Something you may not realize about me, is that I tend to be a bit (ok a lot) sensory-sensitive. In our last blog we discussed what sensory-sensitivity and sensory overload are, but it can be hard to conceptualize what your child is actually experiencing. So as both an occupational therapist and a sensory-sensitive mom, I thought this would be an amazing chance to help you take a peek into how I'm feeling when forced to encounter uncomfortable sensory situations. My hope is that through this, you will be able to better understand and empathize with your child's specific sensory needs.

In this blog:

• What it means to be sensory sensitive
• My personal experiences with sensory-sensitivity
• Looking at my sensory system through an OT's eyes
• Sensory sensitivity as a mom
• Sensory quirks vs sensory challenges
     

Just so you know, this blog is based on my and my guests’ personal experiences, and research I’ve done as a pediatric occupational therapist. None of the below is medical, occupational therapy, or feeding therapy advice. When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission. Learn more about affiliate links.

What is sensory sensitivity?

To put it simply, sensory sensitivity is when someone's brain is more sensitive to a particular sensation (like smells or textures) than the general population. Usually, a child who is sensory sensitive gets overwhelmed or overstimulated more quickly because their brain perceives that sensory input as "too much." For example, they might freak out, have meltdowns, or need to immediately change their shirt if they get a drop of water on it. Or they may cover their ears at sounds you don't even hear.

(PST learn more about sensory sensitivity and what it means by reading this blog!)

My personal experiences with sensory sensitivity

So as I mentioned in the beginning of this blog, I would say I tend to be more sensory-sensitive. I get overwhelmed or dysregulated very quickly when there's a lot going on (for example in big crowds, noisy parties, etc). Today I wanted to share a couple very specific sensations that are big triggers for me! 

• Saran wrap: I hate Saran Wrap. You will not find it at all in our house. When I have to use or watch someone use Saran wrap I get a true physical reaction goosebumps, the hairs on my arm stand up, and I quickly become irritable at the feel or the sound of it. Even as I write this to you I can feel myself getting goosebumps as I imagine the sensation. Now let's say I had to watch my husband use it. Of course, he wouldn't be paying attention to how fast he was moving and would probably be focused on just making sure the Saran Wrap covered the food fully. If I had to sit there and listen or watch him use it, my heart rate would increase, and I know that I would continue to become irritable until I snapped at him. Now, you may be reading this and thinking, "Sam that's a little mean." But what I want you to take away from this is that it makes my body physically uncomfortable to the point that I am literally not able to control my emotions. Imagine spiders crawling up your body - that's how it feels for me.
  
  And that's how it feels for a lot of our kids too. Whether it's a specific food, getting wet, a certain sound. It's likely making their body feel icky in some way. And the more it continues, and the more they are forced to encounter that sensory input, the more dysregulated their body gets - until we see that sensory overload (AKA the pop).
  
  
• Sweat at Disney World: As a Florida native, I love going to Disney World. One thing I don't love - how much I, and other people sweat there. Now, I'm not judging anyone, but other peoples sweat just gives me the ick. But you're bound to brush up against someone in those tight lines and crowded spaces. But when that happens, I think about it the rest of the day. I can feel their sweat still sitting on me and I just can't let it go. Now, I don't have meltdown or cry, but I would say it definitely affects my mood. But if I was in a situation where I couldn't leave, and it just kept happening over and over, there's a chance I would become snappy at someone. And yup, I'd feel pretty 💩 about it after.

Looking at my sensory system through an OTs eyes

So here's where the fun comes in. As an OT, there's a lot I could say about this. Let's talk about my sensory profile.

• A note about sensory profiles: a sensory profile is essentially a big "snapshot" of someones sensory system. It helps you figure out what your child might avoid (like loud sounds or certain textures) and what they crave (like movement or big hugs). When you understand your child’s sensory profile, you can start to make sense & anticipate their needs & behaviors - so you can stop walking on eggshells! In my Sensory Survival Guide for Parents, I walk you through how to identify your child’s sensory needs, and break down their profile in 4-simple steps! Click here to grab your free copy.
  
  

What type of sensory challenges I am experiencing: So I would say that I fall more into the sensory avoidant category. I tend to get overwhelmed very quickly, and perceive even small amounts of things (like sweat) as WAY too much. As I mentioned earlier, both Saran Wrap and sweat are big triggers for me—and what’s interesting is that they both fall under the "touch" or "tactile" sense. I’ve also struggled with food textures in the past, which ties into my sensitivity to touch even more. These are the types of patterns we want to look for, because they hold the key to understanding your child’s behavior. When you can spot what triggers them—whether it’s certain textures, sounds, or visual chaos—you’re not only able to better anticipate challenges, but also respond with empathy and effective solutions.

Response patterns: It's also important to look at HOW a person reacts when they come into contact with their triggers. Often, the fight-or-flight response begins to kick in. For me, when I’m in a sensory situation that feels overwhelming, my heart races, I might start sweating, and I often snap or lash out (hello, fight mode). But what’s really fascinating is how, if I stay in that situation long enough, I don’t fight anymore—I completely shut down. Instead of being able to tell someone I’m uncomfortable, I freeze. I’ll just sit there, unable to communicate, feeling totally overwhelmed. This freeze response is so important to recognize, especially when it comes to kids. Sometimes they can’t tell you what’s wrong or why they’re struggling because their body has gone into “freeze” mode. It’s not that they’re being difficult—they’re simply overwhelmed and stuck.

Sensory Sensitivity as a Mom?

Being a more sensory-sensitive mom adds a whole new layer to parenting. For me, the constant noise, mess, and unpredictability that come with having kids can feel like a lot—especially on the tough days.

Loud toys and the never-ending hum of chaos can leave me feeling drained. And then there’s the mess. Visual clutter—like toys scattered everywhere or crumbs on the floor—is overwhelming, almost like my brain can’t turn off until everything is tidy, even though I know that’s part of life with a kid.

What I’ve learned is how important it is to understand both my sensory needs and C’s sensory needs—and how they can either align or clash. For example, if I’m overwhelmed by noise and he's having a really fussy day, or just wants to bang toys, we're not in alignment. Recognizing this allows me to think outside the box about how to help him get what he needs, while supporting my own sensory system.

Sensory Quirks vs. Sensory Challenges

When it comes to sensory processing, there’s a big difference between quirks and true challenges. For me, my sensory sensitivity leans more toward quirks. Sure, things like Saran Wrap, loud noises, or visual clutter can be frustrating or overwhelming, but they don’t stop me from living my life. I can avoid them or manage the discomfort when they come up. They might make me irritable or stressed in the moment, but they don’t interfere with my ability to handle everyday tasks.

True sensory challenges, on the other hand, go deeper. They’re the things that can disrupt a child’s—or even an adult’s—ability to participate in daily life. For example, if a child refuses to wear certain clothing because of how it feels or completely melts down in loud environments, that goes beyond a quirk. These challenges can make regular routines, like getting dressed or going to the grocery store, incredibly difficult.

The key difference is the impact on daily life. A sensory quirk might make you say, “Wow, that really bothers me,” but you can move on. A sensory challenge can completely derail the day, making simple things feel impossible.

For parents, recognizing this difference is important. If you notice your child struggling to the point where it’s interfering with their ability to enjoy life or participate in everyday activities, that’s when it’s worth digging deeper to understand what’s going on and how to help.

Parenting a child with sensory needs—or being sensory-sensitive yourself—can feel like a whirlwind some days. But here’s the good news: understanding sensory patterns, triggers, and how they affect daily life can be a total game-changer.

That’s why I put together the Sensory Survival Guide for Parents. It’s not just another parenting resource—it’s your go-to toolkit for truly understanding your child’s sensory world. Whether you’re trying to figure out why they melt down at certain noises or avoid certain textures, this guide will help you decode their behaviors and make life feel a little easier—for both of you.

And let’s be honest: parenting is hard enough without guessing what’s behind the overwhelm. This guide is your shortcut to clarity and confidence.

So, are you ready to take the first step? Download the Sensory Survival Guide for Parents today and start navigating sensory challenges with more ease and understanding.

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