Sensory processing

What It Means

Sensory processing is the way the brain receives information from the senses, such as sound, touch, taste, sight and smell, and turns it into a response. Some children react more strongly than most to that input, and some react less. "Sensory processing disorder" is a label people use for children whose reactions get in the way of daily life, but it isn't a stand-alone diagnosis in the DSM-5, the manual clinicians use, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advised in 2012 that it generally shouldn't be diagnosed.

How Parents Say It

• "He covers his ears every time the blender goes on."
• "She won't wear anything with a tag in it."
• "Our OT says he's a sensory kid."

The Breakdown

What it can look like, as the Child Mind Institute describes it

What matters most is how much the reactions get in the way of everyday activities like eating, dressing, sleeping and play.

Why the name is debated. The AAP's 2012 policy statement said it's unclear whether these children have a disorder of the brain's sensory pathways or whether the reactions are part of another developmental or behavioral condition. Sensory reactivity is part of how autismAutism spectrumAutism spectrum disorder: a developmental disability affecting social communication and interaction, with restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. See more is diagnosed, and the Child Mind Institute notes sensory issues also show up with ADHDADHD in kidsAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children: ongoing trouble paying attention, sitting still or controlling impulses, beyond what's usual for their age. See more and OCD, or on their own.

When to talk to the pediatrician. Bring it up if sensory reactions keep your child from eating, dressing, sleeping, playing or going places, or if you have other concerns about how they talk, play or learn. The AAP asks pediatricians to consider other conditions and do a thorough evaluation, so describe specific moments: what happened, where, and what helped.

Good to Know

Occupational therapists often use sensory-based therapies. HealthyChildren.org, the AAP's parenting site, says the evidence for sensory integration therapy is limited and inconclusive, which doesn't rule out that it helps some children. If you try it, the AAP suggests agreeing on clear goals tied to everyday activities, a simple way to track changes, such as a behavior diary, and a date to review whether it's working.

Related Terms and Categories

• Sensory overload

  When sounds, lights, crowds, touch or other input become more than a child's senses can handle, often ending in distress or a meltdown.

• Sensory seeking

  A pattern where a child keeps looking for strong sensations, like tight hugs, fast movement or crashing into things, because ordinary input feels faint.

• Sensory play

  Play that invites a child to touch, squish, pour, smell, listen and look, such as sand, water, playdough or textured materials.

• Occupational therapy

  Therapy that helps a child do the everyday activities of childhood, such as playing, learning, eating, dressing and sleeping, by building skills or adapting the task.

• Autism spectrum

  Autism spectrum disorder: a developmental disability affecting social communication and interaction, with restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests.

• Tantrum vs meltdown

  A tantrum is an outburst in which a child still has some control; a meltdown is a loss of control from feeling overwhelmed.

Parenting and child development