The SEND List Guide
Sensory Processing in Children: A Complete Guide for UK Parents
Understanding why your child struggles with sounds, textures, and movement — and what you can do to help.
Does your child melt down when their clothes feel wrong? Cover their ears in busy places? Crash into furniture or seek constant movement? These behaviours are often signs of a sensory processing difference — not defiance, not bad parenting.
This guide explains what sensory processing is, how it affects children's daily lives, and the steps UK families can take to get the right support. Use the topics below to explore each area in depth.
Topics in this guide
Six in-depth articles to help you understand and support your child's sensory needs.
Topic 1
What Is Sensory Processing?
A plain-language explanation of how the brain processes sensory information — and why it sometimes differs.
Read more →Topic 2
Sensory Seeking vs Sensory Avoiding
Why some children crave intense input while others are overwhelmed — and what both mean for your child.
Read more →Topic 3
Sensory Processing and Autism
How sensory differences connect to autism, and what this means for assessment and everyday life.
Read more →Topic 4
Sensory Processing in School
Practical strategies for the classroom, reasonable adjustments, and working with your child's school.
Read more →Topic 5
Sensory Diets for Children
What a sensory diet is, how an OT creates one, and why the right activities make such a difference.
Read more →Topic 6
When to See an OT for Sensory Needs
Signs that sensory difficulties need professional support and how to access an occupational therapist.
Read more →Common signs of sensory processing differences
Sensory processing differences can look very different in different children. Some are oversensitive (hypersensitive) — they find ordinary sensations overwhelming. Others are undersensitive (hyposensitive) — they seek intense input because ordinary sensation doesn't register clearly. Many children have a mix of both.
Oversensitivity (hypersensitive)
- Distress from clothing tags or textures
- Covering ears in noisy environments
- Strong reactions to smells others ignore
- Gagging at certain food textures
- Avoiding messy play or physical contact
- Overwhelmed in busy or bright spaces
Undersensitivity (hyposensitive)
- Constantly seeking movement or crashing
- High pain threshold — doesn't notice injuries
- Bumping into things; poor body awareness
- Chewing on clothing, pencils, or objects
- Seeking very strong flavours or temperatures
- Difficulty sitting still or regulating energy
Why getting the right support matters
Sensory processing differences affect up to 1 in 6 children in some form. When a child cannot process sensory information reliably, it affects everything — behaviour, learning, friendships, and sleep. It can look like defiance when in reality the child is overwhelmed.
Occupational therapists are trained specifically to assess and support sensory processing differences. With the right input, children can build strategies, develop tolerance, and thrive at school and at home.
The earlier support starts, the more difference it makes — but it is never too late to seek help.
Frequently asked questions
Is sensory processing disorder an official diagnosis in the UK?
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is not listed as a standalone diagnosis in the DSM-5 or ICD-11 used by UK clinicians. However, sensory differences are widely recognised — particularly in the context of autism and ADHD — and OTs assess and treat sensory processing difficulties regardless of whether a formal diagnosis has been given.
Can sensory differences occur without autism?
Yes. While sensory processing differences are very common in autistic children, they also occur in children with ADHD, developmental coordination disorder (DCD), anxiety, or as a standalone difference without any other diagnosis. Every child's sensory profile is unique.
How do I get a sensory assessment for my child?
You can request a referral through your GP, health visitor, or SENCO. NHS waiting lists for OT can be lengthy. Many families choose private OT assessments for faster access — a private OT can assess your child's sensory profile and create a personalised sensory diet and recommendations for school and home.
Do I need a diagnosis before seeing an OT?
No. Private occupational therapists can assess and support children without a prior diagnosis. A sensory assessment can provide valuable information that helps with future assessments or EHCP applications. You do not need a GP referral to book private OT.
Will my child's sensory difficulties improve over time?
Many children develop coping strategies as they grow, especially with targeted support. Sensory integration therapy, sensory diets, and environmental adaptations can all make a significant difference. For some children, sensory differences remain part of who they are but become more manageable with the right tools.
Find a Sensory OT Near You
Browse The SEND List to find private occupational therapists who specialise in sensory processing — across the UK.
Find an OT Specialist