If you’ve ever wondered why your child covers their ears at the sound of a vacuum, avoids certain clothes, or seems to crave movement all the time, you’re not alone. For me, I felt like I had pieces of a puzzle and on their own, they didn’t mean much but when I started putting them together, a bigger picture was being formed.

Sensory processing is how the brain receives and responds to input from our senses (touch, sound, taste, smell, sight, movement, and body awareness). For most people, the brain organizes these signals automatically. But for those with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) or sensory differences, the system can get a little tangled.

Some pieces of the puzzle we were collecting back when my 11 year old was 3:

• Back in 2017, he wanted to be Woody for Halloween. The back of his costume closed with velcro. This was the first time we really noticed a piece of clothing bothering him. The sound, the feel of it, everything bothered him. To this day, he cuts all tags out of his clothing.
• 2017 was also when his sister was born. If we were in the car and she started to cry, he would start to cry and beg us to help her and take him home. He had similar reactions to others crying, including friends.
• He was visibly overwhelmed in crowds and even during a drive-thru Christmas light display.

I talked in an earlier blog on how I started collecting these pieces and googling, while also consulting with his speech therapist. The experience opened our eyes to what sensory processing really means and how it affects everyday life in ways most people don’t even notice.

At 11, he’s able to recognize when things are too much or too overwhelming for him. His sister has had her own sensory experiences. It’s been interesting to see the overlaps and the differences in what can affect them in their individual sensory processing.

Sensory processing symptoms can vary wildly, but they often fall into two main categories: sensory avoiding and sensory seeking.

Sensory Avoiding

Kids who are sensory avoiders might:

• Cover their ears or run from loud noises (like hand dryers or fire alarms)
• Refuse certain fabrics, tags, or seams in clothing
• Dislike being touched or hugged unexpectedly
• Avoid crowded or visually “busy” spaces
• Prefer dim lights and quiet settings

They’re not being “difficult,” their brains are simply trying to protect them from sensory overload.

Sensory Seeking

On the flip side, sensory seekers might:

• Constantly move, jump, spin, or crash into things
• Touch everything within reach (including people!)
• Make loud noises or seek vibration
• Love messy play or crave strong tastes and textures
• Find calm through deep pressure, like a weighted blanket or tight hug

Kids (and adults) can also be sensory seeking with certain things, but sensory avoiders with others.

Recognizing sensory processing symptoms isn’t about labeling a child, it’s about understanding them. When we start to see the “why” behind behaviors, everything changes. Instead of frustration, there’s compassion. Instead of punishment, there’s support.

Here are a few small ways to make a big difference:

• Create a sensory-safe space or bucket at home. For example: a cozy corner with fidgets, soft lighting, and weighted items.
• Build sensory breaks into the day: a swing in the yard, a walk after school, or quiet time with a favorite texture.
• Work with an occupational therapist (OT) who specializes in sensory integration.
• Follow your child’s lead. They’ll show you what they need, sometimes with words, sometimes with behavior.

Sensory processing isn’t about “fixing” our kids. It’s about understanding their world and helping them feel comfortable in it. Every sensory system is unique and that’s what makes our kids who they are.

If this topic speaks to you, you might also enjoy my post on my favorite sensory tools and items that have helped in our home.

You know yourself and your child best. Trust your gut, trust your “MomSense” because having the knowledge and the right tools can make all the difference.