close
sensory processing disorder

Sensory processing disorder

Sensory processing disorder also called sensory integration dysfunction or sensory integration disorder, is a neurological disorder in which the sensory information that the individual perceives results in abnormal responses. If you have sensory processing issues, your brain has trouble organizing and responding to information that comes in through your senses. Kids with sensory processing disorder may be oversensitive to sensory input, undersensitive, or both. Certain sounds, sights, smells, textures, and tastes can create a feeling of “sensory overload.” Bright or flickering lights, loud noises, certain textures of food, and scratchy clothing are just some of the triggers that can make kids feel overwhelmed and upset.

Sensory processing refers to the way the nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into responses. For those with sensory processing disorder, sensory information goes into the brain but does not get organized into appropriate responses. Those with sensory processing disorder perceive and/or respond to sensory information differently than most other people. Unlike people who have impaired sight or hearing, those with sensory processing disorder do detect the sensory information; however, the sensory information gets “mixed up” in their brain and therefore the responses are inappropriate in the context in which they find themselves.

There are two types of sensory processing challenges, and many kids experience a mix of the two. One is oversensitivity (hypersensitivity). This leads to sensory avoiding—kids avoid sensory input because it’s too overwhelming. The other is undersensitivity (hyposensitivity). This causes kids to be sensory seeking—they look for more sensory stimulation.

Often, kids with sensory processing issues are oversensitive. They try to avoid sensations they find intolerable.

But some kids seek more sensory input, not less. They may want to touch things and feel physical contact and pressure. They may also be undersensitive to pain and have an unusually high tolerance for it. That’s why they may prefer playing rough and not understand if they’re hurting someone.

Some kids may be both sensory avoiding and sensory seeking. They may be oversensitive to some sensations, and undersensitive to others. A child’s reactions can also change from one day to the next, or even throughout the day, depending on the environment or situation.

Sensory processing issues aren’t a specific learning disability. But they can still have a large impact on learning.

A more formal definition is that sensory processing disorder is a neurophysiologic condition in which sensory input either from the environment or from one’s body is poorly detected, modulated, or interpreted and/or to which atypical responses are observed. Sensory processing disorder is like a neurological “traffic jam” that prevents certain parts of the brain from receiving the information needed to interpret sensory information correctly.

Sensory processing disorders are often first recognized during the toddler years, when parents notice that a child has an unusual aversion to noise, light, shoes that are deemed too tight and clothes that are irritating. They may also notice clumsiness and trouble climbing stairs, and difficulty with fine motor skills like wielding a pencil and fastening buttons.

More baffling and alarming to parents are children who exhibit extreme behaviors:

  • Screaming if their faces get wet
  • Throwing tantrums when you try to get them dressed
  • Having an unusually high or low pain threshold
  • Crashing into walls and even people
  • Putting inedible things, including rocks and paint, into their mouths

These and other atypical behaviors may reflect sensory processing disorder, difficulty integrating information from the senses, which may overwhelm children and result in confusing behavior. Parents of children with these disorder often call it sensory processing disorder. Psychiatrists, however, are quick to note that sensory processing disorder is not a recognized disorder in the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5).

Sensory processing disorder is not a diagnosis on its own. But sensory processing disorder often co-occur with two conditions: ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. Kids don’t have to have ADHD or autism spectrum disorder to have sensory processing issues, however.

Sensory processing problems are now considered a symptom of autism spectrum disorder because the majority of children and adults on the autism spectrum disorder also have significant sensory disorder. However, many children with sensory disorder are not on the autism spectrum disorder. They can also be found in those with ADHD, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and other developmental delays or with no other diagnosis at all.

Some of the signs of ADHD may look similar to the signs of sensory processing disorder. Kids with either of these conditions might need to be in constant motion, for instance. But the reasons would be different.

Like kids with ADHD, kids with sensory processing disorder may also experience anxiety.

Sensory processing disorder key facts

  • Sensory processing disorder is a complex disorder of the brain that affects developing children and adults.
  • Parent surveys, clinical assessments, and laboratory protocols exist to identify children with sensory processing disorder.
  • At least one in twenty people in the general population may be affected by sensory processing disorder.
  • In children who are gifted and those with ADHD, Autism, and fragile X syndrome, the prevalence of sensory processing disorder is much higher than in the general population.
  • Studies have found a significant difference between the physiology of children with sensory processing disorder and children who are typically developing.
  • Studies have found a significant difference between the physiology of children with sensory processing disorder and children with ADHD.
  • Sensory processing disorder has unique sensory symptoms that are not explained by other known disorders.
  • Heredity may be one cause of sensory processing disorder
  • Laboratory studies suggest that the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are not functioning typically in children with sensory processing disorder.
  • Preliminary research data support decades of anecdotal evidence that occupational therapy is an effective intervention for treating the symptoms of sensory processing disorder.

I think my child gas sensory processing disorder. What can I do about it?

If you’ve seen your child struggling with things like bright lights, loud sounds, and strong smells for a while now, you may worry that it’s not a passing thing. You may even wonder if your child has sensory processing disorder.

Kids with these issues have trouble managing information that comes in through their senses. They might seek out quiet places or have a meltdown because there’s too much sensory input for them to process.

Seeing your child struggle is upsetting. But there are ways to help. Here are six steps to take if you think your child has sensory processing disorder.

  1. Learn about sensory processing disorder. Get the basic facts about sensory processing disorder.
    • Kids respond in different ways to sensory input. It depends on the type of input and the type of sensory challenges they have.
    • Kids don’t always avoid sensory input. Sometimes they seek it out. Also, there are many myths around sensory challenges. Some people wrongly think they aren’t real or that kids are just being difficult.
  2. Look for what triggers your child’s behavior.
    • Keep an eye out for triggers that cause your child to become overwhelmed. Is it always the same sound? Is it worse at certain times of day or in certain situations?
    • Spotting patterns gives you valuable information to share with people you talk to for information or advice. That includes your child’s teacher or health care provider. It also lets you find the best strategies to help your child.
  3. Find out what’s happening at school. You see what’s happening at home. But is the same thing going on at school?
    • Connect with your child’s teacher to find out. You can email or call, or set up a time to talk in person. Share what you’re seeing and talk about how you can work together to support your child.
  4. Talk openly about challenges. It may not be comfortable to share that your child is struggling. But if you tell people about your child’s challenges, you may find other families with similar experiences. Those families may have tips and resources to share with you. You may also find that they’re a source of support to you and your child.
  5. Let your child know it’s okay. When kids have sensory challenges, they can have reactions that are very noticeable to others. They may get negative reactions from other people. Feeling judged can impact your child’s self-esteem. Let your child know that kids with sensory processing disorder are as smart as other kids, and there are ways to make the challenges easier. Bullying can be a problem for kids who learn and think differently, too. Tell your child you want to know if kids are doing or saying mean things.
  6. Know where to go for answers. Teachers and health care providers can be great resources. They can suggest strategies to try at home. And they can recommend steps to find out what’s causing your child’s sensory difficulties. One suggestion may be to have your child evaluated. Your child’s school can do this for free.

Sensory overload and anxiety

Most kids have no trouble organizing the information they get from their senses. But kids with sensory processing disorder struggle with it.

Some may be oversensitive to sounds, sights, textures, flavors, smells and other sensory input. Others may be undersensitive to things like temperature and noise. Some kids are both oversensitive and undersensitive.

Anxiety is most common in kids who are oversensitive. They can experience sensory overload, which can make basic activities seem like an assault for them. So they may come to dread everyday situations that are stressful, like trips to the mall. Or they may worry about finding themselves in situations they find intolerable.

Here’s what anxiety might look like in a child with sensory processing disorder:

  • A child who can’t tolerate the sound of “buzzing” insects may fret about playing kickball outside or panic if a bug (buzzing or not) comes too close.
  • A grade-schooler who’s oversensitive to food flavors and textures may worry she’ll have to eat certain things if she goes to someone’s house for dinner or a sleepover and refuses to go.
  • A teen who’s oversensitive to touch may not be able to tolerate being hugged or kissed. So he stands off by himself at family gatherings, worrying that his most affectionate aunt will spot him and come over.

Sensory issues often trigger anxiety and fears. But sometimes parents are concerned about sensory processing issues when their child could actually be struggling with an anxiety disorder. A child may be anxious because of something totally unrelated.

Only an evaluation by a professional can pinpoint what’s going on. Without one, it can be hard to tell what’s behind the anxiety and the behavior it creates.

Sensory processing disorder types

Current knowledge suggests that there are six subtypes of sensory processing disorder 1. Almost all individuals with sensory processing disorder have a combination of symptoms from more than one subtype. The chart below (Figure 1) shows the three major patterns and the six subtypes of sensory processing disorder.

The symptoms of sensory processing disorder vary greatly depending upon the sense that is affected, how that sense is affected, and the severity of the condition.

Sensory processing disorder may occur in each sensory system: Visual, Auditory, Tactile, Smell, Taste, Vestibular, Proprioception, Interoception and symptoms may vary depending on subtype. That is why sensory processing disorder is so difficult to understand and diagnose. The person may have 1, 2 or up to 8 sensory systems involved and 1, 2, or up to 6 different subtypes. Or 260,000 different patterns of expression of sensory processing disorder. Each person with sensory processing disorder must be individually assessed and treatment never looks the same for different children.

People with sensory processing disorder misinterpret everyday sensory information, such as touch, sound, and movement. They may feel bombarded by information, they may crave intense sensory experiences, or they may be unaware of sensations that others feel. They may also have sensory-motor symptoms such as a weak body, clumsiness or awkwardness or delayed motor skills.

If a person has sensory processing disorder often the symptoms result in emotional, behavioral, social, attentional, or motoric problems. These secondary problems can take many forms and look different depending on the child and family context.

Summary of Sensory Processing Disorder Subtypes

  1. Pattern 1: Sensory Modulation Disorder
    • Sensory Over-Responsive: Individuals with sensory over-responsivity are more sensitive to sensory stimulation than most people. Their bodies feel sensation too easily or too intensely. They might feel as if they are being constantly bombarded with information. Consequently, these people often have a “fight or flight” response to sensation, e.g. being touched unexpectedly or loud noise, a condition sometimes called “sensory defensiveness.” They may try to avoid or minimize sensations, e.g. withdraw from being touched or cover their ears to avoid loud sounds.
    • Sensory Under-Responsive: Individuals who are under-responsive to sensory stimuli are often quiet and passive, disregarding or not responding to stimuli of the usual intensity available in their sensory environment. They may appear withdrawn, difficult to engage and or self-absorbed because they do not detect the sensory input in their environment. Their under-responsivity to tactile and deep pressure input may lead to poor body awareness, clumsiness or movements that are not graded appropriately. These children may not perceive objects that are too hot or cold or they may not notice pain in response to bumps, falls, cuts, or scrapes.
    • Sensory Craving: Individuals with this pattern actively seek or crave sensory stimulation and seem to have an almost insatiable desire for sensory input. They tend to be constantly moving, crashing, bumping, and/or jumping. They may “need” to touch everything and be overly affectionate, not understanding what is “their space” vs. “other’s space.” Sensory seekers are often thought to have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). 
A key factor with Sensory Craving is that when the individual receives more input it does not regulate him/her; in fact, those with true craving disorders become disorganized with additional stimulation.
  2. Pattern 2: Sensory-Based Motor Disorder
    • Postural Disorder: An individual with postural disorder has difficulty stabilizing his/her body during movement or at rest in order to meet the demands of the environment or of a motor task. When postural control is good, the person can reach, push, pull, etc. and has good resistance against force. Individuals with poor postural control often do not have the body control to maintain a good standing or sitting position.
    • Dyspraxia or Motor Planning Problems: Individuals with Dyspraxia have trouble processing sensory information properly, resulting in problems planning and carrying out new motor actions. They may have difficulty in forming a goal or idea, planning a sequence of actions or performing new motor tasks. These individuals are clumsy, awkward, and accident-prone. They may break toys, have poor skill in ball activities or other sports, or have trouble with fine motor activities. They may prefer sedentary activities or try to hide their motor planning problem with verbalization or with fantasy play.
  3. Pattern 3: Sensory Discrimination Disorder
    • Sensory discrimination refers to the process whereby specific qualities of sensory stimuli are perceived and meaning attributed to them. Discriminate means understanding accurately what is seen, heard, felt, tasted, or smelled. Individuals with sensory discrimination disorder difficulties have problems determining the characteristics of sensory stimuli. The result is a poor ability to interpret or give meaning to the specific qualities of stimuli or difficulty detecting similarities and differences among stimuli. (Do I see a “P” or a “Q”? Do I hear “cat” or “cap”? Do I feel a quarter or a dime in my pocket? Am I falling to the side or backwards?). Individuals with poor sensory discrimination may appear awkward in both gross and fine motor abilities and/or inattentive to people and objects in their environment. They may take extra time to process the important aspects of sensory stimuli.

Figure 1. Sensory processing disorder subtypes

Sensory processing disorder subtypes

Table 1. Summary of sensory processing disorder subtypes

Primary PatternSubtypeDescription
Sensory Modulation DisorderDifficulty regulating responses to sensory stimuli
Sensory Over-ResponsivePredisposition to respond too much, too soon, or for too long to sensory stimuli most people find quite tolerable
Sensory Under-ResponsivePredisposition to be unaware of sensory stimuli, to have a delay before responding, responses are muted or responds with less intensity compared to the average person
Sensory CravingDriven to obtain sensory stimulation, but getting the stimulation results in disorganization and does not satisfy the drive for more
Sensory-Based Motor DisorderDifficulty with balance, motor coordination, and the performance of skilled, non-habitual and/or habitual motor tasks
Postural DisorderImpaired perception of position of body position; poorly developed movement patterns that depend on core stability. Thus, appears weak and/or has poor endurance
DyspraxiaDifficulty thinking of, planning and/or executing skilled movements especially novel movement patterns
Sensory Discrimination DisorderDifficulty interpreting subtle qualities of objects, places, people or other environments
Auditory discrimination disorderDifficulty interpreting characteristics of sensory stimuli that is heard; (may be called Auditory Discrimination Disorder)
Visual discrimination disorderDifficulty determining/interpreting characteristics of sensory stimuli that is seen
Tactile discrimination disorderDifficulty determining/interpreting characteristics of sensory stimuli that is felt on the skin or interpreting higher level visual/spatial characteristics of touch (includes stereognosis and graphesthesia disorders)
Vestibular discrimination disorderDifficulty interpreting characteristics of sensory stimuli, experienced through movement of the body through space or against gravity
Proprioceptive discrimination disorderDifficulty determining/interpreting characteristics of sensory stimuli experienced through use of the muscles and joints
Gustatory discrimination disorderDifficulty determining/interpreting characteristics of sensory stimuli that is tasted
Olfactory discrimination disorderDifficulty determining/interpreting characteristics of sensory stimuli that is smelled
InteroceptionDifficulty interpreting stimulation from internal organs (may not feel need to use the toilet or may have frequent somatic complaints such as stomach aches)

Sensory processing disorder causes

The exact cause of sensory processing disorder has not yet been identified. Researchers are looking into biological reasons for these issues. Some research suggests they can be genetic, suggesting that sensory processing disorder is often inherited. Researchers are also looking into birth complications and other environmental factors. But so far, there’s no known cause of sensory processing disorder.

ADHD and autism often co-occur with sensory issues. They don’t cause them, however.

Sensory processing disorder signs and symptoms

What you or your child’s teacher might see depends on two things. The first is the trigger—the sensory input that’s overwhelming your child. The second is the type of sensory processing challenge your child has.

Sensory avoiding

Kids who are sensory avoiding may react to a wide range of triggers. These can include loud sounds, uncomfortable clothing, crowded spaces, or certain food smells or textures, among others. Whatever the trigger, the reaction can sometimes be extreme.

Sensory overload can lead to sensory meltdowns. These are very different from tantrums because they’re out of the child’s control.

Here are some other signs you might see in your child:

  • Is easily overwhelmed by people and places
  • Seeks out quiet spots in noisy, crowded environments
  • Is easily startled by sudden noises
  • Is bothered by bright light
  • Refuses to wear itchy or otherwise uncomfortable clothing
  • Avoids touching people or hugging them
  • Has a strong reaction to the texture or smell of certain foods
  • Refuses to try new foods and has a very limited diet of preferred foods
  • Gets upset about small changes in routine or environment and avoids trying new things

Sensory information isn’t limited to the traditional five senses: sight, smell, taste, touch, and sound. Interoception is a lesser-known sense that helps you understand and feel what’s going on in your body. Kids who have trouble with it may have a harder time with toilet training or have an unexpected threshold for pain.

Two other senses, body awareness (proprioception) and spatial orientation (the vestibular sense), can also affect kids with sensory issues. Sensory avoiding kids may have trouble knowing where their body is in relation to other kids or their environment. Or they may be wary about using playground equipment like the swings.

Sensory seeking

Kids who are undersensitive to sensory input have the opposite situation. They often have a need for movement. And they may seek out input like spicy or sour tastes and physical contact and pressure.

Here are some other signs you might see in your child at different ages:

  • Constantly touches objects
  • Plays roughly and takes physical risks
  • Has a high tolerance for pain
  • Often squirms and fidgets
  • Is constantly on the move
  • Invades other people’s personal space
  • Often gets distracted or feels anxious
  • Is clumsy and uncoordinated

Keep in mind that kids aren’t always one or the other. Some kids may be sensory seeking in certain situations and sensory avoiding in others, depending on how that child is coping or self-regulating at the time. That’s why it’s so important to observe your child’s reactions and to try to anticipate what triggers them.

Infants and toddlers red flag signs and symptoms

  • Problems eating or sleeping
  • Refuses to go to anyone but their mom for comfort
  • Irritable when being dressed; uncomfortable in clothes
  • Rarely plays with toys
  • Resists cuddling, arches away when held
  • Cannot calm self
  • Floppy or stiff body, motor delays

Pre-schoolers red flag signs and symptoms

  • Over-sensitive to touch, noises, smells, other people
  • Difficulty making friends
  • Difficulty dressing, eating, sleeping, and/or toilet training
  • Clumsy; poor motor skills; weak
  • In constant motion; in everyone else’s “face and space”
  • Frequent or long temper tantrums

Grade-schoolers red flag signs and symptoms

  • Over-sensitive to touch, noise, smells, other people
  • Easily distracted, fidgety, craves movement; aggressive
  • Easily overwhelmed
  • Difficulty with handwriting or motor activities
  • Difficulty making friends
  • Unaware of pain and/or other people

Adolescents and adults red flag signs and symptoms

  • Over-sensitive to touch, noise, smells, and other people
  • Poor self-esteem; afraid of failing at new tasks
  • Lethargic and slow
  • Always on the go; impulsive; distractible
  • Leaves tasks uncompleted
  • Clumsy, slow, poor motor skills or handwriting
  • Difficulty staying focused
  • Difficulty staying focused at work and in meetings
  • Unmotivated; never seems to get joy from life

Sensory processing disorder diagnosis

Sensory processing disorder is not a formal diagnosis. You might hear a professional evaluator say something like, “Your child has trouble processing sensory information.”

There are a few tests professionals can use to identify sensory processing issues. These include Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) and the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) checklist.

In general, though, the behaviors kids with sensory processing disorder are very visible and evident. It’s important to observe your child and take notes to share with professionals who might identify your child’s challenges.

Occupational therapists are often qualified to identify and create treatment plans for sensory challenges in kids. Other professionals may be able to identify sensory processing issues, too. These include:

  • Pediatricians
  • Developmental-behavioral pediatricians
  • Psychologists, including neuropsychologists
  • School evaluators

Tracking your child’s behavior and reaction can help you identify patterns and triggers. But it can be hard to know where to start. Download the anxiety log to help identify why and when your child gets anxious or stressed.

An anxiety log can help you spot patterns in your child’s behavior. Then you may find it easier to choose calming strategies that work. Tracking signs of anxiety in your young child or signs of anxiety in your tween or teen can also help you figure out if what you’re seeing is typical anxiety or an anxiety problem.

This anxiety log, created by Understood and CHC, has three pages. Try using them in sensory processing disorder:

  1. Start with an anxiety tracker. This can help you take notes about when and where your child gets anxious. Think of this tracker as a very organized diary. Each entry has spots where you can note which signs of anxiety you noticed, how intense your child’s feelings were, and what helped your child calm down. And because a caregiver’s reactions can affect a child’s anxiety, the tracker also has space to rate how stressed you felt when your child was getting anxious.
  2. Then, use the anxiety pattern finder to help you spot trends based on the details you’ve logged in the anxiety tracker. Two to three weeks of entries may be enough to help you find some patterns and start looking for ways to ease your child’s worries.
  3. Finally, use the calming strategies worksheet to help you think about what works best for your child. For example, does your child need to be near you to calm down? Or is it better to have quiet time alone? Your child may have helpful insights, so look for a calm moment to brainstorm together. Filling out this worksheet can also help you prepare to talk with your child’s teacher or doctor.

Figure 2. Anxiety log

Anxiety log
Anxiety log 2
Anxiety log 3

Sensory processing disorder treatment

There are no medications for sensory processing disorder. But there are professionals who can help your child learn strategies to cope with sensory challenges.

Occupational therapists often work with kids with sensory issues. They help kids find ways to be less overwhelmed by sensory input. You may have heard of a treatment known as sensory integration therapy. But more often therapists might create what’s called a sensory diet.

This is a tailored plan of physical activities. It helps kids learn to calm themselves and regulate their behavior and emotions. And that makes them more open to learning and socializing.

Here are some things that might be included in a sensory diet:

  • Jumping jacks
  • Rolling on a therapy ball
  • Push-ups
  • Hopping up and down
  • Climbing ladders and going down slides

Some of these activities are heavy work, a type of activity that pushes or pulls against the body.

Child psychologists also work with kids who have sensory processing disorder. They can use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help kids talk through their feelings and frustrations caused by their challenges.

At school, your child might be able to get accommodations through a 504 plan. If your child has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for another issue, it could include accommodations for sensory issues, too. The teacher may also give your child informal supports.

Classroom accommodations to help kids with sensory processing disorder might include:

  • Allowing your child to use a fidget
  • Providing a quiet space or earplugs for noise sensitivity
  • Telling your child ahead of time about a change in routine
  • Seating your child away from doors, windows or buzzing lights
  • Allowing your child to take exercise breaks to self-regulate

How you can help your child with sensory processing disorder

Dealing with the unexpected behaviors that come with sensory issues can be hard on the whole family. But once you know what’s causing them, it gets easier to know how to help. There are lots of strategies you can use at home and on the go:

  • Learn how to make a sensory travel kit, and get tips for avoiding travel meltdowns.
  • Explore sensory-friendly indoor activities.
  • Find out what to do if your child refuses to wear winter clothing.
  • Download a six-week holiday planner for kids with sensory issues.
  • Learn ways to help your grade-schooler deal with school challenges.
  • Read how to build a foundation of self-advocacy in young kids, and how to help grade-schoolers, middle-schoolers, and high-schoolers learn to self-advocate.
  • Get tips on how to be an advocate for your child at school.
  • Download a hands-on activity to identify your child’s strengths.

It’s important to find support for you, too:

  • Listen as other parents discuss tough topics and offer advice.
  • Connect and trade tips with other parents.
  • Reach out to experts.

Quick trip sensory travel kit

When you go to the store or to a school event, you’ll only be gone for a short time. You can also leave if you need to. In this case, it helps to have a small sensory regulation kit in your purse, bag, or coat pocket—rather than lug a big bag of sensory tools.

A roll-up makeup bag can often hold what you need. It has sections, so you can keep the sensory tools apart from each other. It’s also compact enough to tuck away.

Here are items you can put in it:

  • Earbuds, folding headphones, or earplugs to help make noise less overwhelming
  • Sticky notes to put over sensors for automatic flushing toilets and hand dryers
  • A small bottle of hand lotion to soothe your child’s need for touch
  • “Smellies” (like scented lip balm)
  • A small fidget or stress ball
  • Silly Putty or Wikki Stix
  • Oral sensory tools like gum, Chewelry, or chewy and crunchy snacks

Keep-in-the-car sensory box

Lots of parents and caregivers spend a lot of time driving kids to and from places. If you do, too, you may want to keep a larger and better-stocked sensory kit in the car.

A tackle box or craft box with sections and a handle is sturdy enough to handle bumps on the road. It’s also easy for you and your child to sort through. The tackle box can include the same items you’d put in the quick-trip travel kit, along with bigger items that wouldn’t fit in a makeup bag.

These items might be:

  • Noise-reducing headphones to reduce traffic noise
  • Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and/or car window shades to reduce light
  • A timer to help with transitions
  • A small weighted lap pad, stuffed animal, or sensory pillow to provide calming pressure
  • Play-dough or clay
  • A jump rope (to use at rest stops or at your destination)
  • Sensory calming bottles
  • Bubbles
  • A harmonica, kazoo, or other small instruments
  • Books

Sensory backpack for vacations

Traveling to new locations or visiting family can be exciting. It can also be stressful for kids who seek or avoid sensory stimulation. It might help to keep a sensory backpack within reach in the car or on the plane. This way your child will have sensory tools handy while you’re driving or otherwise occupied.

You can also pack things in the backpack that will be useful while you’re away. These might be items your child uses as part of a daily sensory diet. You could also pack:

  • Familiar toiletries, like shampoo, soap, and toothpaste (so your child can have the usual smells and tastes)
  • A washcloth and towel with a texture you know your child will tolerate
  • A change of clothes
  • Coloring books with scented markers, a travel-size Etch A Sketch, or a squishy or textured handheld ball
  • A weighted vest or weighted blanket to provide calming pressure (if your child has an occupational therapist, check with them first)
  • Your child’s favorite music on a mobile device
  • Gummy or crunchy snacks (like fruit snacks or pretzels)
  • Straws or a water bottle with a straw/spout

A sensory travel kit is just one way to help your child handle sensory overload. There are plenty of other strategies you can try.

10 tips to help kids avoid travel meltdowns and sensory overload

These troubleshooting tips can help you anticipate sensory overload and avoid vacation meltdowns.

1. Bring a “sensory travel kit.”

If your child has visual sensitivities or is sensitive to sounds, textures, or smells, you might have already found tools that help. Fill a small backpack with the items such as sunglasses, earplugs, and fidgets. Keep it within reach in the car or on the plane, so your child can grab things even if your focus is elsewhere. Your child may also benefit from the “heavy work” of carrying a backpack.

2. Pack familiar toiletries.

While it’s nice that hotels and family provide shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and even towels, your child may be overwhelmed by the new textures, smells, or tastes. Pack the toiletries you use at home and towels you know your child will use. It’s a simple way to make your child feel more at home.

3. Practice your trip.

For older kids, this may mean looking over the route, routines, and schedule for your trip. It may also mean talking about the sensory information they might encounter. For example, a big city can be loud even at night or might have unfamiliar smells.

Younger kids may benefit from a pretend practice run. Make your home into an “airport” or “museum,” and walk through what might happen there. Provide multisensory input, such as playing the sound of plane engines starting up, having your child drag a suitcase, or showing a video of planes.

4. Stop for frequent breaks during car trips.

Sitting still for a long time in a small space can be hard for all kids. It can be especially hard for kids with sensory processing disorder. Leave enough time in your plans so you can stop every few hours for a 10-minute break.

If your child needs quiet time, map out parks or rest areas along your route. If your child needs more sensory input, kick a soccer ball around. Or, if you stop at a service area, bring your child inside with you to pick out snacks for the road.

5. Give yourself extra time.

Schedule some extra time to get to the airport or your destination. It can reduce the chances that your child—or you—will feel overloaded by the stress of hurrying through a new situation. It may also prevent an anxiety-related meltdown.

And if at any point during your travel you’re feeling stressed, don’t hesitate to take a break for yourself. If you can stay calm, it can help keep your child calm, too.

6. Look for quiet corners during airport waits.

If you miss a flight or have a long layover between flights, the wait may be tough on your child. For some kids, the noise of airport announcements, people rushing to catch flights, and planes taking off may be too much.

Try taking a walk around the terminal to look for a quiet corner. Many airports also have activity centers, which your child might enjoy if they’re not too crowded. And some airports are adding sensory-friendly rooms for travelers.

7. Be strategic in your boarding options.

Many airlines make accommodations for families that need extra support. Call ahead to see what can be done to help. Some airlines offer pre-boarding, but if your child might do better getting on the plane after everybody, ask if that’s an option.

Other things to consider are arranging for aisle or bulkhead seating for some extra room, and letting the flight attendants know your child may need a little extra assistance. Be sure to stress there’s no danger, but that you want them to be aware.

8. Let your child get used to travel and vacation clothes.

If you’re traveling to a different climate, don’t forget to take into account that your child may need time to get used to clothes for a different season. Let your child try on and try out bathing suits in the shower or bathtub to make sure they’re still comfortable.

If possible, let your child choose clothing to pack. Many kids with sensory processing disorder have distinct preferences. Sticking with familiar clothing for a trip means one less stressor to manage.

9. Bring familiar foods with you.

Be prepared if your child is sensitive to tastes and food textures or tends to get “hangry.” (That’s angry when hungry.) Your child may have trouble with what’s available to eat at your host’s home or the hotel restaurant.

Bring along familiar foods instead of asking your child to adapt to new ones. You may have to arrange to have a fridge in your hotel room. If you’re staying with family or friends, you may want to provide your hosts with a grocery list and some money. Or you can ask to store items you buy in their refrigerator.

10. Follow the routine you use at home.

It’s tempting to go with the flow on vacation, but a change in routine can be tough on many kids. Help your child go to sleep and wake up at the same time as at home. Follow the same rules. If jumping on the bed isn’t OK at home, it isn’t OK at a hotel or someone else’s house.

Think about your child’s regular rhythms, too. If your child gets cranky at night, you might want to finish the day’s driving before dinnertime. If mornings are tough, you might want to avoid an early departure.

References
  1. Subtypes of SPD. https://www.spdstar.org/basic/subtypes-of-spd
Health Jade Team

The author Health Jade Team

Health Jade