Sensory Processing Disorder in Children
When a child experiences the world differently through their senses, everyday situations can feel overwhelming. ChildWize connects families with occupational therapists who understand sensory needs.
What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory processing refers to the way the brain receives, organises, and responds to information from the senses, including sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, movement, and body awareness. When this process works differently, a child may be over-sensitive (hypersensitive) to certain inputs, under-sensitive (hyposensitive), or a combination of both.
A child who is hypersensitive might find labels in clothing unbearable, cover their ears in noisy environments, or become distressed by certain textures of food. A child who is hyposensitive might seek out intense sensory input, such as spinning, crashing into things, or chewing on objects. Some children fluctuate between the two depending on the situation and how regulated they are feeling.
Sensory processing differences are common in children with autism, ADHD, and dyspraxia, but they can also occur on their own. While sensory processing disorder is not currently listed as a standalone diagnosis in UK clinical guidelines, the difficulties are very real and can significantly affect a child's ability to participate in daily life, learning, and social situations.
Signs That Your Child May Have Sensory Processing Difficulties
Sensory processing difficulties can affect many areas of a child's life, and the signs vary widely from child to child. You may want to consider seeking advice if your child seems unusually bothered by everyday sounds, textures, or lights, avoids messy play or certain food textures, struggles with transitions between activities, becomes overwhelmed in busy environments like supermarkets or school assemblies, or seems to need constant movement or touch.
Some children with sensory difficulties appear clumsy, bump into things frequently, or have trouble with fine motor tasks such as handwriting or doing up buttons. Others may have an unusually high or low pain threshold. Emotional meltdowns that seem out of proportion to the situation may sometimes be linked to sensory overload rather than behavioural choices.
These patterns do not mean there is necessarily something wrong, but they can be a sign that your child's nervous system is processing sensory information differently. An occupational therapist with sensory expertise can help you understand what is happening and develop strategies that make everyday life more manageable.
How Sensory Processing Difficulties Are Assessed
Assessment for sensory processing difficulties is usually carried out by an occupational therapist (OT) who has specialist training in sensory integration. The assessment typically involves detailed questionnaires about your child's responses to different sensory experiences, observation of your child during structured and unstructured activities, and a clinical interview to understand how sensory differences are affecting daily routines, learning, and relationships.
The therapist may use standardised tools such as the Sensory Profile or the Sensory Processing Measure to map your child's individual sensory preferences and challenges. This creates a profile that highlights which sensory systems are most affected and in what way.
Through ChildWize, you can connect with occupational therapists who are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and have expertise in paediatric sensory assessment. Assessments can be conducted online, with the therapist guiding you through observation tasks in your home environment, which often gives a more accurate picture than a clinical setting.
How ChildWize Supports Families
ChildWize connects families with occupational therapists and autism specialists who can provide tailored sensory strategies and interventions. After assessment, your therapist may recommend a sensory diet, which is a personalised plan of sensory activities designed to help your child stay regulated throughout the day.
Support may also include advice on adapting your home and school environments, such as creating a calm space for your child to retreat to, adjusting lighting or noise levels, or introducing sensory tools like weighted blankets, fidget items, or ear defenders. For school-age children, the therapist can help you communicate your child's sensory needs to teachers through written recommendations or by contributing to an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan.
All sessions are delivered online through our secure platform. Many families find that having the therapist observe their child in the home environment leads to more practical, immediately applicable advice than clinic-based appointments.
Living with Sensory Processing Differences
Supporting a child with sensory processing differences often involves a shift in perspective. Behaviours that might seem puzzling or difficult, such as refusing certain clothes, gagging at certain foods, or becoming distressed in busy places, can start to make sense when viewed through a sensory lens.
Some families find it helpful to keep a sensory diary, noting which situations trigger distress and which activities seem calming. This can reveal patterns that inform everyday routines. Predictability, preparation, and giving your child some control over their sensory environment can all make a difference.
It is also worth remembering that sensory differences are a fundamental part of how your child experiences the world. The goal is not to eliminate these differences but to help your child understand them and develop strategies for managing them. With the right support, many children learn to self-regulate effectively and build confidence in navigating a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming. ChildWize specialists are here to help your family find that balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sensory processing disorder an official diagnosis in the UK?
SPD is not currently recognised as a standalone diagnosis in UK clinical frameworks such as the ICD or DSM. However, sensory processing difficulties are well-documented and widely acknowledged by occupational therapists and other professionals who work with children.
Can sensory processing difficulties occur without autism?
Yes. While sensory differences are very common in autistic children, they can also occur independently or alongside other conditions such as ADHD or dyspraxia.
What is a sensory diet?
A sensory diet is a personalised plan of sensory activities designed to help a child stay regulated throughout the day. It might include movement breaks, tactile activities, or calming exercises, and is tailored by an occupational therapist to your child's specific needs.
Can an occupational therapist assess my child online?
Yes. Many occupational therapists are experienced in conducting sensory assessments online. They guide parents through observation tasks and use standardised questionnaires to build a detailed sensory profile.
Will my child's school make accommodations for sensory needs?
Many schools are willing to make reasonable adjustments once they understand a child's sensory needs. An occupational therapist can provide written recommendations and, if needed, contribute to an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan.
Helpful Guides
What to Expect from a Child's Assessment
A practical guide to the assessment process for children, covering what happens before, during, and after an assessment, and how you can prepare.
Types of Therapy for Children Explained
There are many different types of therapy available for children, and it can be difficult to know which one might be right for your child. This guide provides an overview of the most common therapies and what each one involves.
Common Concerns
My Child Has Meltdowns
Meltdowns can be exhausting for the whole family. Understanding what is behind them is the first step towards finding calm and getting the right support.
My Child Can't Sit Still
If your child is always on the go, fidgeting, or struggling to focus, it can be hard to know whether it is just their personality or something that needs support.
Related Services
Occupational Therapy
If your child struggles with everyday tasks like getting dressed, handwriting, or coping with sensory experiences, our occupational therapists can help them build the skills they need.
Autism Support & Assessment
Wondering whether your child might be autistic? Our experienced specialists can help you get answers and the right support, without the long wait.
Related Conditions
Dyspraxia (DCD)
Dyspraxia, also known as developmental coordination disorder (DCD), affects how a child plans and coordinates physical movement. ChildWize connects families with specialists who can help.
Social Communication Disorder
When a child finds it difficult to use language appropriately in social situations, everyday interactions can become a source of confusion and frustration. ChildWize connects you with specialists who can help.
Anxiety in Children
Worry is a normal part of growing up, but when anxiety starts to take over daily life it can be helpful to seek specialist guidance. ChildWize connects families with experienced child psychologists and therapists.
ChildWize connects families with qualified specialists and does not provide diagnosis or medical advice. The information on this page is for general guidance only and should not be used as a substitute for professional clinical judgement. If you have concerns about your child, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Ready to Get Support?
Create a free account to browse our specialists and book a session that fits your schedule.
Sign Up Free