What is sensory processing, and how can we better understand the way children respond to their environment?

In this episode of Between Two Psychs, I’m joined by Sadie Charlton, a sensory occupational therapist, to explore sensory processing, regulation and the role predictability plays in how children experience and respond to the world around them.

We talk about what occupational therapy actually involves and why sensory processing isn’t something that only affects neurodivergent children. Sadie explains how we all have sensory needs and how everyday choices, from turning down the radio while driving to changing into comfortable clothes after work, can be understood through a sensory lens.

The conversation then looks at the difference between sensory processing and sensory integration, and why traditional ideas around sensory seeking and sensory avoiding may not tell the whole story. We explore how predictive processing adds another layer by helping us understand anticipation, uncertainty and how much control someone feels they have over their environment.

Sadie also shares practical examples from working with schools, including how predictability, routine and giving children reliable ways to regulate can support participation and engagement. We discuss sensory checklists, behaviour as communication, hypervigilance and why creating supportive environments can sometimes be more useful than trying to “fix” the child.

In This Episode, We Explore

• What sensory processing actually means
• Why sensory needs affect everyone, not just neurodivergent children
• Sensory processing vs sensory integration
• Sensory seeking, sensory avoiding and sensory thresholds
• How predictive processing changes the way we understand sensory needs
• The relationship between uncertainty, anticipation and regulation
• Why behaviour can be a form of communication
• Predictability and participation in school
• Supporting children without making them feel different from their peers
• Practical approaches schools can use to create more predictable environments

🎧Listen now for a practical and thought-provoking conversation about sensory processing, predictability, regulation and creating environments where children can feel more supported and ready to participate.

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Connect with Me (Dr Adam McCartney)Instagram: @‌dradammcartney
Website: dradammccartney.com
YouTube: @‌Dr.AdamMcCartney

Connect with Sadie Charlton
Linkdein: www.linkedin.com/in/sadie-charlton-99400a382/
Website: www.sensorypie.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/scharlton_nspcc