uses too much or too little force
- Prefers in crashing or rough play
- May look clumsy or uncoordinated
- Tiptoes frequently
Impact on occupations:
Affects motor skills, handwriting, tool use
Interoception (Internal Body Awareness)
Interoception is the awareness of internal body signals such as hunger, thirst, and emotions.
- Difficulty recognising hunger, thirst, or toileting needs
- Challenges identifying or expressing emotions
- Delayed responses to internal cues
Impact on occupations:
Influences self-care, emotional regulation, and overall wellbeing
What next?
An occupational therapist can support you or your child with sensory processing differences by focusing on how these challenges impact participation in everyday activities and by using targeted, individualised strategies to improve regulation and function. Intervention may include adapting the environment (e.g., modifying lighting, noise, or textures), providing sensory-based strategies (such as movement breaks, deep pressure, or visual supports), and developing the person’s ability to recognise and respond to their own sensory needs. OTs also work with caregivers, teachers, and support networks to ensure strategies are consistent across settings, with the overall goal of enabling the individual to engage more successfully in meaningful daily occupations.
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