Does Your Child Have Sensory Processing Differences?

Signs Your Child May Have Sensory Processing Needs

Ever noticed your child reacting strongly to sounds, textures, or bright lights? Or maybe they seek out movement, love spinning, or struggle with certain clothing? These could be signs of sensory processing differences, something many children (especially those with autism or ADHD) experience.




What is Sensory Processing?

Sensory processing refers to how the brain receives and responds to sensory information. For some children, certain sensory inputs can feel overwhelming (hypersensitivity), while others may seek more stimulation (hyposensitivity).

Common Signs of Sensory Processing Needs

🌀 Sensory Seekers (Hyposensitive)

Children who crave more sensory input might:

✔ Spin, jump, or crash into things constantly
✔ Love loud noises, strong smells, or deep pressure
✔ Seek out rough textures and prefer tight hugs
✔ Have a high pain tolerance or be unaware of injuries
✔ Enjoy touching everything, even things they shouldn’t

🚨 Sensory Avoiders (Hypersensitive)

Children who are overwhelmed by sensory input may:

✔ Cover their ears at loud noises (even flushing toilets or hand dryers!)
✔ Avoid certain clothing textures or refuse to wear socks/shoes
✔ Struggle with bright lights or busy environments
✔ Dislike being touched, even light touches
✔ Gag or refuse certain foods due to texture sensitivity

🛌 Sensory Processing & Sleep Struggles

If your child has trouble settling at night, sensory differences might be the cause. They may:

✔ Need weighted blankets or deep pressure to relax

✔ Be distracted by small noises or lights

✔ Have difficulty calming their body after an active day
✔ Seek constant movement, even when tired

How to Support a Child with Sensory Processing Needs

✅ Provide sensory-friendly toys (fidget toys, swings, or chew necklaces)
✅ Create a calm, predictable routine
✅ Offer deep pressure input (weighted blankets, tight hugs)
✅ Avoid overwhelming environments & use noise-cancelling headphones
✅ Let them have sensory breaks throughout the day

💡 Does this sound familiar? Every child processes sensory input differently, and understanding their needs can help them thrive in their own way!


Here are some of our favourite tried and tested products to help with the above:

🌙 The Benefits of a Weighted Blanket 🛌

A weighted blanket provides deep pressure stimulation, which can help calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep. It's especially beneficial for those with sensory processing needs, autism, ADHD, or insomnia, as it mimics the feeling of a comforting hug—helping the body relax and settle more easily.

👉 Perfect for better sleep, relaxation, and sensory comfort!



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🔇 The Benefits of Noise-Cancelling Headphones 🎧

Noise-cancelling headphones help block out overwhelming background noise, making them ideal for individuals with sensory sensitivities, autism, ADHD, or anxiety. They create a calm, focused environment, reducing stress in noisy settings like schools, travel, or public spaces.

👉 Perfect for sensory comfort, focus, and peace in loud environments!



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🌀 The Benefits of a Body Sock 🤗

A body sock provides deep pressure input and proprioceptive feedback, helping children with sensory processing needs, autism, or ADHD feel calm, grounded, and secure. It promotes self-regulation, body awareness, and movement exploration, making it a great tool for sensory play, relaxation, and focus.

👉 Perfect for calming sensory input and fun, active play!



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🌀 The Benefits of Spinning Chairs 🎡

Spinning chairs provide vestibular input, which helps with balance, coordination, and self-regulation. They are especially beneficial for children with sensory processing needs, autism, or ADHD, as spinning can be calming for some and stimulating for others.

👉 Perfect for sensory seekers who love movement and need help with focus & body awareness!



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There are so many sensory-friendly clothing options on the market right now, from tag-free designs and seamless socks to soft, breathable fabrics made for kids with sensory sensitivities. While I haven’t done a deep dive into the best brands just yet, it’s definitely something to keep an eye out for if your child struggles with certain textures or clothing discomfort. I might be testing and reviewing some of these options in the future, so stay tuned for updates! 👕✨


Heads up! Some links are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). This helps fund my child’s ever-growing collection of spinning toys and washing machine visits. Thank you!


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