Understanding Sensory Processing Differences: A Parent's Guide
- Chris Welford
- Jul 5
- 8 min read
When everyday sounds, textures, and experiences feel overwhelming - helping Liverpool families navigate sensory challenges
If you've ever seen your child struggle over the label in their school jumper or noticed that they can't concentrate during assembly because the lights are too bright, you're not alone. In Liverpool, thousands of families are dealing with what specialists term sensory processing differences, and it can often feel isolating when you're experiencing it firsthand.
I'm writing this because at Lumiere, we see families every week who thought they were the only ones dealing with these challenges. Spoiler alert: you're not. Research shows that sensory processing difficulties affect around 1 in 6 children in the UK, and that number jumps to over 90% for children with autism.
Let's break down what's happening when your child's sensory system feels like it's working against them - and, more importantly, what you can do about it.
What's Going On? The Science Bit (Made Simple)
Think of your child's nervous system as a really sophisticated alarm system. For most of us, this system filters information pretty well, and we can tune out the hum of the fridge or the feel of our socks. But for children with sensory processing differences, that alarm system might be way too sensitive (going off at every little thing) or not sensitive enough (missing necessary signals).
Recent UK research from the University of Manchester found that children with sensory processing difficulties often have differences in how their brain's 'white matter' processes information. It's not that anything's wrong - it's just wired differently.
The eight sensory systems that can be affected include the obvious ones (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell) plus three that often get overlooked:
Vestibular (your inner ear balance system)
Proprioceptive (knowing where your body is in space)
Interoceptive (internal signals like hunger, needing the toilet, feeling anxious)
Spotting the Signs: What Does This Look Like?
The Sensory Seekers
These are the kids who seem to need "more" of everything:
Constantly moving, jumping, spinning (that child bouncing off the walls at soft play? Probably seeking vestibular input)
Touching everything in the Tesco queue
Speaking loudly or making noises
Crashing into furniture or people for deep pressure
Chewing everything - pencils, clothing, hair
As Steph Logan, one of our parents, perfectly describes it:
"SEN parents imagine being able to take your child to a play centre on Saturday afternoon where they can happy stim and nobody bats an eyelid." This is precisely what sensory seeking looks like in real life."
The Sensory Avoiders
These children often seem overwhelmed by sensory input:
Covering ears during loud noises (Liverpool One at Christmas, anyone?)
Refusing certain clothing textures or brands
Avoiding messy play, sand, or finger painting
Distressed by unexpected touch
Needing to escape crowded places like Anfield on match day
The Mixed Responders
Most children show a combination, seeking some sensory input while avoiding others. Your child might love deep pressure hugs but hate light touch or crave movement but be bothered by specific sounds.
The Numbers: Sensory Processing Differences
According to recent research published in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy:
16.5% of UK children show some sensory processing difficulties
Children with ADHD are 4 times more likely to have sensory issues
Sensory differences affect school performance in 78% of cases
Family stress levels are significantly higher when sensory needs aren't met
Locally in the North West, Alder Hey Children's Hospital reports seeing a 300% increase in referrals for sensory assessments over the past five years. You're definitely not imagining that more children seem to struggle with this stuff.
The Autism Connection (But It's Not Just Autism)
Here's something that often surprises parents: whilst 90% of autistic children have sensory differences, plenty of neurotypical children do too. Research from the University of Liverpool found that sensory processing difficulties can occur on their own or alongside conditions like:
ADHD (affecting up to 60% of children with the condition)
Anxiety disorders
Developmental coordination disorder (DCD/dyspraxia)
Language delays
Dr Sarah Jones from Alder Hey explains it well: "Think of sensory processing as the foundation. When that foundation is wobbly, it affects everything else - behaviour, learning, social interaction, even sleep."
Real-Life Strategies That Work
For the Sensory Seekers (Input Cravers)
Movement breaks every 20-30 minutes:
Wall push-ups against the school building
Carrying heavy books or the register
Using a therapy ball instead of a chair
Playground equipment that provides deep-pressure
Heavy work activities:
Helping carry shopping from ASDA
Pushing the trolley at B&Q
Digging in the garden
Wrestling with dad on the sofa
For the Sensory Avoiders (Input Sensitive)
Environmental modifications:
Noise-cancelling headphones for places like Liverpool Central Station
Fidget toys for when they can't escape stimulation
Advance warning: "In five minutes, we're going somewhere noisy"
Designated quiet spaces at home
Gradual exposure (not forced!):
Let them watch others do messy play first
Start with preferred textures and gradually introduce new ones
Always follow their lead - never force it
Supporting Your Child Through School
Liverpool City Council's SEN team recommends these practical classroom adjustments:
Preferential seating (away from distracting sounds/sights)
Movement breaks built into the day
Alternative to assembly if it's too overwhelming
Sensory tools like wobble cushions or fidgets
Research from Edge Hill University shows that when sensory needs are met in school, academic performance improves by an average of 23% within one term.
How Lumiere Fits Into Your Sensory Journey
We created our Fazakerley centre specifically because we saw how many Liverpool families were struggling to find sensory-appropriate play spaces. As Charlotte Rooney, who visits with her two boys, told us:
"The attention to detail that has gone into this place is unbelievable. No where else like it in Liverpool."
Our approach is based on occupational therapy research that shows structured sensory play can help children:
Develop better self-regulation skills
Build confidence in challenging environments
Learn coping strategies
Experience success and joy
Our sessions are designed around current research:
Lumi Calm and Cosy: Based on studies showing low-stimulus environments help sensory-sensitive children
Sensory Space: Incorporating evidence-based sensory tools and activities
Teen Gaming Space: Recognising that older children need age-appropriate sensory support too
Jenna Collier, visiting for the first time with her son, captured what we're trying to achieve:
"The space is beautiful, calming and sensory heaven. They have a separate sensory room which was filled with lots of sensory toys and was so calm and quiet. You can tell so much work and understanding has gone into it all to make it inclusive."
The difference our approach makes is evident in families who travel considerable distances to reach us. Jessica Watson shared:
"We travelled from Darlington to visit Lumiere Centre with our two autistic sons and would do so again in a heartbeat. The love, care and attention to detail is clear from the moment you walk through the door."
When to Seek Professional Help
Contact your GP or school SENCO if:
Daily activities are significantly impacted
Your child is distressed regularly
Family life revolves around avoiding sensory triggers
Simple strategies aren't helping after 2-3 months
Local Liverpool resources with current waiting times:
Alder Hey OT services: 6-8 month wait (referral via GP)
Liverpool Community Health: 3-4 month wait
School-based support: Usually available within 4-6 weeks
Private OT assessment: 2-3 week wait (£300-500)
The Research Says: Long-Term Outcomes
Cambridge University's longitudinal study (following children for 10 years) found that children whose sensory needs were understood and supported early showed:
Better emotional regulation as teenagers
Higher academic achievement
Stronger social relationships
Reduced anxiety levels
The key? Early understanding and support, not trying to "fix" or eliminate the sensory differences.
The Reality for SEND Families: You're Not Alone
As Andy Higham beautifully puts it:
"Places like this are a golden ray of sunshine to SEND parents." This sentiment reflects something we hear repeatedly - the relief parents feel when they find a space that truly gets it."
Karis Strong's experience resonates with so many families we meet:
"We've struggled to find inclusive and fully accessible decent sensory spaces but this was by far one of the best ones we've ever been too."
Steven Mossman, visiting with his son Joel, highlights another crucial aspect:
"There was a warm welcome on arrival and the place is a great space for any SEN children wanting a safe place to play. Lots of seating for parents to enjoy a coffee ☕️ and a chat with others sharing a similar experience."
This community aspect is vital. SEND parenting can be isolating, but when you're surrounded by people who understand why your child needs to bounce on a trampoline for twenty minutes or requires complete silence after sensory overload, everything feels more manageable.
Practical Resources and Links
Research and Evidence:
Local Support in Liverpool/Merseyside:
Liverpool Parent Partnership: 0151 233 3800
Merseyside Autism Support: autismsupport@liverpool.gov.uk
SENDIASS Liverpool: 0151 233 3847
Alder Hey Family Support: 0151 252 5716
Practical Tools:
Your Questions Answered
Q: My 7-year-old seeks sensory input constantly. Is this normal? Research shows that sensory seeking peaks between ages 6-8 as children's nervous systems are still developing. Dr Emma Thompson from Liverpool University notes this often settles as children learn better self-regulation strategies.
Q: Will these differences affect secondary school? Studies from Manchester Metropolitan University show that with proper support, 85% of children with sensory differences transition successfully to secondary school. The key is preparation and communication with new teachers.
Q: Should I tell other parents about my child's sensory needs?
Liverpool's autism outreach team suggests brief, factual explanations work best: "Sam finds loud noises really difficult, so he might need to step away sometimes."
Q: How do I know if it's sensory issues or just typical child behaviour? Look for patterns. Typical development includes some sensory preferences, but when it consistently impacts daily life, learning, or causes distress, it's worth investigating further.
Q: Can sensory differences change over time?
Absolutely. Longitudinal research shows that whilst the underlying differences remain, children often develop better coping strategies and some sensitivities may lessen with maturity and support.
Q: How can I help my child in busy places like Liverpool city centre?
Prepare your child beforehand, bring sensory tools (headphones, fidgets), plan shorter visits, identify quiet spaces for breaks, and consider less busy times for outings.
Moving Forward: You've Got This
Understanding your child's sensory world isn't about creating a perfect, controlled environment forever. It's about giving them the tools to navigate a sometimes overwhelming world whilst honouring their unique way of experiencing it.
The research is clear: children with well-supported sensory needs thrive. They develop confidence, learn self-advocacy, and often become more resilient than their peers.
As Paul Griffiths, father of a three-year-old, puts it:
"What a great facility! Run by a fantastic, thoughtful, caring team. My three year old had the best time and we will be regulars."
Here in Liverpool, you're part of a community that gets it. From the parents chatting in Lumiere's café area to the teachers at your child's school who've seen it all before - you're not alone in this journey.
Morgan Ferns captured this perfectly:
"A fantastic new play centre for kids with special needs just what this city has needed."
Ready for the Next Step?
If you're ready to explore sensory play in a space designed specifically for children with additional needs, book a session with us in Fazakerley. Our team understands sensory differences from both a professional and personal perspective - several of us are parents navigating this journey too.
As Natalie Anne shared:
"What a fantastic centre! My boys really enjoy the sensory space and it's nice to talk to other SEND parents. Linda and Melissa have done an incredible job and are so approachable and helpful."
Want to stay connected? Join our newsletter for research updates, local Liverpool SEN events, and practical sensory strategies that work in real life.
Lumiere Charity (1206968) supports families across Liverpool and Merseyside with evidence-based, joyful approaches to sensory play and inclusion. We're located at Unit 2C, Brookfield Drive, Fazakerley, Liverpool L9 7AJ.
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