Why Understanding Our Neurodiversity Through a Sensory Lens Matters
Hello, lovely readers! 👋
Let’s talk about sensory integration—because, whether you like it or not, it’s happening inside all of us. Yep, that’s right. Your brain 🧠 is constantly processing sensory input, making sense of the world 🌎, and helping you navigate life—whether you’re sipping a cup of tea (or in my case coffee!! ☕️ With it’s self-medicating advantages for ADHD), trying to remember where you left your glasses (which, let’s be honest, when I’m involved, meant they are probably on my head), or for some attempting to hold a conversation in a noisy café without completely zoning out.
For most people, this all happens effortlessly. The senses chat with each other, share information, and work together like a well-rehearsed orchestra. But for some of us, that orchestra is more like a garage band with a broken amplifier and a pet dog joining in (Bear’s cockapoo bark can make ears bleed!)—things don’t always sync up the way they should.
Certain sensations may feel too big or too small. Maybe background noise that other people don’t even notice feels like a rock concert in your skull. Maybe your body doesn’t quite get the memo on where it is in space, leading to those graceful moments of tripping over air. (Yes, I’m looking at you, fellow proprioceptive adventurers.)
This is where understanding neurodiversity through a sensory lens becomes vital. It’s not about labelling people as “different” or “difficult”—it’s about recognising that everyone has a unique sensory pattern. Some of us have sensory systems that register and respond to the world in ways that might seem unusual to others, but guess what? That’s our normal.
And knowing this? It changes everything.
Understanding our sensory needs means we can play to our strengths, instead of being constantly blindsided by the things we find tricky. It means we can create environments that support rather than overwhelm. This means we can stop judging ourselves (or each other) for struggling with things that were never designed with our sensory needs in mind.
The assessment process isn’t about sticking a label on someone and calling it a day—it’s about unlocking a deeper understanding of what makes us tick. It helps us figure out how to thrive rather than just survive. And, importantly, it gives us the tools to support others—because let’s face it, wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all just got each other a little more?
To dismiss the importance of sensory integration is to deny not just my lived experience, but also the decades of research, evidence-based practice, and neuroscience that continue to show just how fundamental it is.
So, let’s be clear: Sensory Integration matters.
It’s not just for therapists, educators, or parents of neurodiverse kids. It’s not just for people who already “know” they have sensory differences. It’s everyone’s business.
Because at the end of the day, we all exist in sensory environments. We all process the world around us. And when we understand how we do that—and what happens when it doesn’t work as expected—we create a world that’s not just more inclusive, but also kinder, smarter, and more attuned to the incredible diversity of human experience.
And honestly, isn’t that a world worth aiming for?
Stay curious, stay kind, and, if you see me walking into a doorframe because my vestibular system decided to take a little break… just pretend you didn’t see it. 😉
Until next time,
Kath
✨ Sensory Integration: It’s Everyone’s Business. ✨
👉 Find out more at www.sensoryproject.org