Parent Friendly- What is Sensory Processing?

What is Sensory Processing?

Sensory processing is how the brain receives, organizes, and responds to information from the world around us. We have 8 sensory systems:

• Sight (Visual) - understanding light, movement, and patterns.

• Sound (Auditory) - processing noise, volume, and tone.

• Smell (Olfactory) - detecting odors and scents

• Taste (Gustatory) - Interpreting flavors and food textures.

• Touch (Tactile) - feeling textures, pain, temperature, pressure, etc.

• Body awareness (Proprioception) - knowing where your body is in space

• Balance & Movement (Vestibular) - managing balance and motion.

• Internal Sensations (Interoception) - recognizing hunger, thirst, and emotions.

For some children, their brain processes this sensory input differently. This can lead to sensory sensitivities (being over-responsive) or sensory-seeking behaviors (being under-responsive). These differences can impact emotional regulation, attention, and daily participation.

The Bottom-Up Approach: Why sensory processing matters

When children have frequent tantrums, difficulty focusing, or resistance to transitions, it’s tempting to see it as a top-down issue- meaning they just need to be taught how to behave differently. But what if the root cause is actually how their body is experiencing the world?

That’s where the bottom-up approach comes in. Instead of focusing solely on behavior, we look at the foundational sensory and nervous system functions that might be contributing to the challenge.

Take a child who frequently has emotional outbursts. Instead of assuming it’s purely behavioral, we might consider:

• Are they overwhelmed by bright lights or loud noises?

• Are they experiencing discomfort from certain clothing textures?

Addressing sensory needs first can make a huge difference in a child’s ability to self-regulate and engage in learning and social interactions.

What can parents do?

• Observe patterns- notice when and where sensory-related challenges happen.

• Provide sensory breaks - activities like swinging, deep pressure hugs, or fidget tools can help with regulation.

• Consult an Occupational Therapist - if sensory challenges interfere with daily life, an OT can help develop strategies tailored to your child’s needs.

By understanding sensory processing, we can shift from reacting to persistent behaviors to supporting the root cause, helping kids feel more comfortable and confident in their world.