What Is Sensory Processing?

Sensory processing is how our brain takes in and responds to information from the world around us—and from inside our own bodies. For many neurodivergent people, especially those with ADHD, Autism, and Tourette’s Syndrome, this system works differently. When sensory input is too strong, too weak, or hard to understand, it can lead to overwhelm, anxiety, meltdowns, shutdowns, or confusion. That's why sensory support is essential for all of the neurodivergent conditions and often a significant part of finding bespoke ways to manage your neurodivergence. Unfortunately with ADHD and Tourettes this is often overlooked with no support offered following diagnosis.

Two Common Types of Sensory Processing Challenges

1. Sensory Modulation Difficulties

Trouble regulating responses to sensory input. This can look like:

○ Overreacting to sounds, lights, or touch ○ Seeking constant movement or pressure

○ Fluctuating between hyper- and hypo-sensitivity

2. Sensory Discrimination Difficulties

Difficulty telling the difference between sensory inputs or locating them accurately. This may show up as:

○ Not knowing where a sound came from

○ Trouble coordinating movement or using the right force

○ Not noticing injuries or hunger cues

The 8 Sensory Systems (Yes, Eight!)

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The 8 Sensory Systems (Yes, Eight!) *

Most people know the main five senses, but we actually have eight:

1. Visual (Sight) – Bright lights or fast movement can cause distress or distraction.

2. Auditory (Hearing) – Background noise may feel overwhelming; certain sounds can be painful.

3. Tactile (Touch) – Light touch may feel irritating, or pressure may be calming; tags or seams in clothing can feel unbearable.

4. Olfactory (Smell) – Strong or specific smells may cause nausea or distraction.

5. Gustatory (Taste) – Picky eating or extreme reactions to food textures/flavors.

6. Vestibular (Balance & Movement) – Difficulty with spinning, swinging, or balancing; craving movement or avoiding it.

7. Proprioceptive (Body Awareness) – Difficulty sensing where body parts are; clumsiness or crashing into things; seeking deep pressure or squeezing.

8. Interoception (Internal Body Signals) – Trouble recognizing hunger, thirst, needing the toilet, pain, or emotional states.

Diagram of the 8 sensory systems with colorful circles representing each sense: sight, sound, taste, touch, smell, interoception, proprioception, and vestibular, surrounding a central circle labeled '8 Sensory systems' and topped with a logo and the phrase 'Flourish with Neurodiversity.'

Why Sensory Regulation Is Crucial for Neurodivergent People

When the sensory system is unregulated, it can trigger:

● Anxiety

● Increase hyperactive thinking in ADHD

● Exhaustion

● Emotional outbursts and more difficulty regulating emotions

● Difficulty concentrating, which is already difficult for those with executive functioning difficulties.

● Increases in internal sensations and tics.

● Difficulty communication your needs

● It can trigger the fight, flight and freeze response putting you in a constant state of anxiety and overwhelm

Regulating the sensory system helps reduce overwhelm, improve focus, and support emotional and physical wellbeing. Each person’s sensory profile is different—what soothes one person may stress another. You may not even realise you have sensory difficulties until you unpick this element, and see yourself and neurodivergence through a sensory lens