Sensory difference

Children who experience difficulties in this area may struggle to understand what is happening inside and outside of their bodies. The sensory information their body is registering may not be accurate.

Imagine how it feels to be a child in pre school when the pictures on the wall repeatedly grab your attention because your brain does not register that it is familiar. When every child around you puts you on high alert, because when someone brushes past you it feels painful. Putting on socks is very difficult because you cannot balance and don't know how to move your hands and feet accurately. Your body is not providing accurate information as to where your arms and legs are, so they need to keep moving to provide that extra feedback.

Most people get used to their own sensory preferences, which enables them to make appropriate choices about their daily activities. However, children with sensory difficulties tend to go with their instincts and may struggle to communicate how they feel. They may appear disorganised in a world they can't quite make sense of. Practitioners need to consider their needs and support them to learn strategies.