Understanding Sensory Disorders and Differences

Unraveling the Senses: Sensory Sensitivity, Processing, Preferences, and Overload, Explained

Our senses are the gateways through which we interact with the world. They allow us to taste the sweetness of a strawberry, feel the warmth of the sun on our skin, and hear the laughter of a loved one. But what happens when these sensory experiences become overwhelming, or when the way we process them differs from others? This is where understanding sensory differences and sensory disorders comes in.

Sensory differences are natural variations, like finding some sounds too loud or preferring bright lights. Sensory disorders, however, are neurological conditions where the brain struggles to process sensory information, leading to ongoing challenges in daily life.

To unpack these concepts further, let’s delve into the specifics of sensory sensitivity and sensory processing. Understanding these distinctions will help us appreciate the spectrum of sensory experiences.

Sensory Sensitivity vs Processing: Clarifing the Signals to Start

Sensory sensitivity refers to a heightened awareness of sensory stimuli. Sounds might seem deafening, textures unbearable, and lights blinding. People with sensory sensitivities may find it challenging to tolerate certain environments or experiences. For example, a child with auditory sensitivity might struggle in noisy classrooms, while an adult with light sensitivity might experience headaches from fluorescent lighting.

On the other hand, sensory processing describes how our brains interpret and organize sensory information. It’s like a complex orchestra, with different senses playing their parts and the brain conducting the symphony. Moreover, when this processing goes awry, it can lead to sensory overload or difficulties with specific senses.

Here’s an analogy: Imagine a crowded room. Someone with typical sensory processing might filter out the background noise and focus on a conversation. However, someone with sensory sensitivities might find all the sounds overwhelming, making it difficult to concentrate. In contrast, someone with sensory processing dysfunction might struggle to distinguish individual voices from the background noise, leading to confusion.

Now that we’ve explored sensory sensitivity and processing, let’s examine what happens when the sensory input becomes overwhelming: sensory overload.

Signs of Sensory Overload: When the World Becomes Too Much to Handle

Sensory overload occurs when the brain receives too much sensory information at once, leading to a state of overwhelm. As a result, this can manifest in various ways, including:

• Physical symptoms: Headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue
• Behavioral symptoms: Irritability, tantrums, social withdrawal, meltdowns
• Emotional symptoms: Anxiety, frustration, feeling overwhelmed

As we delve deeper into the topic, let’s explore the eight senses and how they contribute to sensory processing.

How Sensory Processing Works: The Symphony of the Senses

Our sensory processing system is an intricate network that constantly gathers information from the environment through our eight senses:

1. Sight: This allows us to perceive light, color, and visual details.
2. Touch: We experience pressure, temperature, texture, and pain through touch.
3. Sound: We hear sounds at different volumes and pitches.
4. Smell: Our sense of smell helps us detect and identify odors.
5. Taste: We perceive the five basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami) through taste buds.
6. Vestibular (Balance): This sense helps us maintain balance and spatial orientation.
7. Proprioception (Body Awareness): We are aware of our body’s position and movement through proprioception.
8. Interoception (Internal Body Signals): This sense allows us to perceive internal body sensations like hunger, thirst, and bladder fullness.

Sensory information travels from our sensory organs (eyes, ears, nose, etc.) to the brain through nerves. Furthermore, the brain then interprets and integrates this information, allowing us to experience the world around us.

Think of it like this: Imagine an orchestra and choir on stage in a music hall. Each sense is like a different instrument, playing its part. The brain acts as the conductor, coordinating the information from each sense to create a unified experience. However, in cases of sensory processing difficulties, the orchestra might be out of tune, with some instruments playing too loudly or softly, or even missing their cues altogether.

Now, let’s review each sense and some examples of sensitivities.

The Eight Senses and Sensory Sensitivities

1. Sight:

People with visual sensitivities might find bright lights overwhelming or struggle with certain colors. In contrast, some individuals with hyposensitivity to sight might crave more visual stimulation.

2. Touch:

Sensory sensitivities related to touch can manifest as a dislike for certain textures, clothing tags, or close physical contact. On the other hand, some individuals might seek out deep pressure or enjoy rough textures.

3. Sound:

Auditory sensitivities can make loud noises unbearable, while some people might find background noise distracting or even calming. Conversely, those with hyposensitivity to sound might not register noises as loudly or crave loud music.

4. Smell:

Strong smells or specific odors can be overwhelming for people with olfactory sensitivities. In contrast, some individuals might seek out pleasant smells or be less bothered by strong odors.

5. Taste:

Individuals with taste sensitivities might find certain flavors overpowering or aversive. On the other hand, some people might crave strong flavors or be less sensitive to taste sensations.

6. Vestibular (Balance):

Vestibular sensitivities can lead to dizziness, motion sickness, or difficulty with activities that require balance. Conversely, some individuals might seek out activities that provide vestibular stimulation, such as spinning or swinging.

7. Proprioception (Body Awareness):

Proprioceptive dysfunction can manifest as clumsiness, difficulty with coordination, or a lack of awareness of body position. On the other hand, some individuals might crave proprioceptive input through activities like heavy work or deep pressure.

8. Interoception (Internal Body Signals):

Difficulties with interoception can make it challenging to recognize hunger, thirst, or the need to use the restroom. However, some individuals might be hyper-aware of their internal body signals and misinterpret them as anxiety or discomfort.

Having explored the eight senses and how sensory sensitivities can manifest in each one, let’s delve deeper into the spectrum of sensory experiences. We’ll differentiate between sensory differences and sensory disorders, unpacking how the brain processes sensory information and how variations in this processing can impact individuals.

Sensory Differences vs. Sensory Disorders: Understanding the Spectrum

Sensory differences are a natural variation in how people experience the world through their senses. Some people might be more sensitive to certain stimuli, like finding loud noises overwhelming or disliking certain textures. Others might have specific preferences, like enjoying bright colors or seeking out movement activities. These variations are part of the rich tapestry of human neurodiversity.

Sensory disorders, on the other hand, encompass a wider range of conditions that affect how our sensory systems function. Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is one specific type of sensory disorder. In SPD, the brain struggles to interpret and process sensory information from one or more senses. Furthermore, this can lead to ongoing challenges in daily activities, social interaction, and emotional regulation. Here’s some evidence: A 2018 study published in the journal Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience found that children with sensory processing disorder (SPD) were more likely to experience anxiety and depression compared to their typically developing peers.While sensory sensitivities are often a component of SPD, they can also occur in isolation or as part of other sensory disorders.

Now that we’ve distinguished between sensory differences and disorders, let’s explore conditions that can sometimes co-occur with sensory sensitivities or overload. Critically, understanding these connections can help us create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.

Conditions that Can Co-Occur with Sensory Sensitivities or Overload:

Remember, while sensory differences are not a diagnosis, they can co-exist with other diagnoses like:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Post-concussion syndrome
• Hearing loss
• Dementia
• Developmental disabilities
• Intellectual disabilities
• Long COVID
• Low vision
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Sensory Friendly Solutions has identified over 25 different disabilities, diagnoses or disorder that make someone more likley to experience sensory sensitivity or overload. Remember: Sensory sensitivity and sensory overload can be experienced across the lifespan and may be temporary or permanent. Learn more about them:

• Who Has Sensory Sensitivity?
• Sensory Overload: Is it a Problem in Your Life?
• Demystifying Sensory Sensitivity and Overload for Business

Decoding Sensory Experiences: Definitions and Examples

Unraveling the complexities of sensory experiences, this section will define key terms: sensory sensitivity, sensory overload, sensory preferences, and sensory processing disorder (SPD), as well as neurodiversity and associated sensory differences. By understanding these concepts, we can gain valuable insights into how people perceive the world around them.

Sensory Sensitivity:

This is a natural variation in how we process sensory information. Some people experience certain senses more intensely than others. Imagine your senses as dials on a mixing board. Sensory sensitivity is like having some dials set slightly higher than others. For example, someone sensitive to sound might find loud noises overwhelming, while someone sensitive to touch might dislike rough fabrics.

Sensory Preferences:

These are a person’s natural likes or dislikes for certain sensations. They can be related to any of the eight senses (sight, touch, sound, smell, taste, vestibular [balance], proprioception [movement and body awareness], and interoception [internal body signals]). Sensory preferences are distinct from sensory sensitivities because they’re not necessarily about intensity. Someone might prefer the feeling of soft, fuzzy fabrics (even if they don’t find rough fabrics overly irritating). Think of sensory preferences as adjusting the dials on your mixing board to find your ideal mix for a particular sense. You might prefer the bass turned up on the music dial (sound) but the brightness dial on the light dial (sight) turned down low.

Sensory Overload:

This is a temporary state caused by too much sensory input at once. It can happen to anyone, regardless of their sensory sensitivity level. Imagine all the dials on your mixing board being cranked up to max at once. This overwhelming amount of sensory information can lead to feeling stressed, anxious, or agitated. For instance, a crowded room with loud music, flashing lights, strong smells, and lots of people talking could trigger sensory overload in anyone.

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

This is a neurological condition where the brain has difficulty interpreting and responding to sensory information. It’s not just about being sensitive or getting overloaded occasionally. People with SPD experience ongoing challenges in processing sensory information, which can significantly impact their daily lives. There are different subtypes of SPD, including:

• Hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness): Finding certain sensations overwhelming or intolerable.
• Hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness): Not registering sensations as intensely as others.
• Sensory seeking (craving for certain sensations): Needing more sensory input than usual to feel comfortable.
• Sensory avoiding: Actively avoiding or withdrawing from sensory experiences that are perceived as unpleasant or overwhelming.

Think of SPD as having a malfunctioning receiver that struggles to interpret the incoming data streams (senses) accurately. It’s important to remember that this malfunctioning isn’t static over time. Sensory processing can vary from person to person, and even for the same person in different situations. Occupational therapists can be invaluable in assessing sensory processing challenges and developing strategies to help individuals manage their sensory experiences.

Remembers, while sensory sensitivities can be a symptom of a sensory processing disorder (SPD), sensory disorders themselves are broader and encompass conditions like hearing loss or visual impairments, which affect how a single sense functions, rather than the brain’s ability to process all sensory information.

Additional Points: Sensory Processing Variations and Traits

Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS): This is a proposed personality trait characterized by a deeper processing of sensory and social stimuli. It’s important to distinguish between SPS itself and highly sensitive persons (HSPs), a term coined by psychologists Elaine and Arthur Aron. While the two concepts are closely linked, they’re not entirely synonymous.

Here’s the breakdown of SPS vs HSP

• SPS: Refers to the underlying trait of deeper sensory and social processing. It’s a way of describing how the nervous system functions.
• HSP: Describes a person who exhibits the characteristics associated with SPS to a high degree. However, not everyone with SPS will identify as an HSP.
• Think of it like this: SPS is the blueprint, and HSP is the completed building constructed from that blueprint. Morevoer, many people with SPS might not experience the full range of characteristics associated with being an HSP, or their sensitivities might manifest differently.
• Key characteristics of someone who identifies as an HSP (may not apply to everyone with SPS):
• Deeper cognitive processing: They tend to analyze and reflect on information more deeply.
• Greater emotional reactivity: They may experience emotions more intensely, both positive and negative.
• Sensitivity to subtle stimuli: HSPs often pick up on nuances in their surroundings that others miss.
• Need for quiet time: They may require regular breaks from stimulating environments to recharge.
• Empathy and compassion: Their heightened awareness often translates to strong empathy for others.
• Remember: SPS and HSP are not sensory disorders, but personality traits. Understanding SPS and the concept of HSPs can be helpful for individuals who process information more deeply and for those around them to create supportive environments.

Neurodiversity and Sensory Differences:

Sensory processing differences are part of the broader spectrum of neurodiversity, which refers to the natural variations in human brain function and behavior. Neurodivergent individuals experience the world differently than those considered neurotypical. This can manifest in various ways, including:

• Learning styles: Some neurodivergent individuals may learn best through visual aids, hands-on activities, or auditory instruction, while others might excel in traditional lecture settings.
• Social interaction: Neurodivergent individuals might approach social situations differently, sometimes preferring solitude or finding it challenging to understand social cues.
• Attention: Individuals with ADHD, for example, may struggle with focus or hyperfixate on specific topics.
• Sensory processing: As we’ve discussed, sensory sensitivities, processing challenges, and sensory seeking behaviors can be common among neurodivergent individuals, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Here are some other conditions that fall under the neurodiversity umbrella:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Dyslexia
• Dyspraxia
• Tourette Syndrome
• Learning disabilities

Neurodiversity: A Spectrum of Strengths and Sensory Experiences

It’s important to remember that neurodiversity is not a deficit, but rather a different way of experiencing and interacting with the world. Many neurodivergent individuals possess unique strengths and talents. By creating inclusive environments that cater to a wider range of sensory needs and learning styles, we can empower all individuals to thrive.

A Story of Sensory Sensitivities:

Imagine Emily, a bright and inquisitive 10-year-old. Emily loves learning new things, especially about animals. However, crowded classrooms can be overwhelming for her. The fluorescent lights hum overhead, and the chatter of her classmates creates a constant background buzz. Certain textures, like the scratchy wool sweater she’s forced to wear in the winter, can be irritating to the point of distraction. During fire drills, the blaring alarm sends shivers down her spine, making it difficult to focus on directions.

Despite these challenges, Emily excels in art class. She loses herself in the world of color and texture, using vibrant paints and soft clay to create intricate sculptures of her favorite animals. She thrives in smaller group settings, where the sensory input is less overwhelming. Emily’s unique way of processing information allows her to see the world from a different perspective, reflected in her detailed artwork and insightful observations.

What can we take away from Emily’s story?

• Sensory awareness is key. By understanding how sensory input can impact individuals, we can create more supportive environments. This includes classrooms, workplaces, and even public spaces. Consider offering noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, or designated quiet areas for those who need a sensory break.
• Neurodiversity is a strength. Emily’s unique way of processing information allows her to excel in art. Recognizing and celebrating these strengths can empower neurodivergent individuals to thrive.
• Inclusion benefits everyone. When we create environments that cater to a wider range of sensory needs and learning styles, we create a richer and more vibrant space for all. This benefits not only neurodivergent individuals but also their neurotypical peers by fostering empathy and understanding.

Emily’s story is just one example. By fostering understanding and creating inclusive, sensory-friendly spaces, we can empower all individuals to reach their full potential.

Sensory-Friendly Experiences and Environments: Important for Sensory Disorders and Differences

The concept of sensory-friendly experiences, events and environments is crucial for promoting inclusion and accessibility. By understanding sensory differences, businesses, organizations, and individuals can create spaces that cater to a wider range of sensory needs. This can involve aspects like:

• Reduced noise levels: Quieter music, designated quiet areas.
• Lowered lighting: Dimmer switches, avoiding harsh fluorescent lights.
• Clear signage: Easy-to-understand visual cues and instructions.
• Calming spaces: Areas with comfortable seating, soft textures, and calming colors.
• Fidget toys and sensory tools: Providing options for self-regulation.

Benefits of Sensory-Friendly Practices:

Creating sensory-friendly experiences can benefit everyone, not just those with sensory sensitivities. Here are some reasons why:

• Improved customer satisfaction and brand loyalty: Customers appreciate businesses that cater to their needs and make them feel welcome.
• Enhanced employee well-being: A sensory-friendly work environment can reduce stress and improve focus for all employees.
• Increased accessibility and inclusion: Sensory-friendly practices create more inclusive spaces for everyone to participate.

Creating Sensory-Friendly Experiences: How Sensory Friendly Solutions Can Help

Understanding sensory differences and sensory disorders is just the first step. Sensory Friendly Solutions is here to empower businesses, organizations, and individuals to create inclusive and welcoming environments for everyone.

We offer a range of resources to help you navigate the world of sensory processing, including our popular Sensory Friendly 101 Course and Training Membership. This comprehensive program will equip you with the introductory knowledge and tools to:

• Understand more about sensory needs
• Learn from sensory-friendly examples
• Implement practical strategies

Ready to learn more? Watch a short video from our founder, Christel Seeberger, for a deeper dive into the benefits of sensory-friendly solutions with all the courses you need in our training membership!

Importantly, we invite you to explore our Sensory Friendly 101 Course and Training Membership. With ongoing support and resources, you can become a leader in creating sensory-friendly experiences for your community.