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Sensory differences

Young girl playing with a puzzle and smiling whilst an adult is pointing at a puzzle piece

This page has a series of online learning sessions that have been specifically created to support families learn about sensory differences. Please take your time to watch through each session.

Objectives of the session

  • Have an awareness of the guidance from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists
  • Have an understanding of the sensory systems
  • Have an understanding of the strategies for every day activities to help motivate and build confidence

Sense of body position in space

The 5 senses carry information from the outside world, into the body. Our sense of body position and movement is provided by joints and muscles. Our sense of head position and movement is located in the inner ear. Some children may have difficulties with body awareness, spatial awareness and motor planning. 


What is sensory processing

At each moment a person takes in information from the environment through their senses and within their body and interprets it. How the information is interpreted is unique to an individual. Some children may be oversensitive or under responsive and some may be under responsive in some areas. Factors such as tiredness, emotional response or level of interest also play a role. 


How to stay in the right zone

Staying in the right zone is important for your child to feel alert and calm. Certain situations or times of the day can be unpredictable for a child. For example, the walk to school or lunchtime on the playground. There are things that you can modify and adjust to help your child feel more regulated throughout the day.  


Observe carefully

It's important to look carefully at what your child is doing and what might be driving their behaviour. Your child's behaviour may be because of reinforced habits, copying others or emotional highs and lows. Modifying and adjusting the environment can help your child cope with their sensory processing difficulties.


Going out and about

Going out and about can sometimes be a challenge for children with sensory differences. There are lots of things you can do to help from planning the trip to building their confidence. 


Food and hygiene activities

Your child may find certain activities difficult. This can include feeling confident about food, having their hair cut, sleeping, teeth brushing, bathing and washing. There are lots of different ways to help your child with their sensory differences to feel more confident and calm. 


Useful information


Last reviewed: 19 January, 2024

Still need help?

On average, we would expect it to take time (approximately a term) to try out the strategies and advice given on this page.

If after this time you require further help, please call our advice line on 0300 029 5050 or ask your child's school, nursery or health professional to complete a referral form with you. Try to fully capture your child's needs. The health professional will need send it to us. 

Professionals please visit the Occupational Therapy Service page for referral information.

Information

Who can help

To speak to an occupational therapist for further advice and suggestions to help you to help your child you can call the occupational therapy advice line 0300 029 5050.

Have your say

Please tell us about your recent experience with any of our services by answering a few simple questions. We want to hear about what you felt went well and what you think we could do differently. 

Your voice makes a difference and helps us improve our services for you and other families.

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