Children’s Services and Adult
Learning Disability Services
Children’s Services and Adult
Sensory processing differences can be evident in a range of conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Learning disabilities, Neurological disabilities, Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Global Developmental Delay. However, Sensory Processing differences can also be seen in children, young people and adults without a diagnosis.
Sensory differences may affect behaviour, movement, co-ordination and concentration, which can in turn impact on their participation in their activities of daily living, self-esteem, education, learning and play.
ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition which affects how a person experiences the world, communicates and interacts with others. It’s called a “spectrum” because it includes a wide range of characteristics and levels of support needed – no two people are the same.
Individuals with ASD can show sensory processing differences ranging from very extreme sensory sensitivities to complete lack of responsiveness to sensory inputs. Sensory processing differences may affect the child’s participation in daily occupations, such as self-care, playing and learning. Some children and young people with ASD may also demonstrate challenges with ideation and praxis which is important for self-initiated play and as a result they may prefer routine and predictability.
Some children and young people with ADHD may also experience sensory processing differences. Both characteristics can often present in very similar ways. For example, it can be hard to know if a child has not heard what you are saying to them. This could be because they haven’t hear you, because they became distracted by their thoughts or if they haven’t heard you because they can’t filter out the background noise.
A wandering mind is commonly associated with ADHD, while finding it tricky to filter out background noises is more likely linked to auditory processing differences. Although they may appear similar to others on the outside, they stem from different underlying causes. This overlap can make it challenging to identify which factor is having the greater impact on a child or young person diagnosed with ADHD, and which strategies will be most effective to support them.
Children and young people might find it tricky to articulate why they behave in certain ways, so it’s essential to closely and carefully observe their behaviours and ask questions in the right way.
Children and young people with learning disabilities have additional social, communication, learning and sometimes physical difficulties which make it harder for them to recognise, communicate or appropriately meet their sensory needs.
Due to their developmental level, a child may seek or prefer different types of sensory input, so it’s crucial to meet them where they are developmentally, rather than simply following what is typically considered age appropriate. A child or young person with a learning disability may react to sensory input in ways that can be observed through their behaviour. Some of these behaviours might seem unexpected or intense, and the sensory triggers may not always be immediately apparent. Therefore, it’s important for the adults supporting or teaching the child to carefully observe and analyse these behaviours to understand their underlying cause – whether they’re a response to sensory input or due to a lack of it.
It’s also essential to rule out other possible reasons for the behaviours, such as communication, attention, pain, or mental health concerns like anxiety. Those supporting children and young people with learning disabilities must have a solid understanding of how these individuals respond to sensory input, as well as the right balance of sensory experiences to help them learn, develop, and participate in activities.
If you feel your child has severe and longstanding sensory processing differences that are having a direct impact on their ability to cope with their environment and daily activities, please discuss this with your doctor, school, or other health professional.
The resources on this website are designed to be used and tried to help support a child’s sensory processing differences before a referral to the Sensory Processing Service.
This service provides post-diagnostic support and on-going management for children and young people with ADHD and their families.
Our Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service supports children and young people aged up to 18 years, who are experiencing significant emotional or mental health difficulties.
The team completes Autism and ADHD assessments for children and young people who are below the age of 18 and have a GP in Hull or the East Riding of Yorkshire.
The Front Door Team is where referrals for Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity (ADHD) are sent and reviewed.
“Our Senses are the gateway to our world”
