Sensory Regulation

1. Sensory Systems

Sensory regulation is closely related to self-regulation. Mallory and Keehn (2021) describe sensory regulation as “the perception, registration and interpretation of different sensory stimuli in the environment.”

Do you know we have more than 5 sensory systems?

The 8 Sensory Systems

Visual (Sight)
Auditory (Sound)
Tactile (Touch)
Gustatory (Taste)
Olfactory (Smell)
Vestibular (Balance)
- The vestibular sensory system in the inner ear governs our sense of balance, eye-head coordination and spatial orientation.
Proprioception (Body Awareness)
- The proprioceptive system:
  1. Greatly affects our awareness of our bodies
  2. Ensures accurate body movements
  3. Allows us to recognise force and control the appropriate pressure needed to manipulate objects.
Interoception (Internal Body Conditions)
- The interoception system allows us to perceive or sense the internal states of our bodies. This allows us to experience feelings such as hunger, fullness, pain, heart rate, muscle tension or bathroom needs.

Every individual has a different sensory threshold (the minimum levels of stimulation required that one can sense), which influences their behavioural responses to stimulation.

2. Sensory Processing Differences

Some individuals may experience challenges with sensory processing, which means that their sensory inputs are not effectively processed, leading to difficulties in responding appropriately to their environment. This can manifest as hyposensitivity or hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli. As a result, the individual may seek out or avoid certain sensory inputs.

Hyposensitivity

Individuals who are hyposensitive to sensory stimuli have a higher-than-typical sensory threshold. This means they are less sensitive to sensory inputs and require greater amounts of stimuli to notice them.

Individuals with hyposensitivity may experience underwhelming feelings and may try to seek sensory inputs.
Here are some examples of sensory-seeking actions:
- Individuals seeking tactile input may strongly prefer specific fabrics or textures.
- Individuals seeking vestibular input may engage in activities like rocking their bodies or fidgeting.
- Individuals seeking visual input may enjoy staring at lights.

Hypersensitivity

Individuals hypersensitive to sensory stimuli have a lower-than-typical sensory threshold and, thus, are more sensitive and responsive to sensory inputs.

For example, some individuals may hear background noises that others cannot detect or dislike being hugged.
Individuals with hypersensitivity may quickly become overwhelmed by their senses and may try to avoid sensory inputs.
Some examples of sensory-avoiding actions include:
- Avoiding specific textures, fabrics, tastes or smells
- Refraining from physical contact with others
- Steering clear of crowded and noisy environments
- Avoiding areas with bright lights

Sensory Overload/Fatigue

Sensory overload or fatigue occurs when the sensory systems are overwhelmed by excessive input. This can lead to physiological responses such as anxiety, sweating, pain, or headaches.

Examples of situations where sensory overload/fatigue occurs:

Individuals with heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli
- Neurodivergent individuals (e.g. autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder)
- Individuals with neurological conditions (e.g. migraine, traumatic brain injury or epilepsy) may experience photophobia (sensitivity to light), phonophobia (sensitivity to sound) and/or sensitivity to smells
- Individuals with conditions that cause anxiety or stress can experience fight or flight responses (e.g., anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD). This often results in heightened sensory perception, leading to sensory overload or fatigue
- Individuals in temporary states of sensory sensitivity (e.g. sleep deprivation, stress, use of medication)

Individuals with a heightened reliance on a specific sensory system (e.g., individuals with visual impairments using auditory inputs).
Hearing aid users may experience increased auditory input if their hearing aids are set too loud, resulting in headaches due to sensory fatigue.

3. Strategies to Support Sensory Regulation

Strategies

Provide a disclaimer before displaying content that may be overstimulating, such as loud noises, flashing lights, or extended use of high-contrast colours.
Design spaces that offer varying levels of sensory stimuli. For example, designate and demarcate areas with high and low sensory stimuli in an event space.
Encourage open communication regarding sensory needs, allowing individuals to reach out for support.
Giving breaks to enable time for self-regulation
Provide or support the use of sensory tools like earplugs, sunglasses, fidget items or weighted objects.
Create a flexible environment:
- Utilise a room with adjustable lighting, allowing for brightness and colour temperature variations.
- Offer various furniture options, including adjustable tables and various types of chairs.
- Offer various ways for individuals to engage in activities, ensuring that different sensory needs are accommodated.

Chevalier, N., Huber, K. L., Wiebe, S. A., & Espy, K. A. (2013). Qualitative change in executive control during childhood and adulthood. Cognition, 128(1), 1–12.

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