Understanding Sensory Sensitivities: Making Life a More Comforting Place for Your Child

18/06/2025

In today’s world, as children are exposed to screens, sounds, light, and activity around the clock, it can be all too easy to overlook the impact of sensory input on their physical and emotional well-being. 

For some children with sensory sensitivity, the environments in which they spend most of their day can seem chaotic, overwhelming, or even distressing. As a parent, being able to identify these sensitivities and adjust your home and your routines can be a game-changer not only for your child, but for your entire family.

What Are Sensory Sensitivities?

Sensory sensitivities are the way an individual perceives and reacts to sensory input—anything that is perceived by the five senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell), plus two others: proprioception (body awareness) and vestibular (balance and movement). 

Sensory sensitivities are typical in children with neurodevelopmental differences like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Still, they can also occur in children without a formal diagnosis.

There are usually two patterns of sensory sensitivity:

• Hypersensitivity (Over-Responsiveness): The child is over-sensitive to sensory input compared to others. They may find certain sounds unbearable, be upset by scratchy fabrics, or avoid busy or brightly lit places.

• Hyposensitivity (Under-Responsiveness): The child does not appear to notice or react to stimuli that others do. They might look for intense input, like spinning, jumping, or crashing into things, to meet their sensory needs.

A child may have a combination of both, which can vary from one sensory system to another. For instance, a child may be hyposensitive to touch but hypersensitive to sound.

Signs and Symptoms of Sensory Sensitivities

Sensory sensitivities often manifest through behavioural changes. Since children often lack the language to describe what they're feeling, their distress may manifest as avoidance, meltdowns, irritability, or withdrawal.

Following are some typical signs of sensory sensitivities:

Touch (Tactile Sensitivity)

• Discomfort with some fabrics or clothing labels

• Aversion to being touched suddenly

• Strong liking for some textures (e.g., soft blanket, smooth object)

• Avoiding messy play (e.g., finger paint, mud)

Sound (Auditory Sensitivity)

• Covering ears when exposed to loud or high-pitched sounds

• Difficulty concentrating in noisy situations

• Fear of typical household sounds (e.g., vacuum cleaner, blender)

Sight (Visual Sensitivity)

• Sensitivity to bright lights or flashing screens

• Difficulty seeing in visually crowded or cluttered areas

• Difficulty focusing due to movement or changes in light

Smell and Taste

• Strong overreactions to specific odors or tastes

• Restricted diet due to sensitivity to food texture

• Gagging or nausea brought on by odors others can't smell

Movement and Body Awareness

• Endless need for movement (rocking, spinning, jumping)

• Clumsiness or constant bumping into things

• Appearing unaware of body space or pain

Recognising these behaviours as reactions to sensory input, rather than deliberate misbehaviour, is the first step in providing the appropriate support.

Why Creating a Sensory-Friendly Environment Matters

Sensory-sensitive children tend to expend a great deal of energy simply adapting to their surroundings. This can result in fatigue, anxiety, or emotional outbursts. A sensory-friendly setting serves as a buffer, providing relief from overstimulation and helping the child remain regulated and emotionally stable.

By adapting your home and daily routines to your child's sensory profile, you create a feeling of safety, predictability, and empowerment. This enables your child not only to get by, but to flourish.

Effective Communication for Sensory-Sensitive Individuals

For many sensory-sensitive individuals, the everyday world can feel like a sensory overload, with sounds, sights, and even smells becoming too much to handle. This often means that our typical ways of communicating might not hit the mark and could even lead to discomfort. However, by being mindful and adjusting our communication style, we can create clearer and more comfortable connections. Some tips for communicating more effectively:

• Mind the Environment: Before we begin, try to minimise sensory distractions. A peaceful setting can help them concentrate better.

• Be Clear and Direct: Steer clear of sarcasm, metaphors, or long-winded explanations. Break down instructions into bite-sized steps.

• Use Visuals: Incorporating visual aids like pictures, symbols, or even jotting things down. They provide individuals with the opportunity to process information at their own pace.

• Respect Processing Time: Please refrain from rushing the conversation. Allow them ample time to digest what we have said and then to respond. Patience is essential.

• Watch Your Voice: By using a calm, steady tone and volume to make them feel comfortable. Loud or abrupt noises can be jarring.

• Observe and Adapt: Pay attention to their nonverbal cues. Are they fidgeting or covering their ears? These could be signs of discomfort. 

Practical Strategies to Create a Sensory-Friendly Home

Making a supportive environment doesn't need to be expensive or difficult. Even small modifications can have a profound impact on your child's comfort and behaviour. Here's a breakdown of strategies by sensory category:

1. Designate a Calm-Down or Sensory Retreat Area

Every child—particularly those with sensory sensitivities—require a special area where they feel secure and can manage their emotions and sensory input.

Why it's important:

This area serves as a haven during meltdowns, overstimulation, or when the child simply needs to recharge. It promotes self-regulation and provides them with a means to manage stress.

How to create it:

• Select a peaceful, low-traffic spot in your house—a bedroom corner, closet, or small living room tent.

• Utilise gentle textures, such as bean bags, pillows, or weighted blankets, to foster comfort.

• Maintain the space as uncluttered and simple as possible to prevent visual overload.

• Include calming aids such as:

  • Noise-canceling headphones

  • Fidget toys or chewy tubes

  • Soft lighting or fibre-optic lights

  • Favorite book or soft toy

• Show your child that this is their place to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed—not a punishment area.

1. Modify the Environment to Minimize Sensory Overload

Home settings can inadvertently overwhelm children with excessive noise, light, or clutter. Making slight changes can make a big difference in creating a more soothing environment.

Sound Modifications:

• Utilize white noise machines or fans to block distracting background sounds.

• Turn off devices when they are idle to avoid sensory overload.

• For highly sound-sensitive children, use soft furnishings (such as carpets, curtains, and cushions) to reduce echoes.

• Allow ear defenders or noise-canceling headphones to be used in noisy settings such as malls or restaurants.

Lighting Changes:

• Swap harsh overhead lighting with lamps, dimmers, or natural light.

• Avoid using flickering fluorescent lights, as they can be stressful or painful for certain children.

• Install blackout curtains in bedrooms to help with sleep and reduce light sensitivity.

Clutter-Free Space:

• Reduce visual stimulation by storing toys and materials in labeled containers or closed bins.

• Maintain a neutral or soft color scheme on walls and furniture.

• Use soothing colours like blue, green, or beige to promote relaxation.

2. Offer Comfortable Clothing and Textures

Clothing is a significant source of trigger for children with tactile sensitivities. Itching tags, seams, or stiff clothes may be irritating or even painful.

How to support:

• Choose tagless, seamless clothing made of soft cotton or bamboo.

• Allow your child to choose their clothes when possible—they often know what feels best.

• For children who prefer tight clothing (for deep pressure), compression garments or snug undershirts can be comforting.

• Be mindful of seasonal fabrics—light and breathable in summer, soft fleece or jersey in winter.

For bedding and furniture:

• Use soft, non-irritating sheets and pillowcases.

• Provide weighted blankets or body pillows for comfortable bedtime.

• Furniture with soft upholstery, rather than hard materials, should be chosen.

3. Make Sensory Activities a Part of Daily Life

Children with sensory processing disorders are often helped with planned sensory input during the day. These sensory activities help manage their nervous system and enhance attention and mood.

Types of Sensory Activities:

Tactile (Touch) Activities:

• Playing with slime, putty, kinetic sand, or rice bins

• Water play: bubble bath, washing dishes, or using spray bottles

• Finger paint or shaving cream artwork

Proprioceptive (Body Awareness) Activities:

• Pushing a grocery cart or laundry basket

• Jumping on a trampoline or crawling like animals (crab crawl, bear crawl)

• Wall push-ups or stress ball squeezing

Vestibular (Movement/Balance) Activities:

• Swinging, spinning, or rolling down a hill

• Walking a balance beam or wobble board

• Mini trampoline jumping

Oral Sensory Activities:

• Drinking thick liquids from a straw (smoothies, yogurt)

• Crunchy or chewy snacks (carrots, apples, granola bars)

• Blowing bubbles or whistles

Provide these before transitions, after school, or when you see your child becoming dysregulated.

4. Utilize Visual Supports and Schedules

Children with sensory issues often become stressed when they are unsure of what's coming next. Visual supports provide structure, routine, and predictability.

What to utilize:

• Daily visual schedules: Demonstrate each step of the day using pictures or symbols to visually represent the day.

• First-Then boards: Excellent for transitions (e.g., "First homework, then playtime").

• Choice boards: Allow your child to select a coping strategy or sensory activity when he is feeling overwhelmed.

• Emotion thermometers or charts: Support children in knowing and expressing their feelings.

These are frustration reducers that assist children who are non-verbal or language-delayed in communicating more effectively.

5. Respect and Validate Your Child's Sensory Needs

Most importantly, your child must be seen, heard, and respected. Their sensory responses are authentic and must not be dismissed or downplayed.

• How to demonstrate respect and validation:

• Trust their experience even when you don't share it.

• Don't insist on putting them through sensory situations they don't want to handle.

• Give them the power to say "no," request a break, or utilize tools for coping.

• Give them praise and reinforcement when they stand up for their needs.

• Educate siblings and caregivers about the sensory needs of individuals with autism to ensure a consistent understanding.

Instead of “You’re being too sensitive,” try “I see that sound is bothering you. Let's find a quiet place together.”

When and How to Involve Professionals

If sensory sensitivities are causing significant challenges in daily life such as constant meltdowns, school refusal, or difficulty with hygiene, eating, or sleep—it may be time to seek expert help.

Consider consulting:

• A pediatric occupational therapy (OT) consultant with a speciality in sensory integration

• A developmental pediatrician if you suspect underlying neurodivergence

• Your child's school team develops an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan with sensory accommodations.

Individualized Education Program (IEP): An official plan that outlines the special education services and supports a school will implement to address the individual needs of a student with a disability. Includes specially designed instruction.

504 Plan: A written plan for how a school will eliminate barriers so a student with a disability can learn with peers in general education. Does not include specially designed instruction.

Concluding Remarks

Working with a child who has sensory sensitivities requires patience, observation, and a willingness to adapt. Each child's sensory profile is different, and what is suitable for one child may not be suitable for another. 

By listening to your child's needs and making intentional adjustments to their world, you're giving them the sense of safety, empowerment, and love that they need.

With the proper setting and techniques, your child will feel safer, more confident, and better able to cope with the world one sensory step at a time.