Sensory Processing

Interoception – Our 8th Sense

“The interoceptive system and our interoceptive awareness are how we recognise internal sensations, like hunger, thirst, itch, needing to use the toilet, our emotions.

Sensory processing differences related to the interoceptive system may cause significant challenges for children.

Not only does this impact their understanding of what’s happening inside their bodies – but it can also severely impacts emotions and how to identify emotions.

Our brain decodes sensory messages and then alerts us to any changes in our body’s internal state. This also allows us to feel emotions – because our various emotional states cause different sensations inside the body which are decoded and allow us to understand how we’re feeling. Different emotions produce different feelings inside our bodies – this is how we distinguish how we feel.

Making Sense of Sensory Behaviour

This booklet is designed to help us become more aware of the effects of sensory information and how it may impact on life skills and behaviour. By thinking and planning positive sensory experiences we can help understand how to best manage situations some young people find over/under-whelming.  Avoiding a disliked or upsetting sensory experience may help the young person with the sensory issue calm down and be able to take part in daily tasks.

Making Sense of Your Sensory Behaviour

This booklet has been designed to allow you to look at your own sensory world, to let you be more aware of your sensory likes and dislikes. It hopes to help you to see sensory ideas that help you become calm or be more alert, to be your best sensory self.  This will help you understand and help others, especially children, with sensory issues.

Sensory Assessment Checklist - AET

Sensory Integration Education 

Hand washing is crucial in reducing the risk of contracting the Coronavirus (CORVID-19) but many people with sensory difficulties can experience distress or struggle with the experience of hand washing. SIE collated some advice for encouraging and improving hand washing.

The Birthday Party

“The 18minute film describes the signs of autism in children. The message of the film is that the same signs can show themselves in different ways. Because of these differences, signs can be often get missed. On the other hand, behaviours seen in children with autism can be seen in children without autism too. But when particular behaviours are found together they form a distinctive and enduring pattern of SIGNS.” ​

Self-Control to the Rescue! Super Powers to Help Kids Through the Tough Stuff in Everyday Life

“The self-control superhero is back! This time, they've come prepared with simple strategies to tackle the difficult emotions and challenges of everyday life. From the morning routine to making friends at recess, paying attention in class and getting a good night's sleep, this guide will help children stay on track and save the day! “

Self-Regulation Interventions and Strategies: Keeping the Body, Mind & Emotions on Task in Children with Autism, ADHD or Sensory Disorders

“Keeping children bodies, minds and emotions on task just got easier with this new book from self-regulation expert Teresa Garland. Featuring more than 200 practical and proven interventions, strategies and adaptation for helping children gain more control over their lives. Each chapter provides a rich background and theoretical material to help the reader better understand the issues our children face.”

Sensory strategies:

Practical ways to help children and young people with autism learn and achieve

The Kids' Guide to Staying Awesome and In Control: Simple Stuff to Help Children Regulate their Emotions and Senses

“Packed with simple ideas to regulate the emotions and senses, this book will help children tackle difficult feelings head-on and feel awesome and in control! From breathing exercises, pressure holds and finger pulls, to fidgets, noise-reducing headphones and gum, the book is brimming with fun stuff to help kids feel cool, calm and collected.”