Sensory Integration Education

Following her previous blog, Living with Sensory Processing Differences as an Adult, which looked at how sensory issues in adults can make aspects of daily life challenging, in this latest blog, SIE’s Dr Lelanie Brewer sets out tips and suggestions for how to manage sensory differences and disorder as an adult.

In the previous blog, I discussed how sensory differences, including tolerating specific sensory inputs and coordination difficulties, can make some aspects of daily life very challenging. This can include everyday tasks such as meal preparation, cleaning, changing your child or doing any kind of work in the house. 

In this second blog, I look at the potential impact sensory differences can have on an individual's mental health and set out my top tips for managing sensory issues as an adult.

My first piece of advice is about making choices that make your sensory experiences feel comfortable, and to create a sensory-friendly environment. For example, if you know you enjoy a particular type of food or food texture, or a particular style of clothing or you're not comfortable with loud noises, don’t feel you need to change because of pressure or expectations from others. Part of your profile as an individual is that you know what you like and don’t like - so stick with what works. 

The same goes for holidays and leisure activities. If you want to try something new of your own accord, that is absolutely fine but there is no need to sign up for a hiking or climbing trip if you are afraid of heights or feel that you might struggle with an activity. You can also consider using fidget toys if you really want to give something a go.

The second important point to consider (which is easier said than done) is to avoid comparing yourself to others or feeling pressured to do something in a particular way. One example is weaning for babies. There is a lot of pressure on new mums and this pressure can be overwhelming for mums with sensory challenges. 

Faced with the choice of making baby food from scratch or baby-led weaning, both these options present challenges for mums with sensory processing disorder (SPD), motor planning and organisational difficulties. 

Making baby food from scratch involves a lot of peeling, chopping and following a list of instructions, whilst child-led weaning involves a lot of cleaning which can be brutal for someone who is over-responsive to tactile sensory information and input. 

On the other hand, there is a wide range of ready meals for babies and toddlers available in most supermarkets which can be a lifesaver for parents with sensory differences. However, parents can sometimes be judged for taking that option. 

My advice is to choose the option that works best for you and your family and not what others who don’t know your circumstances think is best. 

Faced with the choice of making baby food from scratch or baby-led weaning, both these options present challenges for mums with sensory differences...

Thirdly, YouTube (or other video streaming services) is your friend. There is nothing as frustrating as buying a piece of furniture or equipment and half the instructions appear to be missing. 

Individuals with sensory processing differences and motor planning difficulties need specific instructions with visual examples to get things done. Fortunately, it is possible to google most things these days and find a video for it online - from assembling a pram, for example, to fixing something at home. 

This has definitely improved life for many adults with motor planning and organisational difficulties, including those who may process sensory information differently.

Finally, it is important to pace yourself and allow time to recover from feeling overwhelmed due to sensory overload. 

Coping with sensations that are hard to deal with or carrying out tasks and physical activities every day that require a lot of effort due to coordination difficulties can be exhausting. Recognise what you can do in a day and prioritise what is most important. Give your sensory system time to recover. 

Some days you will be able to do more than other days and that is absolutely fine.

Best wishes

Lelanie Brewer

Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist, Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner, PhD, MScOT, BSc, FHEA

PS Why not take a look at our A Day in the Life Of… stories which illustrate how people living with sensory differences can find those differences impacting their day-to-day lives. For example, A Day in the Life of an Adult with Sensory Integration Difficulties takes a look at a typical day in the life of Lauren, a 43-year-old woman who has experienced difficulties with motor coordination and sensory processing differences that have impacted her ability to study, to participate in daily activities and her relationships with others ever since she can remember. Find out more here.

Sensory Integration Education is a leading UK provider of postgraduate and CPD training in sensory integration. Our postgraduate courses are accredited by Sheffield Hallam University.