Different brain expressions. All are valid.
Neurodiversity is the idea that human brains and nervous systems are naturally varied.
There is no single correct way for a person to think, learn, communicate, move, feel, sense or respond to the world. People notice different things, need different kinds of support, and bring different strengths, interests, sensitivities and ways of understanding.
Some people prefer the word neurodivergent to describe themselves, particularly when their way of thinking, learning, communicating or sensing differs from what society often expects. Others prefer to use neurodiversity as a broader umbrella term.
At The Sensory Project, we use neurodiversity to mean the natural diversity of human brain expressions. Every way of thinking, feeling, sensing and being has value.
Sensory patterns are part of neurodiversity
Everyone has a sensory pattern.
We all take in information from the world around us and from inside our body. This includes sound, light, touch, smell, taste, movement, balance, body position and body signals such as hunger, pain, temperature, tiredness and needing the toilet.
Some people notice sensory information very strongly. Sounds may feel louder. Lights may feel brighter. Touch may feel more uncomfortable. Smells may feel more intense. Busy places may become overwhelming very quickly.
Some people may not notice sensory information easily. They may not always register hunger, thirst, pain, temperature or body position. They may seem unsure of where their body is in space, use more force than expected, or need extra cues to notice what is happening.
Some people seek more sensory input. They may need to move, jump, climb, chew, fidget, spin, push, pull or squeeze to feel settled, alert or connected to their body.
Many people have a mixture of these patterns.
A person may be sensitive to noise but seek movement. They may dislike some clothing but love deep pressure. They may need quiet after a busy day but also need active movement before they can settle. Their sensory pattern may change depending on the place, activity, tiredness, stress, health, relationships and how safe or understood they feel.
What sensory patterns might mean in everyday life
A person who covers their ears may not be being rude. Sound may feel too much.
A person who moves while listening may not be refusing to pay attention. Movement may help them stay alert and organised.
A person who struggles with clothing may not be being difficult. Touch may feel uncomfortable, distracting or painful.
A person who avoids certain foods may not be “just fussy”. Smell, taste, texture, temperature and body signals may all be involved.
A person who becomes overwhelmed after school, work or social events may have spent the day coping, masking, filtering and holding everything together.
A person who does not answer straight away may not be ignoring you. They may need more time to process language, sound, movement, emotion or expectation.
A person who seeks pressure, movement or chewing may be using sensory input to feel grounded, organised or ready.
When we understand sensory patterns, we can respond with more compassion and more useful support.
Through the PEAR TREE™ Lens, we consider:
Person
Who is this person, what matters to them, and what helps them feel understood?
Environment
What around the person is helping or making things harder?
Activities
What part of everyday life are they trying to take part in?
Relational response
How are people responding, and does that response help the person feel safe, respected and able to take part?
Triage
What needs attention first?
Relational response and infrastructure
What needs joining up so support is consistent and not dependent on one person?
Embodied evaluation
What is the person’s body and nervous system showing us over time?
Ethical consideration
How do we protect dignity, choice, rights and inclusion?
Every person has a nervous system.
Every person has a sensory pattern.
Every person has strengths, needs, experiences and a right to belong.
At The Sensory Project, we believe that understanding sensory patterns through a PEAR TREE™ Lens helps us support real participation in everyday life.
Because every person is sensory.
Every person is different.
And every person deserves to be understood.