As parents, it’s natural to want your child to engage with the world confidently and comfortably. However, in a society filled with constant noise, information, and sensory overload, children—especially neurodivergent ones—may struggle with processing sensory information in a way that feels overwhelming or uncomfortable.
If your child has ever seemed easily startled, sensitive to bright lights, or even completely withdrawn in certain environments, they might be experiencing sensory sensitivities. The good news? By understanding how your child processes sensory information, you can create a more supportive environment that allows them to thrive.
Hypo & Hyper Sensory Sensitivity
Through our senses—sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste—we interact with the world, creating a rich tapestry of experiences. But how each of us processes these sensory inputs varies. Some children might have heightened sensitivity to sensory input (hypersensitivity), while others might under-respond to sensory information (hyposensitivity), which can lead to a unique set of challenges in their day-to-day lives.
These differences in sensory processing can impact everything from school to social interactions and even how they feel at home. Let’s dive deeper into how sensory sensitivity shows up in children and how you, as a parent, can help manage it.
The Eight Senses & Sensory Processing
We’re all familiar with the five senses:
- Sight (Visual)
- Touch (Tactile)
- Smell (Olfactory)
- Taste (Gustatory)
- Sound (Auditory)
However, there are three additional internal senses that play a huge role in how children experience the world:
- Proprioception (body and spatial awareness)
- Interoception (internal body awareness, like hunger or pain)
- Vestibular (balance and movement)
Each of these senses can be impacted in different ways. Now, let’s take a closer look at how sensory sensitivity may show up in your child and how you can support them.
Hypersensitivity: Over-Responsiveness to Sensory Input
For children who are hypersensitive, even everyday sensory experiences can feel overwhelming. A loud noise, a certain texture of clothing, or the bright lights in a classroom may trigger a distress response, leaving them feeling overstimulated or upset.
Signs your child may be hypersensitive:
- Visual: Discomfort with bright lights or too much visual stimulation; a preference for dim lighting or dark spaces.
- Sound: Easily startled by loud noises, uncomfortable with background sounds like humming or people talking.
- Smell: Discomfort with strong scents, avoiding certain smells like perfumes or food.
- Taste: Sensitivity to food textures, preferring certain flavors or avoiding others.
- Touch: Discomfort with certain fabrics or textures, or even light touch that may feel too intense.
- Vestibular: Sensitivity to movement, such as dizziness or nausea on swings or while spinning.
- Proprioception: Difficulty with body awareness, avoiding certain physical activities like running or jumping.
- Interoception: Over-sensitivity to internal sensations, like hunger or pain, which can feel overwhelming.
How to help your hypersensitive child:
- Create a calming environment: Use soft lighting, noise-canceling headphones, or a quiet space where your child can retreat when overwhelmed.
- Sensory tools: Weighted blankets, fidget toys, or soft fabrics can help calm their nervous system.
- Routine breaks: Make space for regular breaks to help them self-regulate before things get too overwhelming.
Hyposensitivity: Under-Responsiveness to Sensory Input
On the flip side, some children may not register sensory input as intensely as others. This can lead them to seek out stronger sensations to feel more engaged, which might look like touching everything in sight, seeking out loud noises, or constantly moving.
Signs your child may be hyposensitive:
- Visual: Difficulty noticing small details or poor depth perception; may not notice objects or changes in their environment.
- Sound: Prefers loud environments or may not respond to their name being called.
- Smell: Seeks out strong scents or doesn’t react to unpleasant smells.
- Taste: Enjoys intense flavors and textures, preferring crunchy or chewy foods.
- Touch: Enjoys rough play or seeks tight hugs, may not notice pain or temperature changes.
- Vestibular: Constant movement; may seek out activities like spinning or swinging for stimulation.
- Proprioception: Frequently bumps into things or seeks physical play; may engage in roughhousing.
- Interoception: Has difficulty sensing internal cues like hunger or the need to use the restroom.
How to help your hyposensitive child:
- Increase sensory input: Provide more tactile sensations through activities like squeezing, swinging, or using weighted blankets.
- Encourage movement: Activities like jumping, climbing, or bouncing on a trampoline can help meet their need for sensory input.
- Sensory play: Engage them in activities that stimulate the senses—such as playing with textured materials, colored lights, or different smells.
Sensory Overload: When It Becomes Too Much
Children with sensory sensitivities may be prone to sensory overload, which happens when they’re exposed to too much sensory information at once. Overload can cause a range of responses—from meltdowns to withdrawal or shutdowns.
Signs of sensory overload include:
- Increased irritability or restlessness
- Difficulty focusing or completing tasks
- Heightened sensory behaviors, like stimming (hand-flapping, rocking) or an urgent need to escape the situation
How to help during sensory overload:
- Recognize the triggers: Be proactive in identifying the situations or environments that lead to sensory overload, and try to minimize exposure when possible.
- Create a calming space: Set up a safe, quiet area where your child can retreat to calm down. This could include a cozy corner with soft pillows, calming music, or soothing activities like deep breathing exercises.
- Grounding techniques: Encourage your child to use calming techniques, such as deep pressure or slow, deliberate movements, to help them regain control.
Honoring Sensory Needs
Every child has a unique sensory profile that shapes how they interact with the world. By understanding your child’s sensory sensitivities, you can make small adjustments to their environment and daily routines to help them navigate life with greater ease and confidence.
Final Thoughts
Supporting your child’s sensory needs is an ongoing process, but by paying attention to the signs and providing the right tools and strategies, you can help them thrive. Whether your child is hypersensitive or hyposensitive, understanding their sensory experiences will not only improve their comfort but also help them build self-awareness and self-regulation skills.
If you’re looking for personalized guidance on how to support your child’s sensory needs, we’re here to help. Book a session today at Mind Station Coaching to explore strategies for sensory regulation and create a supportive environment where your child can truly flourish.