Making sense of sensory sensitivities

Some children have difficulty processing and responding to information from their senses. This includes sight, sound, taste, touch, smell, proprioception (body awareness) and vestibular (movement) input.

Signs of sensitivities:

• Seeking sensations (touching, smelling or licking textures, closely watching moving objects, difficulty sitting still)
• Reacting to sensations (becoming upset when touched, easily distracted by noise/light, picky with food textures and smells)
• Under responding to sensations (appearing to ‘tune out’, low response to sound/touch, poor pain perception)

Sensory seeking versus sensory sensitive

When to refer:

Refer to an Occupational Therapist when a child’s sensory sensitivities interfere with everyday routines or engagement in learning. Early referral is key to improving functional, social and academic outcomes.

Where and how to refer

Further information about sensory sensitivities

Making sense of your child’s senses – handout