Okuzeka
Child Development & Early Education vocabulary · Special Needs and Inclusion

Sensory processing

Meaning in child development & early education, with examples

nounAdvanced term

In child development & early education, sensory processing means: The way the brain takes in, organises and responds to information from the senses, such as sound, touch, light, movement and taste.

In Turkish: duyusal işleme, duyu bütünleme

How it is used

Used by occupational therapists and in SEN support. Some children are over-responsive (bothered by noise or clothing labels) and some under-responsive (seeking strong movement). Sensory processing differences are common in autistic children.

Example sentences

  1. The occupational therapist assessed her sensory processing because loud noises upset her so much.

  2. Ear defenders can help children with sensory processing differences at noisy times.

Common collocations

  • sensory processing differences
  • sensory overload
  • sensory seeking
  • occupational therapist
  • autism spectrum disorderA lifelong developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others and experiences the world, often with focused interests and sensory differences.
  • sensory playPlay that encourages children to use their senses, especially touch, through materials such as sand, water, playdough, rice or foam.
  • special educational needsLearning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for a child to learn than most children of the same age, so that extra or different support is needed.
  • self-regulationThe ability to manage your own feelings, attention and behaviour, for example calming down after being upset or waiting for a turn.

More terms: Special Needs and Inclusion

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level: