Has your child ever seemed overwhelmed by sounds, textures or crowds that other children barely notice? Do they struggle to cope in environments that seem perfectly normal to everyone else? You might be wondering whether sensory processing disorder could explain what you're seeing.
You're not alone and this guide is here to help.!!
What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a neurological condition that affects how the brain receives, processes and responds to sensory information from the world around us.
For most people the brain automatically filters and organises sensory input like sights, sounds, textures, smells and movement into a coherent picture of the world. For children with SPD however, this process doesn't work as smoothly. Sensory signals either get amplified, dampened or scrambled, making everyday experiences feel confusing, overwhelming or even painful.
SPD is particularly common in children with autism, ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions but it can also occur in children with no formal diagnosis at all. In fact research suggests that as many as 1 in 20 children may be affected by sensory processing difficulties to some degree.
The Different Types Of Sensory Processing Disorder
SPD isn't a one size fits all condition. It presents differently in every child and can affect any or all of the seven senses , yes, seven! Most people know about sight, sound, smell, taste and touch, but there are also two lesser known senses:
Proprioception is the sense of where your body is in space
Vestibular is the sense of balance and movement
SPD is generally divided into three main patterns:
1. Sensory Over-Responsivity
The most common type ,the child's nervous system is hypersensitive to sensory input. Everyday sounds feel painfully loud, light touch feels uncomfortable and busy environments feel completely overwhelming. If your child covers their ears, avoids certain textures or melts down in crowded places, this could be what's happening.
2. Sensory Under-Responsivity
The opposite , the child's nervous system is less sensitive than usual. They may seem unaware of pain, appear unresponsive or constantly seek out intense sensory experiences like crashing, spinning or very loud music.
3. Sensory Seeking
The child craves sensory input , they can't stop touching things, need to be constantly moving or seek out intense sounds and experiences. This can look like hyperactivity but is driven by the nervous system's need for more sensory stimulation.
Many children show a combination of all three patterns across different senses.
Signs Your Child May Have Sensory Processing Disorder
Every child is different but here are some of the most common signs of SPD in children:
Sound sensitivity:
- Covers ears in response to everyday noises
- Becomes distressed in noisy environments
- Struggles in busy school corridors or lunch halls
- Reacts strongly to sudden or unexpected sounds
Touch sensitivity:
- Dislikes certain clothing textures or tags
- Avoids messy play, sand or certain foods
- Reacts strongly to light or unexpected touch
- Prefers tight clothing or heavy blankets
Visual sensitivity:
- Overwhelmed by busy visual environments
- Distressed by bright or flickering lights
- Struggles in visually stimulating classrooms
Movement and balance:
- Avoids playground equipment
- Appears clumsy or uncoordinated
- Seeks out spinning, rocking or crashing
If several of these signs sound familiar, it may be worth speaking to your child's GP or school SENCO about a referral for a formal assessment. You can also read our post on 10 Signs Your Child May Be Noise Sensitive for more specific guidance on sound sensitivity.
Is Sensory Processing Disorder A Diagnosis?
This is one of the most common questions parents ask and the answer is complicated.
SPD is not currently recognised as a standalone diagnosis in the UK's diagnostic manuals. However sensory processing difficulties are widely recognised as a significant feature of autism, ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions, and many occupational therapists and paediatricians will assess and treat sensory difficulties regardless of whether a formal SPD diagnosis exists.
If you suspect your child has sensory processing difficulties the best first step is to speak to your GP, health visitor or school SENCO who can refer you to a paediatric occupational therapist for assessment.
How Can You Help Your Child With SPD?
A formal diagnosis isn't always necessary to start helping your child. Here are some practical strategies that many parents of sensory sensitive children find helpful:
Create a sensory toolkit
Work out what helps your child regulate and this might be a fidget toy, a weighted blanket, a calm corner at home or noise reducing headphones. Having tools readily available means you can respond quickly when your child becomes overwhelmed.
Prepare them for sensory challenges
Before entering a noisy or overwhelming environment, warn your child about what to expect. Giving them a heads up and a plan can significantly reduce anxiety and meltdowns.
Reduce sensory input where possible
Simple changes can make a big difference by choosing quieter shopping times, sitting away from speakers in restaurants or requesting a quieter classroom seat for your child.
Use noise reducing headphones
For children with sound sensitivity, noise reducing headphones are one of the most effective and immediate tools available. They reduce ambient noise without completely blocking sound, giving your child a quieter and safer experience of the world.
Our Noise Ninjas are specifically designed for children with sensory sensitivities , comfortable, adjustable and available in fun colours that children actually want to wear. Trusted by thousands of UK parents of sensory sensitive children, they're the perfect addition to any child's sensory toolkit.
Build their sensory tolerance gradually
Work with an occupational therapist to gradually expose your child to challenging sensory experiences in a safe and controlled way .This is called sensory integration therapy and can be very effective over time.
Getting Support As A Parent
Parenting a child with sensory processing difficulties can be exhausting, isolating and overwhelming at times. Knowing where to turn for help and how to advocate effectively for your child makes an enormous difference.
Our parent guide collection covers everything from navigating the school system to understanding your child's sensory world and is written by parents who have been exactly where you are right now. Whether you're just starting out after a new diagnosis or have been on this journey for years, there's something in our collection for every stage 💛
The Most Important Thing To Remember
Sensory Processing Disorder doesn't define your child. With the right support, understanding and tools, sensory sensitive children can and do thrive.
Your instinct that something isn't quite right is worth listening to. Keep advocating, keep learning and know that you are not alone 💛
Found this helpful? Share it with another parent who might need it.
Browse our full range of noise reducing headphones and parent guides at littleollybobs.com
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10 Signs Your Child May Be Noise Sensitive