October Is Sensory Awareness Month — Here is Why It Matters

Every October, organizations and individuals around the world recognize Sensory Awareness Month — a time to explore how our brains process information from the world around us, and to raise awareness for those whose sensory experiences differ from what we consider “typical.”

For many people, everyday sensations — background music, clothing textures, the buzz of fluorescent lights — fade quietly into the background. But for others, especially autistic and neurodivergent individuals, these same sensations can be overwhelming, unpredictable, or even distressing. Understanding sensory processing isn’t just about awareness — it’s about creating environments that allow every person to feel calm, safe, and regulated.

What Is Sensory Processing?

Sensory processing (also called sensory integration) is the brain’s ability to receive, organize, and respond to information from the senses.

Traditionally, we talk about five senses — sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. But neuroscience recognizes at least eight sensory systems that help us make sense of the world:

1. Visual (sight) – how we perceive light, color, and spatial relationships.

2. Auditory (hearing) – how we process sounds, volume, rhythm, and direction.

3. Olfactory (smell) – how scents affect emotions, memories, and comfort.

4. Gustatory (taste) – how flavors influence enjoyment, safety, and familiarity.

5. Tactile (touch) – how we sense textures, temperature, and pressure.

6. Vestibular (balance) – how our inner ear helps us orient and move.

7. Proprioceptive (body position) – how muscles and joints tell us where our body is in space.

8. Interoceptive (internal signals) – how we perceive hunger, thirst, pain, or the need for rest.

   
   

For most brains, these systems work together seamlessly. But when sensory processing is different, the brain may struggle to filter, prioritize, or integrate sensations.

This can mean that:

• Sounds seem painfully loud or distant.

• Certain textures or clothing feel unbearable.

• Movement feels disorienting, or the body constantly seeks motion for grounding.

• Internal signals like hunger or temperature go unnoticed until they’re extreme.

When the World Feels “Too Much” or “Too Little”

Sensory differences are often described in two main patterns:

Hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness): everyday sensations feel too intense. A humming fridge might sound like a roar; light touch might feel like sandpaper.

Hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness): sensations feel muted, leading to sensory seeking — spinning, jumping, deep pressure, or craving bright lights and sound.

These differences aren’t “good” or “bad.” They are variations in how the brain regulates input — and understanding them helps us build better environments and tools.

Sensory Processing and Autism

Sensory processing differences are extremely common among autistic individuals. Research suggests that over 90% of autistic children experience some form of sensory challenge (Tomchek & Dunn, AJOT, 2007).

These challenges can influence:

• Learning and attention – difficulty focusing when the environment is noisy or visually busy.

• Emotion regulation – sensory overload can lead to meltdowns, shutdowns, or withdrawal.

• Social participation – avoiding environments that feel unpredictable or uncomfortable.

For a child whose nervous system is constantly on alert, finding moments of calm and regulation becomes essential for well-being.

Designing for Sensory Regulation

That’s where thoughtful design — like what we create at Neurocass — plays a role.

Our sensory smart armchairs are built with one purpose: to help regulate emotions through deep pressure, calming lights, and gentle sound.

By integrating gentle pressure, the chair supports the proprioceptive and vestibular systems — two of the most powerful regulators of the body’s sense of safety.

When a child feels secure in their sensory environment, their body can finally relax — allowing space for learning, play, and connection.

Why Sensory Awareness Month Matters

Sensory Awareness Month is not only about autism — it’s about acknowledging diversity in human experience.

• Teachers can learn to recognize sensory distress rather than misbehavior.

• Parents can identify triggers and provide comfort through predictable routines.

• Designers can create environments with acoustics, textures, and lighting that reduce stress instead of adding to it.

  
  

At Neurocass, this month reminds us why we design the way we do — combining science, empathy, and technology to make the world feel more comfortable for those who need it most.

This October, we invite you to learn about the eight sensory systems, share stories of sensory experiences and advocate for spaces that welcome every kind of nervous system.

Because when we design for sensory well-being, we don’t just support neurodivergent children — we make life gentler for everyone.

(References: Tomchek, S.D., & Dunn, W. (2007). Sensory processing in children with and without autism: A comparative study using the Short Sensory Profile. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61(2), 190–200.)