What is sensory over-responsiveness?
Sensory over-responsiveness means a person experiences sensory input more intensely than others. Their brain may treat normal sounds, lights, textures, smells or movement as uncomfortable, painful, threatening or overwhelming.
This can lead to avoidance, distress, panic, meltdowns, shutdowns or refusal.
What it can look like
- Covering ears
- Avoiding busy places
- Refusing certain clothes
- Distress around food textures
- Avoiding haircuts
- Finding toothbrushing painful or upsetting
- Becoming overwhelmed in shops
- Struggling with school assemblies
- Avoiding hand dryers
- Crying at loud noises
- Becoming distressed by smells
- Avoiding touch or hugs
- Feeling exhausted after sensory-heavy environments
A child who is overwhelmed is not "making a fuss". Their brain and body may genuinely feel under threat. What seems small to an adult may feel huge to a child with sensory differences.