Sensory Awareness Month 

From the moment babies are born they begin to understand their environment through the information they receive from their surroundings.

From seeing and hearing to touching, tasting, and smelling, the five basic senses are quickly engaged and become crucial for humans to learn to make sense of the world around them.

However, when the central nervous system works differently in some people, it becomes difficult for the brain to process sensory information in the same ways. It is estimated that 1 in 6 children have some sort of sensory processing difficulties.

Those who have sensory processing disorders can be extra sensitive to certain experiences.

This can manifest in a wide range of sensory avoidant behaviors including difficulting taking showers, struggling to brush teeth, keen awareness of background noises, irritation from certain clothing items, food and eating issues, upset by unexpected touch, and more.

Other children with sensory processing disorders may be sensory seekers, meaning they need more stimulus to process the world around them.

This may come across through behaviors that might be considered socially intrusive, such as invading personal space, chewing on non-food items (like clothing or pencils), enjoying play that is extra rough or even destructive (with toys or people), and difficulty with fine motor skills such as handwriting.

Sensory Awareness Month is here to promote a healthy measure of social awareness about these behaviors and the reasons behind them, helping parents, caregivers, teachers, and other concerned community members to better understand the needs of each child – so they can make a positive, less stressful, impact on their lives!

History of Sensory Awareness Month

Sometimes referred to as Sensory Processing Awareness Month, this event was established to draw attention to and educate the public about the special needs that are faced by people with sensory issues.

The event has been around since at least 2018 and is supported through the efforts of various organizations, including the STAR Institute, CPotential, and others.

The purpose behind this awareness month is to help improve mainstream understanding of the wide spectrum of sensory integration and processing, as well as show support for the individuals and families who are impacted by these issues.

Through the pursuit of advocacy and outreach, during Sensory Awareness Month and throughout the year, the hope is that every person affected by sensory concerns will have access to the support they need!

How to Celebrate Sensory Awareness Month

Looking for ideas on getting involved with Sensory Awareness Month? Check out some of these activities to connect with:

Understand Facts About Sensory Issues

One of the most important parts of Sensory Awareness Month is to help people get more informed and educated about the facts surrounding sensory processing. Get more informed by heading over to the local library, checking out some online sources, or starting with a few of these facts that can be learned about and shared:

• In addition to the five senses most people know about (see, touch, taste, smell, hear) there are two others: proprioception, the sense of body awareness, and vestibular sense, which is related to movement, coordination and balance
• Kids who have sensory processing issues may experience either too much or too little stimulation, making it difficult for them to feel comfortable and function in society
• Sensory issues may occur on their own or may often overlap with other issues, including autism, ADHD, or OCD
• Each child is different, so the best way to determine a child’s needs is by asking them or their caregiver about how they will best feel respected and cared for

Speak Up About Sensory Processing Disorders

Because a large majority of sensory processing issues seem to resolve as the children get older, or at least grow milder, many adults understand what it is like even if it is milder or completely gone now.

Sensory Awareness Month is a great time for people who have experience with sensory issues to engage in advocacy, raising awareness and helping to reduce the stigma around some of these behaviors.

Tell the story through social media posts, talking with a friend, making a presentation in the community or choosing some other avenue to show support during this month-long event.

Get Resources for Sensory Processing

Those parents, siblings, grandparents, teachers, and others who are in relationships with a child who has sensory issues can honor them during Sensory Awareness Month by getting access to more tools and resources.

• The Star Institute website offers various downloadable resources to help work with kids, including various stories that can be accessed in at least six different languages
• The National Institutes of Health in the US also offers free resources through its website.
• Check out the UC Davis Mind Institute online
• Find more information on public school websites, including a wide range of resources from this one in Massachusetts.