Sensory Integration Education

October is an exciting month for many reasons, but one that often goes unnoticed is that it's Sensory Awareness Month! This month is an opportunity to shed light on the importance of understanding and acknowledging our sensory preferences and needs. While we all experience sensory input differently, everyone can benefit from tuning into their sensory experiences. 

In this article, we'll explore why Sensory Awareness Month matters and how everyone can become more aware of their own sensory needs.

Understanding Sensory Awareness

Sensory awareness is about recognising that the way we notice, interpret and react to information from our senses impacts our daily lives. We call this use of sensory information "sensory processing" or "sensory integration", and it occurs in our body and brain. Our sensory processing affects our ability to find certain noises, lights, tastes, smells, temperatures, textures or activities really enjoyable or unpleasant to the point of being distressing. 

Sensory processing can also affect how co-ordinated we are with our movements and how easy we find it to learn and carry out physical tasks such as tying shoelaces, using cutlery or running to kick a ball. How easily we recognise when we are hungry, thirsty, tired, or need to go to the toilet is impacted by our sensory processing - even understanding our emotions (are we angry or scared?). Sensory processing helps us feel in the right state to carry out a task, whether that's calm, focused or energised. 

We are all sensory beings. Being attuned to our sensory needs can lead to a more comfortable life, being able to do the things we want and need to do each day. Being more empathetic to others' sensory needs will also contribute to a kinder society with greater awareness of the differences between everyone's sensory needs.

When Sensory Needs Become Challenges

We all experience differences in the way we process sensory information and, therefore, have unique sensory needs. Some people's differences make everyday activities more challenging, and that's when we use the term sensory processing challenges (or sensory integration challenges).

For example, your child may be more or less sensitive to sound than you, and as a result, their sensory system may send different signals to their brain than your sensory system would send to your brain. So your child might find a noisy restaurant upsetting and distracting, whilst you may barely notice the background noise. Or they may not be aware that you are calling their name for the tenth time if they are looking at something else.

People with sensory processing challenges may experience heightened sensitivities to sensory stimuli, which can lead to discomfort, anxiety, or sensory overload. Others might need more sensory input to register information. For others, sensory processing challenges can lead to people appearing clumsy and uncoordinated, or they can struggle to start or complete tasks.

Sensory Awareness Month serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about these challenges, promote understanding, and encourage inclusive practices that accommodate individuals with sensory processing challenges, ensuring that everyone can participate fully in daily life activities.

Why Sensory Awareness Matters

Improved Wellbeing: Understanding your sensory preferences or needs allows you to make choices that align with your comfort and reduce stress.

Enhanced Focus: Recognising how sensory input affects your concentration can lead to better productivity and focus. 

Better Relationships: Sensory awareness extends to our interactions with others. Understanding each other's sensory needs can improve communication and empathy in relationships.

Inclusive Environments: Promoting sensory awareness fosters inclusive spaces for individuals with sensory processing differences, making public places, workplaces, and homes more accommodating for everyone.

Self-Care: Practising sensory self-awareness can become a vital component of your self-care routine, allowing you to tailor activities that rejuvenate and relax you.

How Can We Become More Sensory Aware?

Reflect on Sensory Experiences: Take time to reflect on your daily sensory experiences. Notice what sensory inputs you find soothing, stimulating, or uncomfortable. You could keep a diary to help you keep track.

Identify Triggers: Recognise sensory triggers that may lead to discomfort or stress. These triggers could include loud noises, bright lights, certain textures, or strong odours, tastes or certain kinds of movement.

Experiment with Sensory Tools: Explore sensory tools and techniques that can help you self-regulate. Items like fidget toys, weighted lap pads, noise-cancelling headphones, or white noise machines can provide comfort and support.

Create Sensory-Friendly Spaces: Design your home or workspace with your sensory preferences in mind. Adjust lighting, add comfortable seating, or incorporate calming colours to create a soothing environment.

Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing or meditation, can help you become more aware of your sensory experiences and their impact on your emotions. Yoga is another idea which also incorporates regulating movement.

Seek Professional Guidance: If you suspect you or a loved one may have sensory processing challenges, consider consulting a therapist trained in sensory integration for guidance and strategies.

Share Your Awareness: Encourage conversations about sensory awareness with friends and family. By sharing your experiences and insights, you can promote understanding and support within your community.

Conclusion

Sensory Awareness Month is a reminder that we all have unique sensory preferences and needs that deserve attention. By embracing sensory awareness, we can lead more fulfilling lives, create inclusive environments, and foster empathy in our relationships. Use this month as an opportunity to explore your sensory needs and make choices that prioritise your wellbeing. Together, we can promote a world that is more sensory-aware and accommodating for all.

PS If you’re interested in finding out more about how sensory processing differences can shape behaviour and impact people’s daily lives, check out SIE's free short course: Discover Sensory Processing and Integration.