What is Sensory Processing?

Sensory processing refers to how the brain receives, interprets, and responds to sensory input from the environment. This includes:

• The five traditional senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.
• Proprioceptive sense: Body awareness and movement.
• Vestibular sense: Balance and spatial orientation.

Challenges in Autism and ADHD

For children with neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory processing differences can lead to challenges in daily life.

Children with autism and ADHD may experience sensory processing issues in the following ways:

1. Over-Responsiveness (Hypersensitivity)

• Heightened sensitivity to sensory inputs (e.g., loud noises, bright lights, strong smells).
• Discomfort or distress in environments that others find normal.
• Avoidance of certain textures, sounds, or physical contact.

2. Under-Responsiveness (Hyposensitivity)

• Reduced sensitivity to sensory inputs (e.g., not reacting to pain, not noticing loud noises).
• Difficulty recognizing body position and movement.
• Seeking intense sensory stimulation to feel engaged.
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3. Sensory-Seeking Behaviors

• Actively looking for sensory experiences (e.g., spinning, jumping, touching different textures).
• Engaging in risky behaviors to fulfill sensory needs.
• Challenges with social interactions due to seeking or avoiding sensory input.

These sensory differences can impact daily activities, emotional regulation, learning, and social interactions.

How Can I Help My Kid?

Supporting a child with sensory processing challenges starts with understanding their unique sensory needs. Here are some practical strategies parents can implement:

1. Educate Yourself on Sensory Processing

Understanding how sensory processing affects your child’s behavior can help you respond more effectively. Recognizing that sensory challenges are common in autism and ADHD allows you to offer the right support.

2. Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment

• Reduce overwhelming stimuli at home (e.g., use noise-canceling headphones, dim lighting, or provide quiet spaces).
• Offer a variety of sensory tools, such as fidget toys, weighted blankets, and textured materials.

3. Encourage Sensory Play

• Provide activities that help children explore different textures, sounds, and movements in a controlled manner (e.g., playing with kinetic sand, water play, or using a trampoline).
• Sensory play can help children process sensory information more effectively and improve self-regulation.

4. Teach Coping Strategies

• Help children recognize when they feel overwhelmed and encourage self-soothing techniques like deep breathing or taking breaks.
• Introduce tools like visual schedules, timers, or calming exercises to improve transitions and reduce anxiety.

5. Promote Social Skills Development

• Organize structured social activities where your child can practice social interactions in a safe environment.
• Model appropriate social behaviors and encourage turn-taking, waiting, and listening skills.

6. Seek Professional Support

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), can help children develop coping mechanisms, improve adaptive behaviors and regulate sensory responses. ABA uses evidence-based techniques such as reinforcement, modeling, and structured routines to teach children how to respond appropriately to sensory inputs. For example, through systematic desensitization, ABA can help a child gradually tolerate certain textures or noises. Therapists work closely with parents to create individualized strategies that support a child’s sensory needs while encouraging independence and self-regulation.

Conclusion

Understanding and addressing sensory processing differences in children with autism and ADHD can significantly improve their quality of life. By creating a supportive environment, encouraging sensory-friendly activities, and seeking professional guidance when needed, parents can help their children navigate sensory challenges more effectively.

By implementing these strategies and staying informed, parents can play a vital role in helping their children thrive despite sensory processing challenges. If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it with other parents or caregivers who might benefit from these insights!

Sources:

Deepak Vignesh, Raj. S., Umaiorubagam, G. S., & Sandeep, R. S. (2024). Sensory processing and social participation in children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. JOURNAL OF ASSOCIATED MEDICAL SCIENCES (Online), 58(1), 124–136. https://doi.org/10.12982/jams.2025.014

Camino-Alarcón, J., Robles-Bello, M. A., Valencia-Naranjo, N., & Sarani-Robles, A. (2024). A Systematic Review of Treatment for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Sensory Processing and Sensory Integration Approach. Children (Basel). https://doi.org/10.3390/children11101222

Bukva, A. (2023). Sensory processing in children with autism- a scoping review. https://doi.org/10.59519/mper5206