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Sensory Processing Issues
Explore resources on sensory processing disorder to understand sensory issues in kids, treatment options, and ways to support them.
Sensory Processing for Parents
Kids with sensory processing issues often react strongly to things like loud noises, bright lights, or scratchy clothes, and they may get very upset over unexpected changes. These behaviors happen because the child is having trouble processing the information they receive from their senses.
There are two types of sensory processing issues: hypersensitivity (when a child is over-sensitive to sensory input and gets overwhelmed easily) and hyposensitivity (when a child is under-sensitive and needs additional sensory input). Sensory issues in kids are common in those with autism or ADHD, but they can also occur in children with no mental health diagnosis. Learning more about sensory processing disorder can help families find the right support.
Sensory Processing Basics
Though many kids dislike loud noises or scratchy clothing, for kids with sensory processing issues these sensations may be dramatically intensified, leading them to do things like run away or melt down when they are overwhelmed. Our resources can help understand the cause of these behaviors and what parents can expect.
Sensory Processing and School
School can be a challenging and overwhelming environment for kids with sensory processing issues because of bright lights, distracting noises, jostling kids and unexpected changes. They may respond by melting down during transitions, acting out, withdrawing, or resisting going to school.
Parenting Sensory-Challenged Kids
Sensory issues don’t only occur in school — everything from having their face washed to the texture of food can be an issue, and places from beaches to crowded stores to birthday parties can be challenging. Here are tips for parenting sensory challenged kids.
Cooperation in Kids With Sensory Issues
When kids with sensory issues aren’t cooperating, it usually isn’t because they are trying to be defiant. Our resources have strategies and tips for helping sensory challenged kids cooperate.
Help for Sensory Processing Issues
While there’s no cure or medication for sensory processing issues, there are treatments that help these kids overcome some of their challenges. Occupational therapy, and in particular sensory integration therapy, has been shown to help.
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