Let’s Talk About Sensory Processing

Have you ever wondered why your child covers their ears when it gets noisy, loves spinning in circles over and over, or refuses to wear socks with seams? Maybe you’ve noticed they seek out big hugs and deep pressure—or avoid messy textures like finger paint or certain foods.

These behaviors might seem puzzling at first, but they’re often connected to something called sensory processing—and understanding it can change the way we support and connect with our children.

Let’s walk through what sensory processing is, why it matters, and how we can gently support children who experience the world in their own unique ways.

What Is Sensory Processing?

Sensory processing is how our brains take in and organize information from the world around us. Every second, our senses are working hard—helping us notice sounds, textures, movement, light, smells, pressure, and more.

Most of the time, our brains automatically sort through this information so we can respond in ways that feel comfortable and safe. But for some children, that process looks and feels different.

Their brains might respond more intensely—or not intensely enough—to everyday sensations. This is called sensory processing differences (or sometimes sensory processing disorder, though not every child receives that diagnosis).

It’s not a bad thing. It’s just a different way of processing the world—and it can affect everything from play to learning to how your child feels in their own body.

What Sensory Differences Can Look Like

Sensory processing differences can show up in many ways. Some children are sensory seekers—they crave big movement, loud sounds, or lots of touch. Others are sensory avoiders—they may cover their ears, pull away from hugs, or get overwhelmed in busy spaces.

Some examples might include:

• Auditory sensitivity: Covering ears during loud sounds, like vacuum cleaners or crowded rooms
• Tactile sensitivity: Refusing certain clothes, not liking messy hands, or avoiding hugs
• Movement seeking: Constantly jumping, spinning, crashing into things
• Proprioceptive needs: Loving deep pressure, squeezing into small spaces, or needing lots of input to “feel” where their body is
• Oral sensitivities: Picky eating, chewing on non-food items, or avoiding certain textures

Every child is different, and many children have a mix of seeking and avoiding in different sensory areas.

Why It Matters

When sensory needs aren’t understood, children can be labeled as “difficult,” “picky,” “wild,” or “too sensitive.” But when we look beneath the behavior, we often find a child doing their best to navigate a world that feels too much… or not enough.

Understanding sensory processing helps us shift from frustration to compassion. It allows us to see behavior as communication—and to respond with support instead of correction.

How You Can Support Your Child

The most important thing you can do is observe without judgment. Pay attention to what your child seeks or avoids, and how their behavior changes in different environments.

Here are some gentle ways to help:

• Create sensory-friendly spaces: Think quiet corners, soft lighting, cozy textures, or fidget tools.
• Offer choices: Let your child pick clothes that feel good, foods that feel safe, or how they want to greet people (a wave instead of a hug is okay!).
• Use movement breaks: For kids who need to move, things like jumping, stretching, or pushing a heavy laundry basket can be grounding.
• Honor their needs: If your child covers their ears, offer headphones. If they seek pressure, try weighted blankets or tight hugs (if they enjoy that).
• Partner with an occupational therapist: OTs are trained to assess sensory processing and can create a personalized plan to support your child in daily life.

Your Child Isn’t Too Much or Not Enough

They are simply themselves—a child with their own sensory story, learning to understand and navigate a busy world. And you? You’re doing an incredible job by showing up, learning, and loving them exactly as they are.

Sensory processing is one piece of the puzzle, but with the right understanding and support, it can unlock greater joy, regulation, and connection—for both of you.

You don’t need all the answers. Just a heart open to learning and a willingness to meet your child where they are. And that? That’s already more than enough.