What are sensory processing differences?

Sensory processing refers to how the nervous system:

• Detects sensory input (sound, touch, movement, vision, taste/smell, body position)

• Interprets what it means

• Regulates an appropriate response for the situation

When sensory processing is challenging, a person may experience differences in:

• Modulation (over- or under-responsiveness to sensation)

• Discrimination (difficulty noticing, interpreting, or “making sense” of sensation)

• Sensory–motor integration (posture, balance, coordination, motor planning)
  
  

Important note on terminology (Australia)

You may hear terms like “Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)” or “sensory integration dysfunction.” In Australian practice, it’s more common to describe sensory processing differences or sensory regulation difficulties, because sensory needs often occur alongside neurodevelopmental profiles (e.g., autism, ADHD), anxiety, trauma history, developmental differences, or medical complexity.
Our focus is on functional impact and practical supports, rather than labels.

Common sensory patterns we see

Sensory needs look different person-to-person. Common patterns can include:

Sensory over-responsivity

• Feeling overwhelmed by loud noise, bright lights, crowds, certain clothing textures, grooming, or messy play

• Avoiding situations due to sensory discomfort
  
  

Sensory under-responsivity

• Not noticing sensory input as easily (e.g., doesn’t register mess, touch, name being called)

• Appearing “slow to respond” or needing stronger input to engage
  
  

Sensory seeking

• Craving movement, pressure, chewing, touching, spinning, jumping

• Seeking input to feel organised, alert, or calm
  
  

Sensory–motor challenges

• Balance and coordination difficulties

• Motor planning challenges (“I know what I want to do but my body can’t organise it”)

• Reduced body awareness, clumsiness, fatigue, or poor posture
  
  

Signs sensory processing differences may be impacting daily life

You might notice:

• Distress in noisy/busy environments (shopping centres, classrooms, parties)

• Avoidance of textures (foods, clothes, sand, grass, water, hair washing)

• Big reactions to unexpected touch or sound

• Difficulty settling for sleep or frequent dysregulation after school/work

• Difficulty focusing, following instructions, or transitioning between tasks

• Social challenges linked to overwhelm, shutdowns, or “fight/flight” responses

• Frequent sensory-driven behaviours (chewing, crashing, pacing, fidgeting)

If these patterns are affecting participation, routines, learning, or relationships, an allied health assessment can help clarify supports.

What can contribute to sensory processing differences?

There isn’t usually one single cause. Sensory processing differences may be associated with:

• Neurodevelopmental differences (e.g., autism, ADHD)

• Developmental coordination differences

• Anxiety and stress (sensory sensitivity often increases under stress)

• Trauma history or heightened threat responses

• Hearing/vision differences (where relevant)

• Early medical complexity or prematurity (in some cases)

We take a whole-person view and consider sleep, routines, school/work demands, environment, and emotional regulation.

How we help at Palms

Support is individualised and focused on meaningful daily goals (not just “sensory activities”).

Occupational therapy for sensory regulation

Occupational therapy is the primary discipline for sensory regulation support. OT may include:

• Assessment of sensory patterns and functional impact (home/school/work/community)
  
  

• Building a sensory regulation plan (what helps, what overwhelms, how to recover)

• Environmental modifications (reducing overload, improving predictability)

• Self-regulation strategies (calming, alerting, transitions, emotional regulation)

• Skill-building for daily tasks affected by sensory needs (grooming, dressing, eating, classroom participation)

• Parent/carer coaching to support consistent strategies at home

• Collaboration with educators/support teams (with consent)
  
  

A note on “sensory integration therapy”

Some families look specifically for “sensory integration therapy.” Where clinically appropriate and within scope, our OTs may use sensory-based approaches as part of a broader functional plan, prioritising evidence-informed, goal-based therapy and measurable participation outcomes.

Physiotherapy support (when movement needs are part of the picture)

Physiotherapy may help where sensory differences overlap with:

• Balance and coordination

• Core strength/posture

• Body awareness and movement confidence

• Gross motor participation (playground, sport, community activities)
  
  

Speech pathology support (when communication is affected)

Speech pathology can support clients who experience:

• Communication breakdowns linked to sensory overwhelm

• Difficulty participating in conversation in busy/noisy settings

• Challenges with social communication during dysregulation

• Feeding/swallowing concerns where sensory factors contribute (when relevant)
  
  

Exercise physiology (when appropriate)

Exercise physiology may support:

• Structured movement routines to support regulation and wellbeing

• Strength and endurance programs aligned with functional goals

• Gradual confidence-building with movement participation (home, school, community)
  
  

Our sensory room in Malaga

Our sensory room provides a structured, controlled space to explore and practise regulation strategies. It can be used to:

• Trial calming/alerting inputs safely

• Support graded exposure to sensory experiences

• Practise transitions and regulation routines

• Build confidence and participation in a supportive environment

Use of the sensory room is always guided by individual goals and safety.

Benefits of sensory regulation support

Targeted intervention may help clients:

• Build practical strategies for managing sensory overload and recovery

• Improve emotional regulation and participation across daily routines

• Reduce distress during transitions, grooming, mealtimes, or busy environments

• Increase confidence, independence, and comfort in community settings

Progress varies based on the person’s profile, environments, and consistency of support, but practical strategies often make day-to-day life easier.

Practical strategies for parents and caregivers

Strategies are most effective when tailored, but helpful starting points include:

• Predictable routines and visual supports (especially for transitions)

• A “reduce the load” approach after high-demand days (school/work)

• Choice and control where possible (“Do you want headphones or a quiet break?”)

• Short, regular movement breaks built into the day

• A calm-down space at home (low light, predictable items)

• Noticing early signs of overwhelm and responding early (before escalation)

• Partnering with educators for consistent accommodations and language

We can help you turn these into a personalised plan after assessment.

Access sensory regulation support in Malaga

If you’re seeking support for sensory processing differences in Malaga, our team can help with assessment, occupational therapy-led strategies, allied health input as needed, and practical plans that improve everyday participation.

Please visit these websites for further information:

• Sensory Processing Disorder Australia – https://www.spdaustralia.com.au

• Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) – https://www.autismspectrum.org.au

• The Sensory Gym® Australia – https://www.sensorygym.com.au

• Raising Children Network – https://raisingchildren.net.au

• The OTFC Group (Occupational Therapy for Children) – https://otfc.com.au

• Occupational Therapy Australia – https://otaus.com.au

• Sensory Tools Australia – https://sensorytools.net

• ADHD Australia – https://www.adhdaustralia.org.au

• NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) – https://www.ndis.gov.au

• The Sensory Project – https://www.thesensoryproject.com.au

• Sensory Integration Network Australia – https://www.sensoryintegration.org.au

• The Australian Occupational Therapy Association – https://aota.org.au

• The Butterfly Foundation – https://butterfly.org.au

• The Australian Psychological Society – https://www.psychology.org.au

• KidsMatter – https://www.kidsmatter.edu.au

• Early Childhood Australia – https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au

• Sensory Smart – https://www.sensorysmart.com.au