Sensory processing

In people with sensory processing difficulties, the brain may struggle to process information from the senses, which affects the way people react to stimuli. You may hear professionals talk about people as being ‘dysregulated’ when they are struggling with sensory difficulties. 

People who are over-reactive will tend to become quickly overwhelmed by sensory information. For example, they may find loud noises or busy, crowded places very tricky and quickly become stressed and upset. This can be particularly hard for children and young people as they try to navigate busy classrooms and noisy playgrounds and, in some cases, it can eventually lead to them trying to avoid school as they feel so overwhelmed. 

On the other hand, people who are under-reactive may need extra stimulation to help them feel regulated, so they may seek out sound by making noises themselves or playing loud music, for example.  

It is important to recognise that many people with sensory processing difficulties will be a mix of under- and over-reactive to different things and at different times. So, for example, someone may be extremely sensitive to smells that most people don’t notice, but under-sensitive to movement, which means they are always ‘on the go’ – jumping, spinning or bouncing as they try to give their body the extra feedback it needs. Again, for some children and young people this can be tricky at school, as a child may be seen as ‘fidgety’ or ‘disruptive’ because they find it harder to sit still in the classroom. 

Co-occuring conditions

People with sensory processing differences may have other co-occurring conditions such as autism and/or ADHD. Some people may also have difficulties recognising and regulating their emotions, which can affect their mental health. 

On a day-to-day basis sensory processing differences can also be influenced by other factors such as sleep, stress levels and physical and mental health, as at times when someone is not feeling their best it can be harder to self-regulate.  

Brighton and Hove and East Sussex occupational therapy services have universal resources available online to support families initially, including videos and strategies that can be used to help children and young people at home. They also have resources such as sensory circuits for schools to build into the school day to support children with their sensory regulation. 

Sensory processing difficulties can also be supported with sensory integration therapy. This is usually offered privately by occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and physiotherapists who hold post-graduate qualifications in sensory integration, so it can be expensive.  

If further support is required after trying the resources above and a referral to the occupational therapy service is needed, in Brighton & Hove this can be made by a professional working with the child or young person.  

In East Sussex families can contact Therapy One Point on 0300 123 2650 to discuss their concerns.  

Amaze runs parent support groups across Brighton & Hove and East Sussex, which you may find helpful to come along to. Some of these groups have a neurodevelopmental focus. If it is tricky to attend groups in person, we also have online groups that parents can join. Visit our parent groups and befriending page or see our calendar of events.

You can find a number of online parent support groups for families of children with sensory processing differences. Go to Facebook and search for ‘sensory processing UK.’