Quick Pattern Descriptions
Below are quick descriptions of each of the six patterns of sensory processing. Click on any description header for more information about that particular pattern of sensory processing and some ideas of how to address it. Children can display different patterns at different times, so make sure to click on all that apply.
A child with sensory over-responsivity might not be able to filter out excess stimulation from the environment. The child might see, hear, smell, taste, touch/feel, or generally sense stimulation as intense, overwhelming, or too much.
A child with sensory under-responsivity might not be able to detect or be slow to detect stimulation from the environment. The child might not see, hear, smell, taste, touch/feel, or generally sense stimulation in amounts that others typically do. Stimulation might be faint, underwhelming, too little, or too slow for the child to respond.
A child who is sensory seeking/craving might not feel stimulation from the environment with as much intensity as other people do. The child might see, hear, smell, taste, touch/feel, or generally sense stimulation as never being enough.
A child with sensory discrimination disorder might struggle to determine the size, shape, texture, temperature, quality, location, or intensity of stimulation from the environment. The child might see, hear, smell, taste, touch/feel, or generally sense stimulation as confusing or opposite from the way others typically do.
A child with postural disorder might struggle to maintain body posture needed to complete daily activities. The child might have poor core stability or low muscle tone.
Praxis means motor planning, so dyspraxia is a problem with motor planning. A child with dyspraxia might struggle with planning new motor tasks, sequencing the steps in a task, or executing the plan.