Sensory processing is the nervous system's capacity to receive, register and interpret information from the senses. In children with atypical sensory processing, the nervous system processes sensory information differently — sometimes detecting it at much higher intensity than reality (hypersensitivity), sometimes requiring much more stimulation to register it (hyposensitivity).
Neurodevelopment
Atypical sensory processing: a guide for families of hyper or hyposensitive children
The eight sensory systems: more than five senses
| System | Function | Common atypical manifestation |
|---|---|---|
| Tactile | Processes touch, pressure, temperature | Rejection of textures, clothing labels, unexpected physical contact |
| Auditory | Processes sound, volume, frequency | Shutdown at sudden noises, noisy environments |
| Visual | Processes light, colour, movement | Discomfort with fluorescent lights, visual overstimulation |
| Vestibular | Processes movement and balance | Easy motion sickness or, conversely, excessive movement-seeking |
| Proprioceptive | Informs about body position and movement | Grips strongly, pushes, difficulty regulating force |
| Interoceptive | Detects internal signals (hunger, thirst, tiredness) | Difficulty recognising own bodily needs |
Hypersensitivity vs. hyposensitivity
Atypical sensory processing can manifest at both extremes: the hypersensitive child is "overwhelmed" by stimuli others barely notice (avoids textures, sounds, lights) while the hyposensitive child needs much more stimulation to register the stimulus, actively seeking intense sensations (touches everything, grabs hard, moves constantly). The same child can be hypersensitive in some systems and hyposensitive in others.
Sensory processing in ADHD, ASD and anxiety
The DSM-5 includes "hyper or hyporeactivity to sensory input" as a diagnostic criterion for ASD (Criterion B4). An estimated 70-90% of people with ASD show atypical sensory processing. In ADHD, difficulty filtering irrelevant stimuli is a common mechanism. In anxiety, chronic nervous system activation increases sensory sensitivity, creating a vicious cycle between anxiety and hypersensitivity.
Intervention: sensory integration therapy and environmental strategies
Sensory Integration Therapy (A. Jean Ayres) is the most evaluated specific intervention. Complementary strategies include: sensory diet (programmed sensory activities throughout the day), environmental modifications (headphones, warm lighting, seamless clothing, accessible calm spaces) and preparation and predictability before sensorially demanding situations.
Frequently asked questions
Food selectivity may have sensory components (texture, smell, temperature, food colour) but also behavioural or emotional ones. If the selectivity is very pronounced (fewer than 20 accepted foods), affects nutrition or causes significant conflicts at mealtimes, assessment by an occupational therapist specialising in sensory integration is recommended.
The occupational therapist specialising in sensory integration is the reference professional. They use standardised tools such as the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) or Short Sensory Profile (SSP), complemented by clinical observation and information from parents and teachers.
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