Understanding Sensory Processing for Children & Adults

We experience the world through our senses – sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell, and movement. For most people, these senses work together seamlessly in the background. But for others, sensory information can feel too much, too little, or just different. This is called sensory processing, and it affects how we respond, interact, and participate in daily life.

As an occupational therapist, I see firsthand how sensory differences can impact both children and adults – and how understanding these differences can lead to better strategies, more comfort, and greater independence.

Keep reading to learn more…

What is Sensory Processing?

Sensory processing is the way the brain receives, organises, and responds to information from the senses. It’s not just about the five senses we learned about in school – we actually have eight sensory systems:

1. Sight (Visual) – what we see

2. Hearing (Auditory) – what we hear

3. Smell (Olfactory) – what we smell

4. Taste (Gustatory) – what we taste

5. Touch (Tactile) – what we feel on our skin

6. Movement (Vestibular) – our sense of balance and spatial orientation

7. Body Awareness (Proprioception) – knowing where our body is and how it’s moving

8. Internal Body Signals (Interoception) – noticing internal cues like hunger, thirst, or needing the toilet

   
   

When sensory processing is working smoothly, we can focus, learn, and interact with our environment without much thought. But when it’s out of sync, it can lead to discomfort, anxiety, or difficulties in daily activities.

How Sensory Differences Show Up

Sensory processing differences can affect people in different ways. Some people are:

• Sensory seekers – craving more input (e.g., fidgeting, touching everything, seeking movement)

• Sensory avoiders – becoming overwhelmed by certain input (e.g., covering ears in noisy places, avoiding bright lights)

• Sensory sensitive – reacting strongly to even small amounts of input (e.g., discomfort with clothing tags or certain food textures)

• Low registration – missing cues others notice (e.g., not realising someone is calling their name, not noticing temperature changes)

  
  

Sensory Processing in Children

For children, sensory processing differences can show up in:

• Difficulty sitting still or paying attention in class

• Emotional meltdowns in noisy or busy environments

• Refusal to wear certain clothes or eat certain foods

• Constant movement or rough play

• Trouble with transitions or changes in routine

  
  

Supporting children means creating sensory-friendly environments and giving them tools for regulation – such as movement breaks, sensory toys, quiet spaces, and predictable routines.

Sensory Processing in Adults

Sensory needs don’t disappear with age – many adults continue to experience sensory differences, sometimes without realising it.Common signs in adults include:

• Feeling drained after busy or noisy environments

• Difficulty focusing in open-plan offices

• Preferring certain textures in clothing or bedding

• Sensory seeking activities like exercise, music, or hobbies involving touch or movement

• Using strategies like sunglasses indoors or noise-cancelling headphones to cope

  
  

Understanding your sensory profile as an adult can improve self-care, workplace productivity, and emotional wellbeing.

Occupational Therapy Strategies

An occupational therapist can help by:

• Assessing sensory preferences and triggers through structured observation and questionnaires

• Recommending sensory diets – planned activities that provide the right amount of input to stay regulated

• Suggesting environmental modifications (e.g., lighting changes, seating arrangements, noise reduction)

• Teaching self-regulation strategies for different situations

• Supporting parents, teachers, and employers to create inclusive spaces

  
  

Final Thoughts

Sensory processing is part of what makes us who we are – it influences our comfort, focus, and enjoyment of life.

By understanding and respecting sensory needs, we can reduce overwhelm, increase participation, and help both children and adults thrive in their everyday environments.

If you or your child experiences challenges that may be linked to sensory processing, an occupational therapy assessment can provide insight and practical strategies tailored to your needs.

Feeling like you would like more support in this area? Feel free to get in touch.

📧 Get in touch: admin@theotguru.com.au🌐 Visit: www.theotguru.com.au

About the Author: Carla is the Founder and Director of The OT Guru, an occupational therapy practice dedicated to helping individuals of all ages live with greater independence, confidence, and purpose. With over 7 years of experience working across paediatrics, mental health, and disability services, Carla is passionate about translating evidence-based therapy into real-world outcomes.

She leads a team of like-minded therapists who believe in compassionate care, empowering families, and supporting people through every season of life. When she's not with clients, you’ll find her brainstorming with the team, spending time with her family or sipping coffee with a notebook full of new ideas.