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How does Sensory Processing help?

Supporting sensory processing helps people with autism feel safe, calm, and in control—at every stage of life. Sensory processing is how the brain takes in and responds to information from the senses—like touch, sound, smell, movement, and sight. Everyone processes sensory input differently, but for people with autism, the brain may become overwhelmed or under-responsive to these inputs.

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In Early Childhood

  • Helps with development: Kids learn about the world through their senses—touching, moving, exploring.

  • Impacts behavior: Sensory overload (like loud noises or scratchy clothes) can lead to meltdowns or withdrawal.

  • Supports learning and play: Managing sensory needs helps children stay calm and focused.

 

In School-Age Years

  • Improves focus and participation: A classroom full of noise, lights, and activity can be overwhelming. Sensory strategies help kids stay regulated and ready to learn.

  • Encourages social interaction: Kids who feel calm and comfortable are more likely to engage with peers.

 

In the Teen Years

  • Supports emotional regulation: Teens with sensory challenges may become easily frustrated or anxious.

  • Promotes self-awareness: Learning what helps them feel calm or alert helps teens build independence.

 

In Adulthood

  • Helps with work and daily routines: Adults may need sensory strategies to stay focused at work, ride public transport, or go shopping without feeling overwhelmed.

  • Encourages independence: Managing sensory input leads to more comfort in social settings, relationships, and community life.

 

In Later Life

  • Maintains safety and comfort: As people age, sensory changes can affect balance, sensitivity, or awareness of the environment.

Supports dignity and calm: Adapting environments (softer lighting, less noise) can help older adults with sensory issues stay relaxed and engaged.

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Types of Sensory Processing Disorders broken down:

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Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD)

This is the most common type and includes:

a. Sensory Over-Responsivity (Hypersensitivity)

  • The person is too sensitive to sensory input.

  • Example: Loud sounds, bright lights, or certain textures feel overwhelming or painful.

b. Sensory Under-Responsivity (Hyposensitivity)

  • The person doesn’t notice sensory input easily.

  • Example: Doesn’t respond to name being called, high pain tolerance, or seems "in their own world."

c. Sensory Seeking

  • The person craves intense sensory input.

  • Example: Constantly moving, crashing into things, touching everything, or making loud noises.

 

Sensory-Based Motor Disorder

This affects movement and coordination because the brain can’t process sensory input correctly.

a. Postural Disorder

  • Trouble with balance, core strength, and body stability.

  • Example: Difficulty sitting upright or climbing stairs.

b. Dyspraxia (Motor Planning Issues)

  • Trouble planning and doing new movements.

  • Example: Difficulty learning to ride a bike or tie shoes.

 

Sensory Discrimination Disorder

  • The person has trouble telling the difference between similar sensory input.

  • Example: Can’t tell if something is hot or cold, where they were touched, or how much force to use.

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Providers who can help

Most OT therapists incorporate sensory activities, click here to be redirected to the OT therapy page.

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Lehigh Valley Sensory Friendly Community Outings:

 

Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom

Where: 4000 Dorney Park Rd, Allentown, PA 18104

Website

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Move N Play

Where: 551 E Station Ave, Coopersburg, PA 18036

Call: 267-730-6190

Website

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​​Pocono Raceway

Thanks to a financial donation from KultureCity, this popular place for families now has an inclusive playground that address sensory needs.

Where: 1234 Long Pond Road, Long Pond, PA 18334

Website

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West End Fair “Sensory-Friendly Morning” during the fair

Our morning consisted of rides and games with low or no lights and sounds, quieter and less crowded fairgrounds, Farmer for a Day experience executed by professional teachers and para professionals, livestock area open for viewing and some food stands and other vendors open to add to the experience of what going to the fair is all about. 

Call: 570-992-1497

Email: wefasensory@outlook.com

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Outside Lehigh Valley Sensory Friendly Outings:

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Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA)-The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is dedicated to welcoming to all visitors and ensuring their full participation in the natural sciences. This webpage provides information to plan your visit. For the Mobility Impaired, the main entrance is wheelchair accessible. For the Visually Impaired, there are some exhibits that will be of special interest. Service Animals Welcome!  Sign Language Interpretation. The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University provides visitors with autism the opportunity to experience the museum in a secure and comfortable environment. The museum provides specific tools and tactics, such as museum stories, to help plan your visit.

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The Bucks County Children's Museum (New Hope, PA)- The Bucks County Children’s Museum is an idea a local elementary and special education teacher had dreamed of for many years. While raising three children in Bucks County, she experienced the rich history and culture of the area. With the idea of raising awareness and a “sense of place”, she wanted to find a way to educate other young families about the uniqueness of the county while preserving its history and beauty. Combining Bucks County history with fun hands-on learning experiences for families to share in evolved, and she began to present this exciting idea to the community.

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Choo Choo Barn (Strasburg, PA)-For train lovers...Our 1,700 square foot train layout features over 150 hand-built animated figures and vehicles and 22 operating trains…we guarantee the Choo Choo Barn is like nothing you've ever seen!

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The Franklin Insititute: Sensory Alert Maps – will guide you through certain devices or experiences in each exhibit that may have high levels of stimulation. The guides will give you helpful tips as you explore. Sensory backpacks, quiet places, and return visit voucher. During Sensory Friendly Sundays, our exhibits will be modified to provide an opportunity for people on the autism spectrum and with a range of differing abilities to experience all The Franklin Institute has to offer. Event Hours: 8:00am-12:00pm. NEXT FOR AUTISM™ and GSK Science in the Summer™ are proud to underwrite the price of admission for up to 6 guests per group at Sensory Friendly Sunday. Free admission will be available from 8:00-9:30 am on a first-come, first-serve basis. We highly suggest that guests pre-register. ACCESS Cardholders receive a discounted admission of $2.00 per person, up to 4 people per group.

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Fulton Theatre (Lancaster, PA)-Parents of young people with a sensory need can be reluctant to attend live theatre.  Dedicated to inclusion, Fulton Theatre invites families with a child with a sensory need or other social, cognitive and physical challenges to participate in our Sensory Friendly Program at any Family Saturday Morning Series.  We provide supports and resources for young people with a special need at all of our Family Series Productions. 

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KidZooU at the Philadelphia Zoo: KidZooU is completely wheelchair accessible. Be sure to check out the ramped pathway where children can get nose-to-nose and eye-to-eye with a variety of goats. Children can also view the monkeys traveling high up in the Treetop Trails through a 18-foot tall giant spotting scope! A dedicated quiet space is located near the entrance of KidZooU behind the outdoor restrooms. This quiet space has gate access and is a naturalistic area with park benches. There is a KidZooUPix symbol on the gate entrance identifying it as a quiet space. Philadelphia Zoo has identified quiet areas throughout the Zoo. Click here to download the Zoo’s Quiet Spaces Map.

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Lincoln Field (Philadelphia Eagles): In collaboration with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, a long partner of the Eagles in autism-related endeavors, and KultureCity, a nonprofit dedicated to changing the world to benefit those with sensory needs, the Linc becomes one of the first sports stadiums to build a sensory-inclusive certified room within the venue.

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People’s Light & Theatre Company (Malvern, PA)-We aim to make our campus and programming accessible and enjoyable to everyone through a range of accommodations and resources.

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