What is Sensory Inclusion?
Let's Make Sense Of It All
What is Sensory Inclusion?
Sensory inclusion is about creating spaces that acknowledge and accommodate the diverse ways people experience the world. It’s not just about supporting those with sensory processing differences or specific groups such as autistic people — it’s about making environments more comfortable, accessible, and welcoming for everyone.
Whether you run a business, a public venue, or a community space, considering sensory needs can enhance customer experience, improve staff well-being, and foster a more inclusive culture. Simple, thoughtful adjustments — like reducing unnecessary noise, offering quiet areas, and providing clear visual information — can make a significant difference, ensuring that all visitors, clients, and employees feel at ease and able to engage fully.
What is Sensory Processing?
Sensory processing is how our brain receives, organises, and makes sense of information from our senses. It helps us understand the world around us and what’s happening within our own bodies—such as sensing hunger, pain, or balance.
It also influences how we maintain focus, react to situations, coordinate movements, and carry out daily activities. Our brain constantly integrates information from multiple senses, working in the background to shape how we experience our surroundings and interact with others.
Sensory processing, or sensory integration, is crucial for functioning effectively in daily life and it impacts everything we do, including getting dressed, eating, moving, playing, socialising, learning, and working.
What Are Sensory Processing Differences?
Sensory processing differences are variations in how the brain receives, interprets, and responds to sensory information from the world around us.
We all have unique sensory systems and experiences of sensory processing. Some people are sensitive to sounds, lights, textures or other sensory input. Others seek extra movement, touch, or specific sensory input. Our unique way of sensory processing also affects how we plan and carry out movements.
These differences can influence behaviours, our energy levels, and what we feel able to cope with and accomplish in a day. For some people, sensory processing differences can trigger a fight-flight-freeze response.
So, while we all experience sensory processing differences, some people's differences can make everyday activities challenging - particularly when their environment or the task they need to do isn't supportive of their unique sensory systems.
You may hear different phrases used, including 'sensory integration difficulties', 'sensory processing disorder' and SPD. We use the term 'sensory processing differences' to recognise that we all have unique experiences.
We can think of sensory processing differences as forming two broad categories: 'sensory modulation' and 'sensory discrimination'. It's important to note that individuals can experience one or both categories of sensory processing differences. You can learn more about these patterns in the course How to Make Your Space Sensory Inclusive in 8 Steps.
What Are Sensory Needs?
Sensory needs arise from sensory processing, the way our brain receives, interprets, and responds to sensory input. Since everyone processes sensory information differently, we all have unique sensory preferences and challenges that impact how we feel, focus, and function in different environments.
For example, some people need regular movement to stay calm and focused, while others need clutter-free spaces to concentrate. Some may find it easier to understand instructions when they are presented visually rather than spoken, and others may struggle to focus if there is too much background noise. Recognising and accommodating sensory needs helps create environments where everyone can feel comfortable, engaged, and able to perform at their best.
When the environment a person is in or the task they are required to do is at odds with their sensory needs, this can feel frustrating, overwhelming, even painful or unsafe. Inclusion means that the focus is on changing the environment or the task, not the person.
What Does a Sensory Inclusive Space Look Like?
A sensory inclusive space is adaptable to different sensory needs, ensuring a comfortable environment for everyone. It may include quieter areas with soft lighting for people who are sensitive to noise or bright lights, or calming spaces with tactile materials for those who benefit from touch.
You might see spaces with clear signage, quiet zones, or sensory-friendly design elements like soundproofing, adjustable lighting, or varied seating options. It will be predictable to encourage a feeling of safety and have clearly signposted exits for individuals who need to remove themselves quickly when feeling overwhelmed.
A sensory inclusive space doesn’t just look different—it feels different, offering an experience that promotes comfort, focus, and engagement for people with a range of sensory needs.
What is a Sense?
A sense is a physiological system in the body responsible for collecting and transmitting information to the nervous system. This information is processed by the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, allowing the body to interpret and respond to internal and external stimuli.
In addition to our vision (sight), olfactory (smell), gustatory (taste), auditory (hearing) and tactile (touch) senses, we have senses related to internal sensations and bodily functions. These include proprioception, the vestibular system and interoception.
What is Proprioception?
Proprioception is our body position sense. It allows us to know the position of our body and its parts in space without needing to look. For example, it enables you to touch your right forefinger to your left elbow with your eyes closed, hold an egg without breaking it, and bring a cup of water to your mouth without spilling.
Proprioception is essential for coordinating movements, including their force and speed.
Proprioception is also the brain's primary regulating sensory system. It plays a key role in calming the other senses, helping to maintain overall sensory regulation.
What is the Vestibular System?
The vestibular sense is crucial for maintaining balance, orientation, and spatial awareness. It involves the inner ear and provides information about movement, gravity, and changes in position. For example, if you close your eyes and tilt forward in your chair, you immediately sense the change in your body's position relative to gravity—this is the vestibular system at work.
It coordinates with our vision to help keep our eyes focused while moving. It also plays an important role in maintaining attention
and keeping us alert.
What is Interoception?
Interoception is the sense that allows us to perceive internal sensations and bodily functions, such as hunger, thirst, heartbeat, and body temperature. It enables us to understand and respond to our body's needs. Interoception encompasses all signals from internal organs, including the cardiovascular system, lungs, gut, bladder, and kidneys.
Much of the processing of these signals occurs subconsciously, maintaining functions like stable blood pressure without our awareness. However, some signals, such as a full bladder, are consciously perceived. Research indicates that our ability to notice internal signals can influence how we manage emotions and our susceptibility to mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
