🌟 October is Sensory Processing Awareness Month 🌟
- PFGtherapy
- Oct 14
- 3 min read
Understanding, Supporting, and Celebrating Every Sensory System
October is Sensory Processing Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness, build understanding, and celebrate the unique ways people experience and respond to the world around them. For many families, terms like sensory processingor sensory needs are new. But for children and adults who experience sensory challenges, understanding this piece of their world can make all the difference.
🧠 What Is Sensory Processing?
Sensory processing is the way our brains receive, organize, and respond to information from the world around us. Every second, we take in information through our senses — sight, sound, taste, smell, touch, balance, movement, and body awareness. Most people’s brains process this information automatically and efficiently.
For others, the process can be more complicated. The brain might be over-responsive (making certain sounds, textures, or lights feel overwhelming) or under-responsive (requiring more intense input to notice and react). These differences are often referred to as Sensory Processing Differences (SPD) or Sensory Processing Challenges.
🧩 How Sensory Differences Show Up in Daily Life
Every individual’s sensory profile is unique, but here are a few common ways sensory processing differences might show up:
🚫 Covering ears in noisy environments
👕 Discomfort with certain clothing textures or tags
🪩 Craving movement — constantly jumping, spinning, or climbing
🍽️ Being a “picky eater” due to sensitivity to food textures or tastes
🧘♂️ Difficulty focusing or calming down in busy environments
✋ Seeking deep pressure through hugs, weighted blankets, or pushing/pulling activities
These are not “bad behaviors” — they are communication. They’re a person’s way of responding to how their body and brain experience the world.
🧑⚕️ How Occupational Therapy Can Help
Occupational Therapists (OTs) are experts in understanding sensory processing and how it impacts daily life. Through assessment, individualized strategies, and play-based therapy, OTs help children and adults:
🌈 Build tolerance to sensory input over time
🧩 Find calming or alerting activities that support regulation
✍️ Improve participation in school, home, and community environments
🤝 Strengthen coping strategies and self-advocacy skills
The goal is not to “fix” sensory differences — it’s to empower individuals to navigate the world in a way that works best for them.
💜 Why Awareness Matters
When we understand sensory processing differences, we can approach behaviors with empathy instead of judgment. A child who melts down in a crowded store isn’t “misbehaving” — they might be overwhelmed by sensory input. An adult who prefers quiet spaces isn’t “antisocial” — they might simply need a calmer environment to feel comfortable.
Awareness builds acceptance. Acceptance fosters inclusion. And inclusion allows every person — regardless of how they process the world — to feel valued and supported.
🌟 This October and Beyond
During Sensory Processing Awareness Month, let’s commit to learning, listening, and creating environments where sensory needs are respected. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, therapist, or friend, your understanding can make a life-changing difference.
💜 Different is not less — it’s just different. And with the right support, every person can thrive. Reach out to PFG Therapy LLC if you are in need of additional support, we have a team of AWESOME OTs ready to support your needs! 815-905-7028
📣 Join the Conversation
This month, share sensory-friendly tips, talk about your experiences, and advocate for understanding. Together, we can build a more inclusive world — one sense at a time.
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