Understanding Behaviour Modification in Children
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Child Developmental
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Understanding Behaviour Modification in Children
January 28, 2026
Child Developmental
Sensory processing difficulties in children are now recognized as an important aspect of child development. Many parents observe that their child is either hypersensitive (avoiding touch, loud noises, certain clothes/foods, bright lights) or hyposensitive (craving deep pressure, constant movement, having a high pain tolerance, poor balance, clumsiness), leading to frustration, difficulty concentrating, and challenges with daily activities such as dressing or eating. This impacts both children and adults, interfering with daily life and social functioning. These reactions are often confusing and may be misinterpreted as behavioral problems. In reality, they are indicators of a sensory processing disorder, where the brain has difficulty receiving and responding to sensory information.
This blog explains sensory processing difficulties in children in simple, clear language to help parents, caregivers, and educators better understand and support affected children.
What Is a Sensory Processing Issue or Disorder?
A sensory processing issue occurs when your brain understands and responds to information from your senses. Sensory input includes everything what you see, hear, touch, taste, smell, and feel through movement and body awareness.
Healthcare providers and parents typically identify SPD in children. But it can also affect adults. SPD commonly affects people with neurodevelopmental and neurodivergent conditions, like autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). But you can also have SPD without any other condition.
For most children, the brain filters and responds to this information automatically. For children with sensory processing issues, the brain may:
- Overreact to sensory input
- Underreact to sensory input
- Actively seek extra sensory input
As a result, everyday experiences that seem normal to others can feel overwhelming, uncomfortable, or confusing to the child.
But providers recognize the benefits of identifying SPD and using therapy to manage it, especially if it affects your ability to function day to day.
Sensory Systems Involved
Sensory processing issues can affect one or multiple sensory systems:
- Visual (Sight): Sensitivity to bright lights or busy environments.
- Auditory (Sound): Difficulty tolerating loud or sudden noises.
- Tactile (Touch): Discomfort with textures, clothing, or grooming.
- Olfactory (Smell): Strong reactions to certain smells.
- Gustatory (Taste): Food aversions or limited diet.
- Vestibular (Movement & Balance): Fear of movement or constant need to move.
- Proprioceptive (Body Awareness): Poor coordination, bumping into objects.
Each child may experience a unique combination of sensory challenges.
Types of Sensory Processing Issues
Sensory over-responsivity (SOR) Hypersensitivity
Sensory over-responsivity (SOR) Hypersensitivity
In this type, you’re overly sensitive to sensory information. You may respond too much, too soon or for too long to sensory information that most people can tolerate.
Common signs include:
- Covering ears to everyday sounds
- Avoiding certain fabrics or tags on clothes
- Strong dislike of haircuts, nail trimming, or bathing
- Becoming overwhelmed in crowded places
- Emotional meltdowns triggered by sensory overload
Sensory under-responsivity (SUR) Hyposensitivity
In this case you may need more sensory information than usual for it to have an impact. You may be unaware of sensory information and/or have a delay before responding, compared to most people.
Common signs include:
- Not responding to loud noises or name being called
- High tolerance to pain
- Appearing slow, tired, or disengaged
- Difficulty recognizing body position
- Reduced reaction to temperature or touch
Sensory craving (SC)
In this type, you need and seek out sensory information for stimulation. But getting the stimulation results in disorganization and doesn’t satisfy the craving.
Sensory discrimination Disorder
This type involves trouble processing fine sensory details and includes subtypes like auditory discrimination disorder, which affects sound understanding.
Postural Disorder
In this type, it becomes difficult to sense where your body is positioned in space. You may struggle to keep your body stable during movement or while sitting or standing without strong core control.
Dyspraxia
It causes a wide range of issues with movement and coordination. It can affect your gross and/or fine motor skills
Signs of Sensory Processing Issues in Daily Life
At Home
- Resistance to daily routines like dressing or bathing.
- Strong reactions to food textures or smells.
- Frequent emotional outbursts without clear reasons.
- Avoidance of messy play or physical affection.
At School
- Difficulty concentrating or sitting still.
- Poor handwriting or coordination.
- Sensory overload in noisy classrooms.
- Trouble following instructions.
In Social Settings
- Avoidance of group activities.
- Difficulty making or keeping friends.
- Becoming anxious in crowded or unfamiliar places.
What Causes Sensory Processing Issues in Children?
There is no single known cause. Sensory processing issues may be linked to:
- Differences in brain development.
- Premature birth or low birth weight.
- Complications during the pregnancy or delivery.
- Genetic factors.
- Neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism or ADHD.
Importantly, a child can have sensory processing issues without any other diagnosis.
Are Sensory Processing Issues a Disorder?
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is widely recognized by therapists and clinicians, though it is not officially listed as a standalone medical diagnosis in some diagnostic manuals. Regardless of labels, the challenges are real and can significantly affect a child’s daily functioning.
How Sensory Processing Issues Affect Development
If not understood or supported, sensory processing issues can impact:
- Learning and academic performance
- Emotional regulation
- Self-confidence and self-esteem
- Social interactions
- Family routines and stress levels
Children may avoid situations they find overwhelming, which can limit learning opportunities and social experiences.
When Should Parents Seek Help?
Parents should consider professional guidance if:
- Sensory challenges interfere with daily activities.
- The child has frequent meltdowns or distress.
- Difficulties occur across multiple environments.
- Teachers express concerns about behavior or attention.
- Parents feel unsure how to manage their child’s needs.
Early support can make a significant difference.
How Sensory Processing Issues Are Managed
While sensory processing issues may not completely disappear, children can learn to manage them effectively with the right support. Management may include:
- Sensory-friendly routines.
- Structured environments.
- Sensory activities integrated into daily life.
- Guidance from trained professionals.
- Parent and teacher education.
With understanding and consistency, many children show remarkable improvement.
Conclusion
Sensory processing issues in children are neurological problem, not behavioral problems or parenting failures. Children are not choosing to react this way; their brains are responding differently to sensory input.
When adults understand sensory processing issues, children feel safer, calmer, and more confident. With early recognition, patience, and appropriate support, children with sensory processing challenges can thrive and reach their full potential of life.