When it comes to sensory disorders every child is unique in their own way.

Human beings are amazing creatures! Did you know that we receive signals through our senses? Then we perceive them, and lastly, we categorize those things, so, whatever we see, touch, hear, taste, and smell, will have its own space in our brains.

But what happens when someone has a sensory disorder (sensory processing differences), and their brain receives or organizes these signals differently? Everyday sights, sounds and textures can feel like too much, or not enough. This can make it harder to work out what is going on, and it can affect how they interact with others, their relationships and their behavior, which is often their way of telling us that something feels wrong. 

Now imagine what a child goes through when they have a sensory processing disorder. Some children find it very hard to regulate their emotions when their senses are overwhelmed. Their self-esteem may suffer, and learning at school (and even at home) can feel much harder.

What are the types of sensory disorders

Typically, we humans perceive the environment we are in through five senses: touch, sight, taste, smell, and sound. The types of sensory disorders involve each one of those senses. In addition, occupational therapists have added three other kinds of senses, which are:

• Interoception is the ability to identify what is going on inside of one’s body. So, a child can understand when they are feeling hungry, cold, etc.
• Body position is also referred to as the proprioceptive sense (and other times referred to as kinaesthesia), is the ability to perceive one’s movement and body position. 
• Movement is also referred to as the vestibular sense and is the ability to have a bodily balance and spatial orientation.

How could children be identical and unique when they have a sensory disorder?

Think about it this way: there are eight types of senses, and they all have the same meaning behind them; so, if two children both have a sensory difference that affects their sense of smell, they share a similar trait.

On the other hand, they are also unique in their own way because one child may be very sensitive to the smell of citrus fruits, while the other may barely notice sweet smells. They have something in common, but each child’s experience is their own.

For example, some children become very distressed when they hear something loud, and this can affect the rest of their day. Other children can’t wear certain fabrics or clothing because they feel painful or uncomfortable. And some children are sensitive to the texture of certain foods.

How you can help

Start with the environment rather than asking your child to put up with discomfort. Notice what seems to overwhelm or calm them, and treat their reactions as information about what their senses are telling them. Simple changes can make a big difference: noise-reducing headphones, tagless or soft clothing, a quiet corner to retreat to, and letting your child explore new foods at their own pace. An occupational therapist can also help you understand your child’s sensory profile and build a plan that suits them. 

Lastly

Sensory disorders offer a valuable glimpse into how the mind, body, and soul of children (and adults alike!) work. They also show us how each one of us is unique in our own ways, even if we have the same condition as someone else.

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