Sensory Differences in Babies and Young Children: A Parent and Carer's Guide
I [Emily] recently attended a training session on sensory differences in neurodivergent babies and young children under five, which helped me better understand how children experience and interact with the world around them. I am not an expert, but I wanted to share some information and practical strategies I learned in the hope that they can help parents and carers. Every child is different, and these suggestions are intended as a starting point for understanding and supporting your child’s individual sensory needs.
Understanding Your Baby’s Sensory World: A Guide for Parents and Carers
From the moment they are born, babies have a natural desire to learn about the world around them. For neurodivergent babies and toddlers, this desire is similar, but differences in how their brains process sensory information can make everyday situations feel very distinct. Certain sounds, textures, and movements may feel overwhelming, while others may barely register. Understanding these differences can help parents recognize when their child might be communicating in a different way than expected and find ways to support them. A formal diagnosis wouldn’t be made until your child is at least two, but early signs can be noticed as early as 6 or 12 months. The good news is that there are small changes to everyday routines and environments that can make a meaningful difference in keeping your baby from getting overwhelmed. Here are some practical ways to understand and support your child’s sensory needs.
1. Understanding Your Baby’s Sensory World
Babies learn about themselves and the world around them through sensory experiences. While we often think of the five familiar senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch, there are also three other important senses: the vestibular system, which helps us understand movement and balance; proprioception, which tells us where our body is in space; and interoception, which helps us recognize internal signals such as hunger, thirst and needing the toilet.
From an early age, neurodivergent babies may experience sensory information differently. Some sensations may feel much more intense, while others may be much more subtle. A baby might become distressed by a noisy room, seek out repetitive movements or spend a long time exploring the same toy. These behaviors are not necessarily signs that something is wrong. Repetitive movements, often called stimming, can help babies understand their bodies and regulate their feelings.
A practical tip: try observing what your baby is drawn to, what they avoid, and how they respond to different experiences. If your child enjoys gently rocking, for example, allow them time to explore that safely along with any other activities they find enjoyable. Following their lead can help you understand their preferences and therefore better understand them. Neurodivergent play may look different from what you expect, but different does not mean wrong.
2. Recognizing Sensory Needs in Everyday Life
Sensory differences can influence many everyday experiences for children under five years old, including feeding, sleeping, communication, and social interaction. For example, a child who struggles with certain food textures may not simply be a fussy eater. Their response could be linked to oral sensory sensitivities, while differences in interoception may make it harder for them to recognize when they are hungry or full.
Many daily routines often look different for neurodivergent children. For instance, neurodivergent children’s sleep schedules and rhythms sometimes do not fit conventional expectations. Additionally, a baby who looks away during interaction is not trying to be rude; they are most likely managing the amount of sensory information they are processing. Reduced eye contact does not automatically mean a child is less connected to their parents or peers. Babies and young children can communicate in many ways, including through body movements, facial expressions, vocalizations and changes in their behavior.
A practical tip: if mealtimes are becoming stressful, try offering familiar foods alongside opportunities to explore new textures without pressure to eat them. If your child becomes overwhelmed during play or family activities, consider the environment: Is the room too noisy? Are the lights too bright? Is there too much happening at once? A quiet, comfortable space where your child can retreat may help them feel more settled. During interactions, give them time to respond and avoid forcing eye contact. The aim is to understand what your child needs, rather than expecting them to respond in a particular way.
3. Creating Routines That Work for Your Child
Supporting your child’s sensory needs from infancy does not have to mean adding more activities or formal interventions to your day. Everyday moments, such as bath time, getting dressed, playing, and preparing for bed, provide natural opportunities for children to learn and develop. Creating a balance between predictable routines and flexible approaches can help reduce uncertainty, while still allowing you to respond to your child’s changing needs.
It is also important to remember that children develop at different rates and follow different developmental pathways. Traditional milestones can be useful for identifying where a child might benefit from additional support, but differences should not automatically be viewed as problems to correct.
If you have concerns about your child’s development, keep a diary for a while to record what you are noticing. You should then speak to a professional, but you don't need to get a formal neurodevelopmental assessment to make helpful adjustments. Keeping a record of what you’re noticing will also be helpful if, at some point, it's decided that your child does need an assessment.
A practical tip: try introducing predictable steps into transitions. You could use the same short song before bath time every day or show your child their towel and explain what will happen next to make the transition into bath time smoother. If your child becomes tired or overwhelmed at a particular time of day, consider adjusting the pace of activities around their energy levels. You could also create a one-page profile for your childcare provider, sharing your child’s sensory preferences, communication cues, possible triggers, and calming strategies. Working together helps ensure your child receives consistent support across different environments.
Every child experiences the world in their own way, and you do not need to have all the answers to begin supporting them. Trust your observations, stay curious about what your child is communicating and remember that the goal is to support their comfort, wellbeing and development, not to make them fit a particular expectation. If you are concerned about your child’s development, seeking advice and support can help you better understand their individual needs.
Would you like to learn more?
The Neurodiversity Family Hub accompanies families with children and young people from 0-25. A diagnosis is not necessary.
Our articles, coffee mornings, webinars and 'walk and talk' sessions help parents and carers better understand and support their neurodivergent children. Whether you are noticing early sensory differences, exploring your child’s communication style or looking for practical strategies for everyday life, it can be enormously helpful to connect with others who understand. Explore The Neurodiversity Family Hub website to find support for your family’s journey.