Sensory Processing and Eating

Sensory Processing Differences

Everyone processes sensory input – such as sounds, textures, lights, smells, and movements – a little differently.

Some individuals have more pronounced sensory processing differences, which may impact eating and food preparation.

Sensory processing differences are simply variations in the way people experience and respond to sensory information from the world around them.

This is sometimes referred to as sensory processing disorder (SPD) or simply sensory differences, as SPD is not featured in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). It is better understood as part of natural human diversity in how our brains and bodies work.

Think of it like this: our senses are like “filters” that help us make sense of the world.

For some people, these filters might be turned up too high, making them extra sensitive to certain stimuli (like a loud noise feeling overwhelming or a scratchy fabric being unbearable).

For others, the filters might be turned down, making it harder to notice certain sensations (like not feeling when hands are dirty or needing to touch things more often for sensory input). Some people experience both types, depending on the situation. All of us as humans have our own specific sensory preferences. 

How do our senses impact eating?

These differences aren’t inherently good or bad, but can create challenges when environments aren’t set up to support those needs.

For instance, someone who finds bright lights overwhelming might need low lighting during mealtimes, while another person who seeks more movement might benefit from movement breaks during at mealtimes.

Here are some ways that sensory differences can impact eating:

1. Oral sensitivities: Some individuals with SPD may be highly sensitive to tastes, textures, or temperatures of food. They may have strong aversions to certain foods and struggle to tolerate different textures, causing them to be selective eaters. They may prefer a limited range of foods that feel safe and familiar.

   

2. Sensory Overload: Eating in environments with high levels of noise, bright lights, or strong smells can be overwhelming for individuals with SPD. They may find it challenging to focus on eating when their senses are overwhelmed, leading to difficulties in mealtime routines and consuming adequate amounts of food.

3. Oral Motor Difficulties: SPD can affect oral motor skills, making it challenging to coordinate the movements necessary for chewing and swallowing. Some individuals may have difficulty transitioning from pureed to solid foods or experience delays in learning to chew and manage different food textures.

4. Sensory Seeking Behaviours: On the other hand, some individuals with SPD may seek intense sensory input. They may engage in excessive chewing, biting, or sucking behaviours. This sensory seeking behaviour can affect their eating habits, leading to difficulties in maintaining appropriate mealtimes and disrupting their ability to consume a balanced diet.

5. Sensory Integration Challenges: Sensory integration refers to the brain’s ability to process and make sense of sensory information. Individuals with SPD may have difficulties integrating and organizing sensory input, which can impact their ability to coordinate eating and engage in appropriate mealtime behaviours.

An Occupational Therapist (OT) is a great health professional to reach out to when establishing your unique sensory preferences. OT's can conduct a sensory profile which will give insight into your needs, and come up with tools to support these.

Sensory tools will be an important part of regulating your nervous system, which makes for a calmer eating experience. Winning.

I work closely with clients to factor in their unique sensory needs when establishing nutrition goals.

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