What Is Sensory Processing?
Quick Answer
Sensory processing is how your brain takes in and makes sense of information from your five senses -- sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell -- plus senses like balance and body position. When sensory processing works differently, everyday things like loud sounds, certain textures, or bright lights can feel way too intense or barely noticeable. This is very common and there are ways to help.
Explaining By Age Group
Ages 3-5 Simple Explanation
You know how your eyes see things, your ears hear things, and your skin feels things? Your brain is the one who takes all of that and figures out what it means. That job your brain does is called sensory processing!
Sometimes a kid's brain is extra sensitive to things. A shirt tag might feel really scratchy, or a loud sound might feel way too loud. It's like their brain has the volume turned up really high on everything.
Other kids' brains might need MORE of something. They might like to spin around a lot, squeeze things really tight, or bump into stuff because their brain wants more feeling to know what is going on.
If some things feel too much or not enough for you, that is okay! Lots of kids feel that way. Grown-ups can help figure out what makes you feel just right -- like softer clothes, quieter spaces, or squishy toys to hold.
Ages 6-8 More Detail
Sensory processing is the way your brain handles all the information coming from your senses. You have your five main senses -- seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling -- plus some others like your sense of balance and the sense of where your body is in space. Your brain is constantly taking in all this information and sorting it out.
For most people, this happens automatically without them even thinking about it. The hum of a refrigerator, the feeling of your clothes on your skin, the brightness of the lights -- your brain filters all of that into the background so you can focus on what matters.
But some kids' brains process sensory information differently. For some, certain senses are turned up way too high. A sound that seems normal to you might feel painfully loud to them. A food texture that is fine for you might make them gag. A crowd that is fun for you might be overwhelming for them.
Other kids have the opposite experience -- their senses seem turned down. They might not notice when someone calls their name, might bump into things because they cannot quite tell where their body is in space, or might seek out strong sensations like spinning, crashing into pillows, or touching everything.
This is called a sensory processing difference, and it is really common, especially in kids with autism or ADHD. It does not mean something is wrong with the person. Their brain just has different settings for how it handles sensory information.
Kids who struggle with sensory processing can get help from special therapists called occupational therapists. They figure out which senses are over-sensitive or under-sensitive and teach the kid strategies to feel more comfortable -- like using noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, weighted blankets, or specific types of movement.
Ages 9-12 Full Explanation
Sensory processing is the system your brain uses to receive, organize, and respond to all the information pouring in from your senses every second of every day. And it is not just the five senses you learned about in school -- it also includes your sense of balance, your sense of where your body parts are without looking at them, and your sense of internal body states like hunger and temperature. Your brain is running this sensory processing all the time, mostly without you noticing.
When sensory processing works the way it is expected to, your brain automatically filters out unimportant stuff. You do not consciously notice the feeling of your socks, the buzz of the lights, or the hum of the air conditioner. Your brain decides those things are not important and tunes them out so you can focus on the teacher, your lunch, or your friend's voice.
For some people, this filtering system works differently. Their brain might process certain sensory input as way more intense than it should be. The seam on a sock feels like a razor. The cafeteria sounds like a rock concert. Fluorescent lights feel like staring at the sun. This is called sensory over-responsivity, and it can make everyday environments genuinely painful or exhausting.
On the flip side, some people are under-responsive to sensory input. They might not feel pain as easily, might not notice when someone touches their arm, or might need to move constantly because their body is searching for more sensory feedback. These are the kids who are always fidgeting, spinning, or seeking out intense physical experiences.
Sensory processing differences are really common among people with autism and ADHD, but you do not need either diagnosis to have them. Lots of people have some sensory quirks -- maybe you hate the texture of certain foods, or tags in your clothes drive you crazy, or you cannot stand loud chewing. Those are mild sensory sensitivities that most people can work around.
When sensory processing differences are more significant, occupational therapists can help. They work with people to identify exactly which senses are over- or under-responding and develop strategies to manage daily life. This might include things like noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, scheduled movement breaks, or specific clothing choices. These tools are not luxuries -- they are genuine needs that help a person function comfortably in a world that was not designed with their brain in mind.
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Tips for Parents
Sensory processing can be a challenging topic to discuss with your child. Here are some practical tips to help guide the conversation:
DO: Follow your child's lead. Let them ask questions at their own pace rather than overwhelming them with information they haven't asked for yet. If they seem satisfied with a simple answer, that's okay — they'll come back with more questions when they're ready.
DO: Use honest, age-appropriate language. You don't need to share every detail, but avoid making up stories or deflecting. Kids can sense when you're being evasive, and honesty builds trust.
DO: Validate their feelings. Whatever emotion your child has in response to learning about sensory processing, acknowledge it. Say things like 'It makes sense that you'd feel that way' or 'That's a really good question.'
DON'T: Don't dismiss their curiosity. Responses like 'You're too young for that' or 'Don't worry about it' can make children feel like their questions are wrong or shameful. If you're not ready to answer, say 'That's an important question. Let me think about the best way to explain it, and we'll talk about it tonight.'
DO: Create an ongoing dialogue. One conversation usually isn't enough. Let your child know that they can always come back to you with more questions about sensory processing. This makes them more likely to come to you rather than seeking potentially unreliable sources.
Common Follow-Up Questions Kids Ask
After discussing sensory processing, your child might also ask:
Is sensory processing disorder a real condition?
Yes. While it is not always listed as a separate diagnosis, sensory processing differences are real and recognized by therapists and doctors. They significantly affect daily life for many people.
Can sensory processing differences go away?
Some kids find their sensitivities ease as they get older, while others manage them throughout life. Occupational therapy and sensory strategies can make a huge difference at any age.
Why do some kids cover their ears at loud sounds while others do not?
Their brains process sound differently. A sound that seems normal to one person might register as painfully loud to someone with auditory over-sensitivity. It is a brain wiring difference.
Is being a picky eater related to sensory processing?
Sometimes, yes. Many picky eaters are reacting to textures, smells, or tastes that their brain processes as unpleasant or overwhelming. It is not stubbornness -- it is a sensory response.
What is an occupational therapist?
An occupational therapist is a professional who helps people develop skills for daily life. For sensory processing, they create plans to help people handle sensory input more comfortably.
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