Sensory Differences

Neurodiversity Hub Wirral

Types of Sensory Difficulties

Over-Sensitive (Hypersensitive)

These CYP are easily overwhelmed by sensory input. They may: 

  • Dislike messy play or physical contact 

  • Avoid loud noises 

  • Avoid bright lights 

  • Stay away from playground equipment like swings or slides 

  • Refuse certain foods based on texture, colour, or temperature 

  • Avoid strong smells 

Possible behaviours: 

  • Low pain tolerance 

  • Clumsy movements 

  • Withdrawal from activities 

  • Confusion or discomfort 

  • Fleeing without concern for safety 

  • Covering eyes or ears 

  • Picky eating 

These CYP may appear to be avoiding activities. They struggle to filter sensory input and may feel overloaded, which can cause distress

Sensory Differences

Children and young people (CYP) with sensory processing differences may struggle to understand what’s happening inside and outside their bodies. They may avoid experiences that help them learn about themselves and their environment. 

If their sensory needs are not supported, this can lead to: 

  • Avoidance 

  • Withdrawal 

  • Inattention 

  • Behaviour that challenges 

Under-Sensitive (Hyposensitive)

These CYP need more sensory input to feel engaged. They may: 

  • Show little fear or pain 

  • Seek movement or touch (fidgeting, rocking, jumping) 

  • Mouth or chew objects 

  • Seem distracted or unresponsive 

  • Appear over-excited or low in energy 

Possible behaviours: 

  • High pain tolerance 

  • Bumping into walls or people 

  • Touching everything 

  • Putting objects in their mouth 

  • Giving strong hugs 

  • Crashing into things 

These CYP crave sensory feedback. They may seem hyperactive, but they are trying to feel “just right.” If they don’t get enough input, they may lose focus or seem inattentive.

Mixed Sensitivity

Many CYP experience both hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity. For example: 

  • Over-sensitive to light but under-sensitive to sound 

  • Dislike light touch but crave deep-pressure hugs 

Sensitivity can also change over time or in different situations. 

Synaesthesia

Synaesthesia is a rare condition. Some autistic people experience one sense through another. For example, they might: 

  • Hear a sound and see it as a colour 

  • “Hear” the colour blue

  • Impact of Sensory Integration Difficulties

    Sensory challenges can lead to delays in: 

    • Postural control 

    • Hand-eye coordination 

    • Spatial awareness 

    • Visual perception 

    • Attention and concentration 

    • Learning 

    • Self-esteem (which affects social and emotional wellbeing) 

    Without good sensory discrimination, CYP may struggle to: 

    • Tell the difference between soft and hard 

    • Judge hot and cold 

    • Know how hard to push or pull 

    • Taste food properly 

    • Judge distances between themselves and others 

    These difficulties often show up in behaviour.

  • Higher-Level Impacts

    Sensory integration problems can affect: 

    • Social participation

    • Praxis (the ability to plan and organise movement) 

    Some people have sensory preferences that don’t affect daily life. For example, a child may dislike a certain smell or texture but still take part in everyday activities. These preferences make us unique. 

    However, for others, sensory processing difficulties affect how they: 

    • Feel 

    • Think 

    • Behave 

    • Respond 

    This can impact: 

    • Play 

    • School 

    • Self-care 

    • Learning 

    • Relationships

  • Areas Affected by Sensory Processing Difficulties

    • Attention

    • Emotional stability

    • Social communication and participation

    • Self-regulation (e.g. eating, toileting, sleep) 

    • Motor skills (e.g. dressing, handwriting, using scissors, sports)