One of the biggest challenges of parenting a child with sensory difficulties isn’t just managing the day-to-day, it’s helping the people around us understand what’s really going on.
Since October is Sensory Processing Awareness Month, it feels like the perfect time to talk about how we can explain sensory processing to the friends, family members, and teachers who love and support our kids.
Most people want to understand, but they don’t know how. Sensory processing can feel invisible from the outside. A meltdown over scratchy tags or a refusal to eat certain textures can be mistaken as “bad behavior” or “picky eating.” That’s where our voice matters.
Here are a few ways to explain it simply:
Use relatable examples.
“Have you ever been stuck in a room with a flickering light or heard nails on a chalkboard? Imagine if your brain felt like that several times a day. That’s what it can be like for my child.”
Keep it short and clear.
“Sensory processing is how the brain interprets information from the five senses. For some kids, it’s turned up too high, for others, it’s turned down too low.”
Share what helps.
“It’s not about fixing my child; it’s about supporting them. Things like headphones, weighted blankets, or breaks can make a huge difference.”
Lead with compassion.
Sensory needs aren’t “bad” or “wrong,” they’re just different.
The more we talk openly, the more the people around us begin to understand. And that understanding builds patience, inclusion, and empathy.
This Sensory Processing Awareness Month, I encourage you to share a piece of your child’s sensory story with someone new: a teacher, a grandparent, a friend. Every conversation plants a seed of awareness, and together, we can grow a more compassionate community for our kids.
One more note: Sensory Processing Difficulties aren’t kid-specific. It’s not something that goes away with age. There are ways to learn how to manage and support the day-to-day challenges and there are many adults that need support as well.
Do you have a way you’ve been able to explain sensory processing? Share it in the comments below or connect with me on Instagram!
Just My MomSense 