Sensory Superpowers: Navigating and Nurturing Sensory Differences

What Are Sensory Processing Differences?

Sensory processing differences describe ways in which the brain responds atypically to sensory stimuli. These responses can be categorised as:

• Hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness): Sensory input feels overwhelming or painful. For example, sounds may seem unbearably loud, clothing might feel itchy or restrictive, or bright lights can be distressing.

  
  

• Hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness): Sensory input feels muted or unnoticed. Individuals may seek out intense sensations like spinning, crashing, or touching everything around them because they don’t get enough sensory feedback to feel alert or grounded.

  
  

These differences can occur across a variety of senses, including tactile (touch), auditory (sound), visual (sight), proprioceptive (body position), vestibular (balance and movement), gustatory (taste), and olfactory (smell).

How Do Sensory Processing Differences Impact Daily Life?

• Emotional Challenges: Over- or under-responsiveness can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and overwhelm, often resulting in emotional outbursts or withdrawal.

• Behavioural Differences: Sensory-seeking behaviours such as repetitive touching, spinning, or loud vocalisations may be misunderstood, leading to inappropriate responses or disciplinary actions.

• Learning Difficulties: Difficulty in filtering and organising sensory information can impede attention, memory, and academic progress, making classroom learning more challenging.

• Social Difficulties: Sensory sensitivities may cause discomfort in social situations—such as crowded places, noisy parties, or shared activities—leading to avoidance or social withdrawal.

• Self-care Challenges: Tasks like dressing, grooming, eating, and toileting can become hurdles when sensory sensitivities make textures or sensations uncomfortable or intolerable.

  
  

Recognising Sensory Processing Differences

Signs may vary but often include:

• Reacting strongly or avoiding certain sounds, textures, or visuals

• Constantly seeking intense sensory experiences like bouncing or crashing

• Covering ears or squinting at bright lights

• Difficulties with motor coordination, balance, or body awareness

• Not noticing pain, temperature, or hunger cues

• Fidgeting, rocking, or repetitive movements to self-regulate

  
  

Practical Tips for Parents, Educators, and Caregivers

Supporting individuals with sensory processing differences involves creating a responsive environment and using tailored strategies. Here are some practical tips:

Understanding and Using Sensory Diets

A sensory diet is a personalised set of activities designed to provide sensory input that helps an individual regulate and maintain focus. For example:

• Scheduled calm activities, like deep pressure or gentle swinging, can help reduce hyperactivity.

• Movement breaks such as jumping, bouncing, or walking can energise someone who appears sluggish.

• Incorporating tactile activities like playdough, textured fabrics, or finger painting can provide calming or alerting sensory input.

• Using weighted products (blankets, vests) offers calming proprioceptive input, especially before tasks that require focus.

  
  

Tip: Work with an occupational therapist to develop a sensory diet tailored to your child's or student’s needs.

Creating a Sensory-Friendly Environment

• Use soft lighting and reduce background noise.

• Provide noise-canceling headphones or earplugs for sensitive individuals.

• Offer fidget toys, textured materials, or calming visuals to support sensory input when needed.

• Designate quiet zones where the person can retreat if feeling overwhelmed.

  
  

Establish Routine and Predictability

• Consistent daily schedules reduce anxiety linked to unpredictable environments.

• Visual timetables support understanding and provide a sense of control.

  
  

Teach Self-Regulation Strategies

• Encourage breath-awareness, mindfulness, or calming routines.

• Help children recognise early signs of sensory overload and promote methods to self-soothe.

• Use calming activities like squeezing a stress ball, listening to calming music, or engaging in gentle movement.

  
  

Be Patient and Supportive

• Validate feelings and responses—never dismiss sensory sensitivities as behaviour problems.

• Foster understanding among peers by educating about sensory differences.

• Celebrate progress, however small, and provide consistent reassurance.