Sensory Processing Explained: Sensitivity vs Something More

Many parents notice sensory quirks in their children long before they have the language for what they are seeing. Maybe your child melts down when clothing feels “wrong,” or they cover their ears at loud events. Or maybe they seek constant movement, crash into furniture, or chew on their shirt sleeves.

Some sensory behaviors are completely typical. Others can signal that your child may benefit from support. This guide explains sensory processing in simple, parent-friendly terms and helps you understand when sensory sensitivities are part of normal development and when they may need further evaluation.

What Is Sensory Processing

Sensory processing is how the brain takes in information from the world and makes sense of it. Children use sensory input to understand their environment, stay regulated, learn new skills, and participate in daily routines.

The sensory system includes:

• Touch
• Sound
• Sight
• Taste
• Smell
• Movement (vestibular input)
• Body awareness (proprioception)

When sensory processing works smoothly, children can stay calm, focused, flexible, and ready to learn. When it is harder for their system, daily life can feel overwhelming.

Sensory Sensitivity vs Sensory Processing Differences

All children have preferences and sensitivities. A sensory quirk becomes a sensory processing difference when it begins to interfere with daily life.

Sensory sensitivity looks like:

• Preferring softer clothes
• Disliking sticky hands
• Covering ears at loud events
• Wanting predictable routines

These behaviors are often part of typical development and improve with time.

Sensory processing differences look like:

• Meltdowns caused by clothing, sounds, or textures
• Avoiding entire categories of activities
• Constantly seeking movement or pressure
• Difficulty calming down
• Trouble participating in school or home routines

When sensory challenges consistently affect daily functioning, occupational therapy can help.

Types of Sensory Processing Patterns

Children may show one dominant sensory pattern or a mix of several.

Sensory Seeking

Children who seek sensory input may:

• Constantly jump, crash, run, or climb
• Seek deep pressure hugs
• Chew on clothing or objects
• Love spinning or fast movement
• Touch everything

These children are not “hyperactive.” Their bodies crave input to feel regulated.

Sensory Avoiding

Children who avoid sensory input may:

• Dislike loud noises
• Avoid busy, unpredictable environments
• Resist messy play
• Prefer soft, comfortable clothing
• Become easily overwhelmed

Avoidance is not misbehavior. It is a nervous system response.

Sensory Over-Responsivity

This occurs when the brain reacts too strongly to sensory input.

Signs include:

• Meltdowns triggered by sounds, textures, or light
• Intense reactions to grooming (hair brushing, nail cutting)
• Clothing battles
• Strong reactions to new foods

These children are often misunderstood as “dramatic” or “overreactive,” when the experience genuinely feels intense.

Sensory Under-Responsivity

This occurs when the brain does not register input fully, causing children to miss cues.

Signs include:

• Appearing tired or low-energy
• Not noticing name being called
• Slow responses
• Seeming unaware of messes or spills

These children often need more input to stay engaged.

How Sensory Processing Challenges Show Up at Home

Sensory differences commonly affect:

Daily Routines

• Difficulty getting dressed
• Battles around brushing teeth or hair
• Resistance to bath time
• Overwhelm during transitions

Mealtimes

• Very selective eating
• Gagging at textures
• Avoiding mixed foods
• Refusal to try new foods

Play and Learning

• Trouble sitting still
• Feeling “wild” or dysregulated
• Avoiding fine motor activities
• Difficulty with coordination

Emotional Regulation

• Meltdowns that seem bigger than the situation
• Difficulty calming down
• Emotional outbursts after school

Often, emotional behavior is tied to sensory overload or sensory fatigue.

How Sensory Processing Differences Show Up at School

At school, sensory differences may appear as:

• Difficulty focusing
• Avoiding loud or busy areas
• Trouble with handwriting or fine motor tasks
• Difficulty sitting at circle time
• Struggles with transitions
• Overwhelm during assemblies or lunch

Many children hold it together all day and release big emotions at home. This is often linked to sensory strain.

When Sensory Behaviors Are Typical

Sensory quirks are very common in young children and often improve with experience and development.

Typical sensory behaviors include:

• Disliking loud noises (especially hand dryers or toilets)
• Preferring soft clothing
• Avoiding or loving messy play
• Being cautious on playground equipment
• Chewing or sucking for comfort in toddlers

Kids grow through these phases naturally.

When Sensory Behaviors May Need Support

Consider support when:

• Clothing or grooming consistently leads to meltdowns
• Your child avoids entire categories of experiences
• Movement seeking interferes with safety
• Sensory issues impact eating, sleeping, or school
• Your child seems overwhelmed by daily routines
• Emotional regulation challenges are constant
• Problem behaviors persist beyond age-expected phases

When sensory patterns disrupt daily life, occupational therapy can help children feel calmer, more organized, and more confident.

How OT Helps With Sensory Processing

Occupational therapists specialize in sensory processing. OT helps children:

• Understand their sensory needs
• Build regulation and coping skills
• Improve tolerance for sensory experiences
• Strengthen body awareness
• Develop skills for daily routines
• Reduce meltdowns and overwhelm
• Increase participation at school and home

OT sessions often include sensory-based activities that help children regulate, such as movement play, deep pressure input, obstacle courses, calming strategies, and parent coaching.

How To Support Your Child at Home

Small changes can help your child feel more regulated:

• Provide movement breaks throughout the day
• Create calm, predictable routines
• Offer choices when possible
• Use soft lighting and reduce clutter
• Introduce new foods slowly
• Use deep pressure (hugs, squeezes, weighted items)
• Build in downtime after school

OT can guide you in choosing strategies that match your child’s sensory profile.

When To Get an OT Evaluation

Seek an OT evaluation if:

• Sensory challenges affect daily life
• Your child is frequently overwhelmed
• Sensory issues are causing behavioral struggles
• Your child is anxious or avoids typical activities
• School has raised concerns
• You feel stuck or unsure how to help

An evaluation can help you understand what is typical, what is sensory-driven, and what supports can help your child thrive.

How Coral Care Supports Sensory Needs

Coral Care matches families with licensed pediatric occupational therapists who specialize in sensory processing. Therapy takes place in your home where your child feels most comfortable, making real-life routines easier to support.

OT can help your child build confidence, flexibility, and regulation skills that make everyday life easier for your whole family.

Book online, call, or text: 617-463-9342

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