TUS Sensory Awareness Guide

Abstract

Sensory processing challenges are a common experience for many people. It can impact how individuals perceive and process sensory information from their environment. This can include sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, tastes, or smells. For some, sensory processing challenges can be so overwhelming that they interfere with daily functioning, including academic performance. There are two types of sensory processing challenges: over-sensitivity (hypersensitivity) and under-sensitivity (hyposensitivity). Hypersensitivity leads to sensory avoidance, where a person avoids sensory input because it feels too overwhelming. In contrast, hyposensitivity causes a person to seek extra sensory input or be slow to register it. It is important to recognise that sensory processing challenges are not simply a matter of being too sensitive or picky. It can be a neurobiological difference that affects how the brain interprets and responds to sensory information. For individuals with sensory processing challenges, everyday sensory experiences can be intense and overwhelming, leading to feelings of discomfort, anxiety, or even pain. We play a vital role in identifying and accommodating the unique needs of students with sensory processing challenges, such as those with Autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorder.