Everyone experiences the world through their senses in different ways. You might really enjoy some sensations and want to avoid others — and that’s okay. Sensory information comes from:
- Your main senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell
- Proprioception: knowing where your body is and how it moves
- Vestibular sense: balance and movement
- Interoception: how you feel inside (like hunger or feeling tired)
Watch ‘What are sensory preferences?’ to learn more.
Explore your sensory preferences
Try using a Sensory Preference Checklist. It can help you figure out what makes you feel calm and comfortable in different places.
If you ever feel overwhelmed by too much sensory input, you could try heavy work activities (like pushing, pulling, or lifting things). These can help your body feel more regulated. If you find something that works for you, add it to your daily routine.
Some people also find stimming (like tapping, fidgeting, or repeating movements) helps them feel better. What’s your favourite stim?
Sensory strategies
If you have strong preferences, there are tools that can help. For example:
- If you like chewing, you could use discreet chews.
- If you need calm, try noise-reducing headphones or soft textures.
Everyone’s sensory preferences are unique. If you’re finding daily life hard because of sensory overload, talk to a trusted adult.
Useful resources:
Videos
- Differing Minds has a video on sensory processing.
- What is interoception?
- NHS Tayside CYP Occupational Therapy Service – Teenager Sensory Training
Websites
- NHS Humber Teaching – NHS Foundation Trust - Sensory Processing in Teenagers
- Rotherham SEND Local Offer – Sensory Strategies – Teenage Information Pack
- Parents Carers Cornwall – Neurodiversity Hub - Sensory Processing