Sensory Processing Difficulties in Autism, ADHD & Learning Disabilities: Why Everyday Sounds, Clothes or Lights Can Feel Overwhelming
Some children cover their ears when the pressure cooker whistles.
Some refuse haircuts, certain clothes, or toothpaste.
Some chew their shirt collars, rock back and forth, or get angry when touched.
Others don’t feel pain when they fall, or crave loud music and spinning movements.
These behaviours are often misunderstood as “stubbornness”, “attention-seeking” or “naughtiness”.
Sometimes even diagnosed wrongly as OCD, anxiety, or oppositional behaviour.
But in many children with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Developmental Delay or Learning Disabilities, these are signs of Sensory Processing Difficulties (SPD).
🧠 What Is Sensory Processing?
Our brain constantly receives information from the five senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell) and two hidden senses:
| Sense | What it does |
|---|---|
| Vestibular | Balance, movement, body position |
| Proprioception | Body awareness (knowing where your hands/legs are without looking) |
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) occurs when the brain has trouble receiving, filtering, or responding to sensory information correctly.
⚠️ Types of Sensory Issues
🔹 1. Hypersensitivity (Over-Responsive Child)
Everything feels “too much”
| Sensory System | Signs |
|---|---|
| Sound | Covers ears, hates loud noise, cries in crowded places |
| Touch | Avoids haircuts, washing face, certain clothes (tags, socks) |
| Light | Squints, avoids sunlight, hates bright classroom lights |
| Taste/Smell | Extremely selective eater, vomits with strong smells |
| Movement | Scared of swings, escalators, car rides |
🔹 2. Hyposensitivity (Under-Responsive Child)
They seek more stimulation and feel less
| Sensory System | Signs |
|---|---|
| Sound | Doesn’t respond to name, loves loud volumes |
| Touch | Falls/injured but doesn’t cry, bumps into people |
| Movement | Keeps jumping, spinning, climbing furniture |
| Proprioception | Crashes into walls, chews shirts/pencils, hugs too tightly |
🔹 3. Sensory Seeking (Craving Sensation)
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Always touching things
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Chewing shirt collars/pencils
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Smelling objects repeatedly
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Jumping on sofas, spinning in circles
👦 Which Children Have Sensory Issues?
Common in:
✔ Autism (up to 90%)
✔ ADHD (40–60%)
✔ Dyslexia / Dysgraphia (affects handwriting, pencil grip)
✔ Developmental Coordination Disorder
✔ Speech delay due to oral motor sensitivity
✔ Even some “normal” kids with behavioural issues
📚 How Sensory Issues Affect Learning in School
| Sensory Problem | Classroom Impact |
|---|---|
| Noise sensitivity | Covers ears, refuses assembly/school functions |
| Touch sensitivity | Hates school uniform tags, socks, shoes |
| Visual overload | Complains of headaches, avoids reading |
| Pencil grip difficulty | Poor handwriting → labelled lazy |
| Movement seeking | Keeps getting up, walking around, seen as “naughty” |
| Smell/taste issues | Avoids lunch, throws tantrums at eating time |
🏠 What Parents Can Do at Home
✅ General Tips
✔ Respect, don’t shame: “Stop overreacting!” → damages trust
✔ Prepare child before sensory triggers: “There will be loud music in temple today. Want to carry headphones?”
✔ Use chewable jewellery, silicone pencil toppers for chewing
✔ Use seamless, tagless clothes, soft cotton, no synthetic uniforms
✔ Sound-cancelling headphones during loud festivals, weddings, crackers
✅ Sensory Diet (OT-Based Home Routine)
This is a daily set of sensory activities given by an Occupational Therapist to regulate the child’s brain.
Examples:
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Jumping on trampoline/bed
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Rolling in blanket/bedsheet (sandwich game)
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Pushing heavy objects – filled laundry basket, shopping cart
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Clapping games, bean bag throwing
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Brushing therapy (Wilbarger Protocol) – only under OT guidance
🧑⚕️ When to Consult a Professional?
| Sign | Whom to Consult |
|---|---|
| Avoids touch, loud sounds, haircuts | Occupational Therapist (Sensory Integration Therapy) |
| Co-existing autism/speech delay | Child Psychiatrist / Developmental Pediatrician |
| Writing/posture issues | Occupational Therapist |
| Behaviour concerns (anger, crying) | Child Psychologist / CBT Therapist |
Early therapy helps brain rewire better — neuroplasticity is strongest before age 7.
💡 Key Takeaways for Parents & Teachers
✔ Sensory issues are real, neurological, not attention-seeking
✔ Child is not “stubborn” — their brain is overwhelmed or under-responsive
✔ Sensory-friendly classrooms + therapy = major improvement
✔ Never force, punish or shame — accommodate and train gradually
👨⚕️ About the Author
Dr. Srinivas Rajkumar T
MD (AIIMS), DNB Psychiatry
Consultant – Child, Adolescent & Family Psychiatry
Mind & Memory Clinic – Apollo Clinic
(Opp. Phoenix MarketCity), Velachery, Chennai
📞 +91-8595155808 | 🌐 www.srinivasaiims.com
Specialist in Autism, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Sensory Processing Issues & Early Intervention.
Offers Sensory Profile Assessments, Parent Training & Occupational Therapy referrals.