Have you seen a child refuse to enter a room because it's too bright or close their ears to a sound that seems normal to us, or be highly picky about the food they eat? This behavior, which usually stems from sensory issues, is often disregarded and misinterpreted as the child being fussy or stubborn.
Every child experiences the world through their senses sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, and movement. However, some interpret these senses in different ways. What may feel “normal” to one child might feel overwhelming or even painful to another.
What are Sensory Processing Issues?
Children who struggle with sensory processing difficulties find it difficult to process information from their senses, such as sound and sight. They are either overstimulated or understimulated. Proprioception, or bodily awareness, and vestibular sense, which includes movement, balance, and coordination, are two other, less well-known senses that may be impacted in addition to these common ones.(Jarocha, 2025)
Sensory Processing Issues manifest in two ways either as ‘hyper-sensitive’- aversive to loud noises, crowded places, rough textures of clothes, strong smells and/ or textures and tastes of foods. On the other hand, ‘Hypo-sensitive’ children may actively seek strong sensations like deep pressure, chewing on toys , may have high pain tolerance and/ or require constant movement. Sometimes there is a manifestation of both hyper and hypo sensitivity.
Misconceptions about Sensory Processing Issues:
Sensory processing issues are often overlooked and ignored or are given too little importance due to lack of awareness or certain misconceptions regarding it. A few of the misconceptions are:
- Children with sensory issues are merely overreacting
FACT- Children with sensory issues may have meltdowns or throw tantrums, simply because of the sensory overload or because it is painful and unbearable. Sometimes the unawareness of what’s happening to them may push them to escape the place or act.
2. Sensory Processing Issues isn’t a thing.
FACT- Sensory issues are not often recognized due to lack of a formal diagnosis and treatment. But increasing Occupational therapists are able to suggest interventions to manage these issues.
3. All Children diagnosed with ASD have sensory issues.
FACT- Sensory Processing Issues is just a symptom of ASD that may be prevalent in a few children and not present for every child with ASD. It can also be comorbid with other disorders like ADHD and others.
4. Children with sensory issues need to toughen up.
FACT- The intensity of sensory processing issues are often underestimated and are looked at as easy to cope with. However in reality, children facing these issues need a little extra support at home, in schools to help them regulate better.
Children with sensory processing issues may find their surroundings overwhelming and may withdraw socially. We as parents, shadow teachers, remedial teachers and caregivers can respond with patience and empathy and create inclusivity. Together we can help individuals with sensory issues navigate and manage life and help them thrive .
References:
Jarocha, T. (2025, February 13). Quick guide to sensory processing issues. Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/guide/quick-guide-to-sensory-processing-issues/#:~:text=processing%20issues%20treated?-,What%20are%20sensory%20processing%20issues?,kids%20with%20no%20other%20diagnosis.
John. (2024, November 2). The top 5 myths about sensory Processing Disorder. Blue Wing Care Professionals. https://www.bluewing.care/the-top-5-myths-about-sensory-processing-disorder/#:~:text=Fact:%20SPD%20is%20not%20limited,Always%20Struggle%20with%20Daily%20Activities
Morin, A. (2024, April 3). 8 common myths about sensory processing challenges. Understood. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/sensory-processing-challenges-common-myths