Sensory Processing: A Parent-Friendly Guide

What is Sensory Processing?

Sensory processing is how the brain receives, organizes, and responds to information from the senses. When this process works well, kids can focus, move easily, feel calm, and interact with the world confidently.

When it’s a little “off,” children may seem extra sensitive, seek out movement, avoid touch, struggle with attention, or have big emotional reactions.

The 8 Sensory Systems and Their Brain Connections

Here’s a breakdown of the eight sensory systems and how each one connects to brain function:

1. Tactile System (Touch)

  • What it does: Helps us feel textures, pain, temperature, and pressure.
  • Brain connection: Touch input travels through the spinal cord to the sensory cortex, helping with body awareness, comfort with clothing, and social touch.
  • When out of sync: May be touch-sensitive (avoidant) or touch-seeking (rough play).

2. Vestibular System (Movement & Balance)

  • What it does: Detects motion, head position, and gravity.
  • Brain connection: Vestibular input goes to the cerebellum and brainstem, influencing balance, coordination, and emotional regulation.
  • When out of sync: Kids may seem clumsy, anxious, or constantly moving.

3. Proprioceptive System (Body Awareness)

  • What it does: Senses joint and muscle position.
  • Brain connection: Sends info to the cerebellum to support posture, motor planning, and calming input.
  • When out of sync: Kids may seek deep pressure (hugs, jumping) or appear floppy/uncoordinated.

4. Visual System (Sight)

  • What it does: Helps interpret shapes, motion, depth, and color.
  • Brain connection: Visual signals go to the occipital lobe and interact with movement and spatial areas of the brain.
  • When out of sync: May affect reading, eye contact, and visual attention.

5. Auditory System (Hearing)

  • What it does: Processes sound, pitch, rhythm, and language.
  • Brain connection: Auditory input travels to the temporal lobe and impacts language development and attention.
  • When out of sync: Children may be sensitive to noise or have trouble following verbal directions.

6. Gustatory System (Taste)

  • What it does: Detects flavors and textures in the mouth.
  • Brain connection: Signals go to the insular cortex and limbic system, which also ties to emotions and memory.
  • When out of sync: Picky eating, gagging, or craving strong flavors.

7. Olfactory System (Smell)

  • What it does: Processes scents and contributes to flavor.
  • Brain connection: Connects directly to the limbic system, influencing memory and emotions.
  • When out of sync: Overly sensitive to smells or doesn’t notice odors at all.

8. Interoception (Internal Body Awareness)

  • What it does: Senses hunger, thirst, temperature, heart rate, bathroom needs.
  • Brain connection: Communicates with the insula and brainstem, helping with self-regulation and emotional understanding.
  • When out of sync: Trouble recognizing feelings, potty training delays, or emotional outbursts.

Click this to take FREE Sensory Profile Free Quiz curated by occupational therapist