October is Sensory Processing Awareness Month, and this week on the Just My MomSense podcast, I’m sharing our family’s journey with sensory processing differences from the early clues, the tough moments, and the small strategies that have made a big difference.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here!
Although we tend to think of food when we hear the word “diet,” a sensory diet isn’t about food at all. It’s about providing the right kind of sensory input throughout the day to help kids (and adults) regulate, focus, and feel their best.
For our family, learning about sensory diets was so helpful. My kids both experience the world in ways that can sometimes feel “too much” or “not enough.” One might crave constant movement, while the other gets overwhelmed by sound or touch. Once we started understanding sensory needs, things began to make a lot more sense. Sensory diets are something I go back to a lot when I feel we’ve gotten too caught up in the day-to-day.
A sensory diet is a personalized plan of activities and strategies designed to give the brain the input it needs to stay regulated. It might include things like:
Occupational therapists often create sensory diets tailored to a child’s specific needs, but parents can also integrate small strategies at home once they understand what works best for their child. Think of it as feeding your child’s sensory system the “nutrients” it needs to thrive.
Sensory input directly impacts how we feel, think, and behave. When a child’s sensory system is out of balance, they might seem “hyper,” “zoned out,” or “meltdown-prone.” These aren’t bad behaviors, they’re signals.
A well-balanced sensory diet helps:
You don’t need fancy equipment or a sensory room (though those are fun if you have the space). Start with small, intentional moments throughout the day:
Pay attention to your child’s reactions. What helps them focus? What calms them? What overstimulates them? That’s your roadmap.
If you’re just starting to explore sensory diets, take a deep breath. It’s a learning process and may be a game of trial and error until you figure out what works best. Some strategies might work one week and not the next (trust me, I’ve been there).
You know your child best. You see the cues others might miss. By tuning into their sensory needs, you’re helping them build lifelong skills in self-awareness and regulation.
A sensory diet isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” plan. Some days it’s five minutes of jumping on the trampoline and other days it’s a long walk outside after school. What matters most is consistency and compassion for your child and yourself.
When we start viewing behavior through a sensory lens, everything starts to click.
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:
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.
Kids who are sensory avoiders might:
They’re not being “difficult,” their brains are simply trying to protect them from sensory overload.
On the flip side, sensory seekers might:
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:
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.
With October being Sensory Processing Awareness Month, it’s a great time to talk about how our nervous systems process the world around us. Some children (and adults) seek more sensory input, while others avoid it and often, kids can show a mix of both depending on the situation.
Understanding the difference can make daily life feel smoother, and having the right tools on hand can transform overwhelm into comfort.
It’s important to remember that these aren’t opposites that cancel each other out. A child can be a seeker in one area (loving spinning and swinging) and an avoider in another (hating sticky or itchy textures).
Having the right resources at home, in the classroom, or even in the car can help kids feel grounded and safe. Some examples:
I’ve been keeping a list of items we have used (or similar). You can explore them all on my Favorite Things page. Whether you’re parenting a seeker, an avoider, or a little bit of both, this list is designed to help you find what works best for your family.
Sensory needs don’t disappear with age, they evolve. The more we learn, the better we can support our kids (and even ourselves) with patience, empathy, and the right resources. If you’re just beginning this journey, know you don’t have to figure it all out alone and simple tools can make a big difference.
Yesterday was all about Sensory Seekers but today will be all about Sensory Avoiders. While seekers crave more input, avoiders experience the opposite. Their nervous systems process input as overwhelming, and they often react by withdrawing, resisting, or shutting down.
Recognizing the different types of sensory avoiders can help parents, caregivers, and teachers provide the right environment and support.
The vestibular system controls balance and movement. Vestibular avoiders often dislike swings, slides, or activities that make them feel off balance. They may resist climbing, running, or spinning. Supporting them means allowing slow, predictable movement at their own pace and never forcing participation.
The proprioceptive system gives feedback from muscles and joints. While many children love deep pressure, proprioceptive avoiders may resist hugs, dislike tight clothing, or avoid heavy lifting. Respecting their boundaries and offering gentler forms of input can help them feel safe.
The tactile system processes touch. Tactile avoiders may dislike certain fabrics, resist messy play, or pull away from unexpected touch. Tags in shirts, scratchy clothing, or sticky textures can feel unbearable. Support strategies include soft clothing, gradual exposure, and allowing choice in textures.
The oral sensory system processes input through the mouth. Oral avoiders may be picky eaters, avoiding foods with certain textures or strong flavors. They may gag easily or resist toothbrushing. Providing a variety of safe, preferred foods and slowly introducing new ones can reduce stress.
The auditory system interprets sound. Auditory avoiders may cover their ears at loud noises, dislike crowded environments, or struggle with sudden sounds like vacuums or alarms. Noise-canceling headphones, quiet spaces, and preparing them for upcoming sounds can make environments more manageable.
The visual system processes light and movement. Visual avoiders may dislike bright lights, avoid crowded or cluttered spaces, or find fast-moving visuals overwhelming. Soft lighting, sunglasses, and calm visual environments are helpful supports.
Sensory avoiders aren’t being difficult or picky. Their nervous systems are sending danger signals in response to overwhelming input. By understanding their unique sensory needs, we can help them feel more comfortable and secure.
Awareness of sensory avoiders allows us to shift from frustration to compassion. Supporting them isn’t about pushing them into uncomfortable situations, it’s about respecting their boundaries and creating safe, supportive spaces where they can thrive.
Reminder: 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.
Let’s talk about sensory seekers. While some people are more sensitive and may avoid sensory input, sensory seekers are the opposite. Their nervous systems crave more input in order to feel calm and regulated. Understanding the different types of sensory seekers and the sensory systems involved can help us better support kids and adults who are wired this way.
The vestibular system is all about balance and movement. Vestibular seekers crave activities like spinning, swinging, jumping, or running. They’re often described as “on the go” and may have trouble sitting still. Safe outlets include trampolines, swings, or dance breaks throughout the day.
The proprioceptive system helps us sense our body position through muscles and joints. Proprioceptive seekers love heavy work and deep pressure. You might see them crashing into furniture, giving tight hugs, or lifting and carrying heavy objects. Support them with weighted blankets, obstacle courses, or tasks like pushing a laundry basket or carrying groceries.
The tactile system processes touch through the skin. Tactile seekers are drawn to textures and physical contact. They might touch everything around them, love messy play, or constantly seek hugs. Activities like sensory bins, playdough, water play, and textured fabrics can help meet their needs.
The oral sensory system processes input through the mouth. Oral seekers may chew on pencils, bite clothing, or prefer crunchy and chewy snacks. Chewable jewelry, straws, gum, and snack options like pretzels or apples are safe ways to provide oral input.
The auditory system interprets sound. Auditory seekers often hum, tap, or make noises. They may love music, loud environments, or playing with instruments. Consider drumming, rhythm games, or music breaks to meet their sensory needs.
The visual system processes light and movement. Visual seekers are drawn to bright lights, colors, and moving objects. They may love light-up toys, spinning fans, or repeated video clips. Glow sticks, bubble tubes, and lava lamps are great tools for visual input.
Recognizing which sensory systems a child or adult seeks can help redirect behaviors into safe and supportive outlets. Instead of labeling them as restless or disruptive, we can see their actions as communication.
Supporting sensory seekers isn’t about stopping the need for input, it’s about understanding and meeting it in a way that helps them thrive.
Reminder: 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.
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!
October is Sensory Processing Awareness Month, and I couldn’t let the first day pass without taking a moment to share why this month is so close to my heart.
If you’ve been following along with Just My MomSense, you already know that sensory processing plays a huge role in our family’s daily life. For us, it’s not just about quirky preferences or “picky” behaviors, it’s about how our children experience the world. A sound, a texture, or a room full of people can feel too much or not enough. What looks small on the outside can feel enormous on the inside.
That’s why Sensory Processing Awareness Month is so important. It’s a time to pause, educate, and bring understanding to families, teachers, friends, and communities who might not fully see what’s happening behind the scenes. For those of us living this everyday, it’s a reminder that our kids are processing the world differently, and that deserves respect, patience, and support.
This month, I’ll be sharing practical tools, calming strategies, and real-life stories from our sensory journey. My hope is that you feel less alone and more equipped, whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or someone who simply wants to better understand sensory needs.
Let’s use this month to celebrate the uniqueness of our kids, raise awareness in our circles, and gently remind the world: sensory processing differences are real, valid, and worth honoring.
Here’s to a month of awareness, compassion, and connection!
Just My MomSense 