Sensory Processing refers to the way our nervous system receives messages from the senses and responds to those messages. Neurodivergent people who have a difficult time processing this sensory information essentially have a neurological traffic jam that prevents certain parts of the brain from receiving the information they need to interpret sensory information correctly. These difficulties lie on a spectrum with some people having severe difficulties while others are more mild.
Humans have seven senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, tactile, proprioceptive and vestibular. You have probably heard of the first five but the last two are often overlooked. Proprioceptive input is the sense we get from our muscles and joints. Vestibular is the sense that tells us when we feel dizzy. People who have a difficult time processing sensory information misinterpret the strength of different input to senses. Some people have one or two senses impacted, others have difficulties with all of the senses.
Types of sensory issues
A person may be hypo-senstive or hyper-sensitive to any sense. Hypo-sensitive means that the brain turns down the volume on these senses. They may not notice input and are often referred to as “sensory seekers”. Hyper-sensitive means that the brain turns up the volume on these senses. They are extra aware of input and are often referred to as “sensory avoiders”.
A person may be hypo-senstive or hyper-sensitive to any sense. Hypo-sensitive means that the brain turns down the volume on these senses. They may not notice input and are often referred to as “sensory seekers”. Hyper-sensitive means that the brain turns up the volume on these senses. They are extra aware of input and are often referred to as “sensory avoiders”. Others are both hyper and hypo sensitive based on the situation and input type.
A sensory profile refers to the unique combination of sensory issues a neurodivergent person experiences. Some senses could be hypo-sensitive, others hyper-sensitive, maybe both hyper and hypo and some not impacted at all. For instance, a person may be overly sensitive to sounds and avoid loud noises, be under sensitive to touch and seek out rough textures while having no issues with their vision.
Sensory Regulation
Sensory regulation is essential to all people but is especially important for neurodivergent people. Finding ways to incorporate the right sensory input (or lack thereof) can be transformative! Here are some ideas to consider:
Tactile: light touch, texture, temperature, vibration, and pain
Seekers:
- Massage
- Sand tables
- Sensory bins
- Bubble wrap
- Weighted blankets
- Textured books
- Lotion
- Finger paint
- Mix dough by hand
- Sculpt
- Play doh
- Brushing your hair, skin, teeth
- Walk barefoot
- Drink something warm or cold
- Drink something fizzy
- Eat something warm or cold
- Ice packs
- Fidget toys
Avoiders:
- Buy clothes without tags
- Buy clothes with smooth fabrics
- Have comforting texture available
- Put blankets in the dryer before bed
- Use a rice pillow
- Try seeker activities occasionally
Vestibular: movement, dizziness
Seekers:
- Swinging
- Jumping on a trampoline
- Spinning
- Hanging upside down
- Flipping over
- Use a rocking chair
- Sit on an inflated cushion
- Roll down a hill
Avoiders:
- Remaining upright
- Allowing for slow changes in position
- Try seeker activities occasionally
Proprioceptive: pressure, movement, stretch, weight
Seekers:
- Give squeezes/squishes
- Bear hug
- Massage
- Weighted items (vest, lap pad, backpack)
- Bean bag chair
- Body sock
- Blanket burrito
- Steam roller
- Wall push ups
- Stretch
- Yoga
- Theraband exercises
- Scooter Board
- Sit on a ball
- Carry heavy objects
- Pull a wagon filled with something heavy
- Push a cart with heavy items
- Push baskets of laundry
- Vacuum
- Tug of war
- Wheelbarrow walking
- Moving furniture
- Play catch with something heavy
- Use a hole punch to make confetti
- Rip up cardboard
- Shovel snow
- Jump rope
- Theraputty
- Pop bubble wrap
- Chew toys/necklaces
Avoiders:
- Carry light objects
- Try seeker activities occasionally
Sound
Seekers:
- Loud music
- Unfamiliar loud sounds
- Whistling
- Instruments
Avoiders:
- Soft music
- White noise machine
- Nature sounds
- Wear noise canceling headphones
Vision
Seekers:
- Bright lighting
- Vivid colors
- Busy patterns
- Look at artwork
- Look at nature
- Watch a lava lamp
- Watch a disco ball
- Play I spy
- Watch a sand timer
Avoiders:
- Natural lighting
- Soft colors
- Hide clutter
- Organize things around the house
- Wear sunglasses
- Watch a fish aquarium
- Watch a lava lamp
Oral: taste, texture, pressure
Seekers:
- Eat something chewy
- Eat something crunch
- Eat something spicy
- Chew toys/necklaces
- Suck on hard candy
- Drink thick liquid through a straw
Avoiders:
- Eat something bland
- Eat something soft
- Try one new food at a time
- Cook your own meals
Smell
Seekers:
- Aroma diffusers
- Fresh flowers
- Scented markers
- Baking or cooking
- Scented candles
- Scented lotions/soaps
Avoiders:
- Inform those around you of sensitivities
- Try seeker activities occasionally
Sample Sensory Diet
Many neurodivergent people find comfort in routines. Coming up with a “Sensory Diet” routine is a great way to get both needs met. Here is a sample to consider:
In the Morning
- Massage feet and back to help wake up
- Listen to recommended therapeutic listening CD
- Use vibrating toothbrush and/or vibrating hairbrush
- Eat crunchy cereal with fruit and some protein
- Jump on mini-trampoline
After school
- Go to playground for at least 30 minutes
- Push grocery cart or stroller
- Spin
- Mini-trampoline. Add variety: have him play catch or toss toys into a basket while jumping.
- Massage feet
- Listen to therapeutic listening CD
- Oral work — suck thick liquids through a straw, eat crunchy and chewy snacks, or chew gum before and/or during tabletop activities
At dinnertime
- Help with cooking, mixing, chopping, etc.
- Help set table, using two hands to carry and balance a tray
- Provide crunchy and chewy foods
At night
- Family time: clay projects, painting projects, etc.
- Warm bath with bubbles and calming essential oil
- Massage during reading time