Sensory & motor development
Sensory Processing and Sensory Integration Guide
Sensory processing is how the brain notices, organizes and responds to information from the body and the world. Some children respond much more strongly, much less strongly, or in more seeking ways than their peers — and when that affects daily life, it is often described as sensory processing difficulty or sensory processing disorder.
Last reviewed · Educational information only
The eight sensory systems
Most of us learn about five senses, but therapists consider at least eight:
Visual (sight)
Light, color, movement and visual clutter.
Auditory (hearing)
Volume, pitch, background noise and unexpected sounds.
Tactile (touch)
Textures, light touch, temperature and pain.
Olfactory (smell)
Food, perfume, cleaning products and body odors.
Gustatory (taste)
Flavors and food textures, closely linked to feeding.
Vestibular (movement & balance)
Sensed in the inner ear — head position, speed and direction.
Proprioception (body position)
Sensed through muscles and joints — where the body is and how much force to use.
Interoception (internal signals)
Hunger, thirst, needing the bathroom, heart rate and emotions.
Patterns of sensory responses
| Pattern | What you might see | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Over-responsive (hyper-reactive) | Strong or fast reactions to ordinary input | Covers ears at the hand dryer; distressed by sock seams |
| Under-responsive (hypo-reactive) | Slow to notice input, may seem tired or unaware | Doesn't notice a runny nose or name being called |
| Sensory seeking | Actively looks for intense input | Crashes into furniture, chews clothing, spins often |
| Sensory-based motor difficulty | Poor balance, posture or motor planning linked to sensory processing | Slumps at the desk, tires quickly, clumsy |
Many children show a mix — for example over-responsive to sound but seeking movement. Patterns can change with tiredness, stress, illness and environment.
Is sensory processing disorder a diagnosis?
Sensory processing disorder is not listed as a separate diagnosis in the DSM-5-TR, the manual commonly used for psychiatric diagnoses in the US. Sensory differences are, however, part of the diagnostic criteria for autism, and they are common in children with ADHD, anxiety and other conditions. Occupational therapists assess and treat sensory processing difficulties based on how they affect daily function.
Because sensory responses overlap with other conditions, see our guides on sensory differences and autism and ADHD and sensory overlap.
Regulation strategies that often help
Calming input
- Heavy work: carrying groceries, pushing a laundry basket, wall push-ups
- Deep pressure: firm hugs (if welcomed), rolling under a cushion
- Slow, rhythmic movement such as rocking
- A quiet, dim retreat space
- Noise-reducing headphones for loud events
Alerting input
- Quick movement breaks — jumping, dancing, running errands
- Crunchy or cold snacks
- Bright, engaging visuals for tasks
Predictability
- Visual schedules and warnings before transitions
- Previewing new places with photos
- Choices about clothing and food textures within limits
These strategies can be organized into a daily plan — read our sensory diet guide.
Frequently asked questions
Will my child grow out of sensory sensitivities?
Some children's responses become easier to manage as their nervous system matures and they learn coping strategies. Others continue to have sensory preferences into adulthood, which can be accommodated.
Who evaluates sensory processing?
Occupational therapists usually evaluate sensory processing, often using caregiver questionnaires and observation. See <a href='/assessments.php'>pediatric assessments</a>.
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