Sensory
Understanding sensory needs — the eight senses, overload, seeking, avoiding, meltdowns, shutdowns and the practical supports that help at home, school and out and about.
Parents & carers
What are sensory needs?
Sensory needs are differences in how the brain receives and responds to input — not bad behaviour, but a nervous system trying to cope and find balance.
The 8 senses
Beyond the familiar five senses, there are three internal senses — vestibular, proprioception and interoception — that shape how we experience the world.
Sensory over-responsiveness
When everyday input feels too loud, too bright, too rough or too much — and how to respond with compassion.
Sensory under-responsiveness
When sensory signals don't reach the brain as strongly — appearing dreamy, slow to respond, or unaware of pain, hunger or temperature.
Sensory seeking
Jumping, spinning, chewing, crashing — the body's way of looking for the input it needs to feel regulated.
Sensory avoiding
When the body works hard to escape input that feels too intense — and the supportive adjustments that reduce pressure.
Sensory overload: what to do
When the brain receives more than it can process — signs to spot, what helps in the moment, and what to avoid.
Meltdowns and sensory needs
A meltdown isn't a tantrum — it's a nervous-system response to overwhelm. Here's how to support during and after.
Shutdowns and sensory needs
Sometimes overwhelm goes inwards — quiet, frozen, unable to speak. How to recognise and support a shutdown.
Stimming and sensory regulation
Stimming helps people calm, focus and process feelings. When to support it, when to redirect, and when to leave it alone.
Sight: visual sensitivity and seeking
Bright lights, busy walls and flickering screens can overwhelm — and visual seekers love bubble tubes, light projectors and slow-moving colour.
Sound: sensitivity and support
When a hand dryer feels like pain. Practical sound supports for home, school and out and about.
Touch: clothing, hygiene and affection
From scratchy labels to unexpected hugs — supporting touch differences with respect and choice.
Taste and eating
Why mealtimes can feel impossible — and how to reduce pressure while keeping safe foods safe.
Smell sensitivity
Smells can trigger nausea, headaches and avoidance. Practical changes that make daily life easier.
Vestibular: balance and movement
Spinners, climbers, rockers — and those who feel sick on a swing. Supporting the movement sense safely.
Proprioception: body awareness
Heavy work, deep pressure and crashing for connection — proprioceptive input is often calming and organising.
Interoception: internal body signals
Knowing when you're hungry, tired, in pain or anxious — and how to teach body awareness gently.
Sensory needs at home
Building a sensory-friendly home, calm boxes and predictable routines that protect regulation.
Sensory needs at school
School is one of the most sensory-demanding environments. Adjustments, support plans and what schools should and shouldn't do.
After-school restraint collapse
When the day at school costs everything — why children melt down at home, and how to support decompression.
Sensory needs in public places
Triggers, survival kits and strategies for shops, transport and busy days out.
Sensory activities: calming, alerting, organising
A library of activities to calm, alert or organise the body — by age and by need.
Sensory diets and daily routines
A planned set of sensory activities through the day that keep the nervous system regulated. Example day included.
Sensory triggers and tracking
Common triggers and a simple diary template to spot patterns and plan support.
Sensory support plans
What to include in a good sensory support plan — for home, school and shared use.
Behaviour is communication
Reframing distress as a message — what the sensory behaviour might be trying to tell us.
Sensory-friendly language
Words that help and words that harm during sensory distress.
When to seek extra help
Signs it's time to involve a GP, SENCO, OT or other professional — and when to seek urgent advice.