Frequently asked questions

Sensory processing is how the brain receives, organises, and responds to information from the senses. It includes the familiar five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell) plus proprioception (body position), vestibular (balance and movement), and interoception (internal body signals like hunger and heart rate). When sensory processing works smoothly, we respond to our environment without thinking about it. When there are differences, everyday situations can feel overwhelming, underwhelming, or confusing.

The eight sensory systems are: auditory (hearing), visual (sight), tactile (touch), gustatory (taste), olfactory (smell), proprioception (body awareness from muscles and joints), vestibular (balance and movement from the inner ear), and interoception (internal body signals like hunger, temperature, and heartbeat). Each system processes different information, and everyone has their own profile of sensitivities and preferences across all eight.

No. Sensory processing differences are very common in autism (estimates range from 65-90% of autistic people), but they also occur in ADHD, developmental coordination disorder, anxiety, trauma, and in people with no other diagnosis. Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is not currently a standalone diagnosis in the DSM-5 or ICD-11, though the sensory processing differences it describes are widely recognised by clinicians and researchers.

Yes. Sensory processing differences are not just a childhood phenomenon. Many adults experience sensory sensitivities, seeking, or under-responsivity that affects work, relationships, and daily routines. Research using the Adult Sensory Profile has shown that sensory patterns in adults follow similar over-responsive, under-responsive, and seeking categories as in children. If sensory differences are affecting your quality of life, an occupational therapist can help.

A "sensory diet" is a personalised plan of sensory activities and accommodations designed to help someone stay regulated throughout the day. It might include movement breaks, fidget tools, weighted items, specific lighting, or food textures. Despite the name, it is not about food — it is about providing the right type and amount of sensory input at the right time. Sensory diets work best when designed with a qualified occupational therapist who understands your specific sensory profile.

Classroom sensory strategies include: offering movement breaks between seated tasks, providing fidget tools or wobble cushions, reducing visual clutter on walls and desks, using predictable routines and transition warnings, offering ear defenders for noisy activities, and allowing flexible seating. These adjustments benefit many learners, not just those with identified sensory needs. Our free sensory environment checklist covers classroom and home settings.

Workplace sensory strategies include: using noise-cancelling headphones in open-plan offices, adjusting lighting to reduce glare or flicker, taking regular movement breaks, using a standing desk or wobble cushion, keeping a sensory toolkit (fidgets, chew tools, essential oils) at your desk, and communicating your needs to colleagues. Many of these are reasonable adjustments under disability legislation. An occupational therapist can help you identify what works for your specific profile.

Consider seeking professional support if sensory differences are: affecting your ability to work, learn, or participate in daily activities; causing significant distress or anxiety; limiting your diet to a very narrow range of foods; leading to safety concerns (not noticing pain, temperature, or hazards); or affecting relationships and social participation. An occupational therapist with sensory integration training is usually the best starting point. Your GP can also help with referrals.

The terms are often used interchangeably, but they have slightly different origins. "Sensory integration" (SI) was coined by Jean Ayres in the 1970s and refers to the neurological process of organising sensation for use, plus the specific therapy approach she developed. "Sensory processing" is a broader term used in neuroscience and psychology to describe how the brain handles sensory information. In everyday language, both describe the same underlying concept: how your brain makes sense of what your senses detect.