Yes—finger plays, clapping games, and dance routines that use hand gestures all help. Combine rhythm and repetition for deeper learning.
Send home simple activity ideas, kits, or worksheets. Offer short instructions and encourage family involvement. Regular practice builds lasting progress.
Try origami, sticker scenes, stringing pasta, or painting with Q-tips. Crafts that use small pieces build precision and control.
Sensory disorders can significantly affect how individuals interact with the world around them. From the soft touch of a shirt tag to the sound of a school bell, these everyday sensations can feel drastically different—either overwhelming or barely noticeable—for someone with a sensory disorder. This guide explores the different types of sensory disorders, their patterns, and how they may appear in children and adults.
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Sensory disorders refer to conditions where the brain has difficulty processing and responding appropriately to information from the senses. While often associated with autism, sensory disorders can also occur on their own. Individuals with these challenges may overreact, underreact, or crave specific sensory inputs. These reactions aren’t just quirks—they reflect differences in how the nervous system interprets stimuli.
There are eight sensory systems affected by sensory disorders:
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Experts typically group sensory processing disorders into three primary patterns, each with its own subtypes.
This pattern relates to how the brain regulates sensory input. Individuals may respond too much, too little, or crave input excessively.
Children with SOR may feel overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or unexpected touch. Their response might include covering their ears, avoiding crowded areas, or melting down in overstimulating environments.
Those with SUR may appear passive or “in their own world.” They might not react to pain, extreme temperatures, or even their name being called.
Also known as seekers, these individuals actively pursue intense sensory input. They might constantly jump, crash, spin, or touch everything in sight.
This type impacts how the body uses sensory information to move, coordinate, and plan actions.
People with this subtype struggle with body stability. They may slump when sitting, have trouble balancing, or tire quickly during physical activity.
Dyspraxia affects one’s ability to plan and execute new movements. A child with dyspraxia might find it hard to learn how to ride a bike, button a shirt, or play sports, often appearing clumsy or hesitant.
This type involves difficulty interpreting subtle differences between sensory inputs. Children with SDD may confuse similar sounds (like “bat” and “pat”), struggle to identify objects by touch alone, or have trouble distinguishing motion direction.
Each sense can be affected:
Sensory challenges may become noticeable in early childhood. Some children refuse certain clothing textures, avoid playgrounds, or overreact to sounds. Others may be constantly on the move, bump into things, or chew on objects. These behaviors often reflect a child’s attempt to regulate their sensory input.
Sensory disorders don’t always disappear with age. Undiagnosed adults may struggle with crowds, bright lights, or strong odors. Daily tasks like grocery shopping or attending events can become stressful. These individuals might describe feeling easily overwhelmed or fatigued in busy environments.
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Though SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder) is not a standalone diagnosis in the DSM-5, its symptoms are recognized within other conditions—particularly autism and ADHD. However, sensory differences can occur without any other diagnosis.
It's important to avoid confusing SPD with sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), which involves deep sensory awareness without the functional challenges seen in SPD.
The exact causes remain unclear. Some studies point to genetics, prenatal complications, or environmental influences. While not caused by autism, SPD often co-occurs with it. Brain imaging studies show differences in sensory pathways in children with SPD compared to typically developing peers.
The most effective treatment for sensory disorders is occupational therapy with sensory integration (OTSI). A therapist guides the individual through playful, goal-oriented activities that challenge the sensory systems in a safe and structured way. Over time, this helps the brain respond more adaptively to input.
Other strategies include:
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Some children do outgrow certain sensitivities as their nervous system matures. Others may continue to experience challenges but learn effective coping strategies. Early intervention, especially through occupational therapy, greatly improves outcomes.
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Sensory disorders are not signs of poor behavior or parenting. They are genuine neurological differences that affect how people experience the world. With the right support, children and adults with sensory challenges can thrive.
Understanding these patterns—whether someone is overwhelmed by sound or can’t sit still without crashing into something—helps us shift from confusion to compassion. Every behavior is a form of communication, and every sense tells a story.
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