What is sensory processing?

Sensory processing refers to how the nervous system receives and responds to information from the senses, including touch, sound, sight, taste, smell, movement, and body awareness. Every child processes sensory information differently, and sensory preferences are a normal part of development.

Children’s neurological systems are still developing, which can affect how they interpret and respond to sensory input in their environment. Because of this, it is common for children to experience sensory differences as they grow.

For some children, however, sensory processing differences can make everyday activities feel overwhelming or difficult to manage.

Common Sensory Processing Difficulties

Children may experience sensory processing challenges in different ways. Common areas include:

Normal Sensory Preferences in Children

(Common and developmentally appropriate as the nervous system matures)

Many children show sensory likes and dislikes, especially in early childhood. These preferences often change over time and do not interfere with daily participation.

Examples of common, typical sensory preferences:

Disliking seams in socks or tags in clothing
Avoiding certain fabrics (jeans, wool, stiff or scratchy materials)
Preferring the same clothing item or outfit for a period of time
Covering ears in loud or echoing environments (public restrooms, hand dryers, fireworks, blenders)
Disliking water poured over the head during baths or showers
Preferring specific food temperatures (cold vs. warm foods)
Avoiding messy play occasionally (paint, mud, slime)
Being selective about smells (strong perfumes, cleaning products)
Enjoying or avoiding movement activities (swings, spinning, climbing)
Preferring quiet play over noisy or chaotic environments at times

These preferences are part of normal sensory development. Just like adults, children have individual comfort levels and tastes.

When Sensory Processing Difficulties Become a Problem

(Sensory input significantly interferes with daily life)

Sensory processing difficulties may be present when a child becomes overwhelmed by sensory input and is unable to regulate, cope, or participate in everyday activities.

Examples of more concerning sensory responses:

Fight, flight, or freeze responses to sensory input
Hiding, panicking, or having intense meltdowns with loud or unexpected noises
Inability to tolerate public environments (grocery stores, restaurants, events) due to noise, lights, crowds, or movement
Meltdowns triggered by common household sounds (vacuum cleaner, hair dryer, toilet flushing)
Extreme distress or meltdowns when touching certain textures or messy materials
Strong avoidance of textures that interferes with play or daily routines
Gagging, vomiting, or extreme refusal to eat due to specific food textures
Sensory reactions that are intense, long-lasting, or difficult to recover from
Sensory challenges that limit participation in family routines, school, or community activities

Emotional Regulation- Sensory Regulation

Not every meltdown is sensory-related. If a child becomes upset because they are frustrated, tired, or disappointed by hearing “no,” this is often related to emotional development rather than sensory processing difficulties alone. That said, emotional and sensory development are closely connected. Sensory input can be harder to manage when a child is tired or frustrated—just as it can be for adults. In these situations, appropriate sensory supports may help calm, regulate, or redirect emotional responses.

Sensory Processing Difficulties in Children

Movement and Body Awareness Challenges

Some children seek movement such as spinning, jumping, or climbing, while others avoid it. Difficulties with balance, coordination, or body awareness may also be related to sensory processing.

Difficulty With Transitions

Transitions between activities or environments can be challenging, especially when sensory input changes quickly or unexpectedly.

Visual Processing Differences

Some children are easily distracted by visual input such as movement, lights, or clutter. Others may engage in visual stimming behaviors, such as watching spinning objects or focusing on visual patterns.

Food and Texture Sensitivities

Sensory processing differences can affect how children respond to food textures, temperatures, or flavors, which may impact mealtime routines.

Touch and Texture Sensitivities

Children may struggle with certain fabrics, clothing tags, seams, or the feel of materials like sand, grass, or glue. Some may avoid messy play, while others actively seek touch.

Sensitivity to Noise

Some children are more sensitive to sounds and may feel overwhelmed by loud or unexpected noises such as alarms, crowds, vacuum cleaners, or busy classrooms.