Understanding Sensory Difficulties in
Children & Young People
Our life is full of sensory experiences. We all respond to sensory information in different ways. We touch, move, see, hear, taste and smell and everybody experiences the world around them in different ways. Sometimes how our brain understands information from our senses can make it difficult to join in with every day activities.
This page contains some helpful resources to better understand your child or young person's sensory needs and preferences and how best you can support them.
Understanding Sensory Difficulties in Children & Young People
What is sensory processing?
Typical sensory processing pathway
Sensory processing difficulties
Examples of different sensory preferences (over-sensitivity and under-sensitivity)
What are the 8 senses?
Investigating sensory hurdles
Further resources
Read or download below:
Understanding Sensory Difficulties in Children & YP - FINAL.pdfCalming & Regulating Sensory Activities
The Benefits of Proprioceptive Sensory Activities
Heavy work
Classroom Heavy Work Suggestions
Home Heavy Work Suggestions
Chewing and Sucking Heavy Work Activities
Tactile (touch) Calming Sensory Activities
General Activities that have a calming effect
Calming environment
When to do proprioceptive activities
Read or download below:
Calming & Regulating Sensory Activities - FINAL .pdfAlerting Sensory Activities
Explanation of alerting activities
Deep Pressure / Light Pressure touch
Fast Movement
Oral Motor Activities
Stimulating Environments
Read or download below:
Altering Activities - FINAL .pdf