Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory Over-Responsivity (SOR): Signs, Causes, and How to Help Kids and Adults Cope

Authored by: The DrSensory Editorial Team

Reviewed by: 🛡️ DrSensory Clinical Review Board

Last updated: June 2025

All medical content on this page has been reviewed and approved by licensed Doctors on the DrSensory Clinical Review Board. Our reviewers follow strict editorial standards and ensure alignment with current APTA guidelines, evidence-based practice, and orthopedic rehabilitation protocols.

What Is Sensory Over-Responsivity (SOR)?
Signs and Symptoms of SOR
What Causes SOR ?

14 min read

How Sensory Over-Responsivity Affects Daily Life
How Is Sensory Over-Responsivity Diagnosed?
Treatment and Therapy for Sensory Over-Responsivity
At-Home Support and Sensory Strategies
Is sensory over-responsivity the same as sensory sensitivity?
Can sensory over-responsivity be mistaken for ADHD or autism?
Do kids grow out of sensory over-responsivity?
What triggers sensory over-responsivity?
Can adults have sensory over-responsivity?

What Is Sensory Over-Responsivity (SOR)?

Sensory Over-Responsivity (SOR) is a subtype of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and specifically falls under Sensory Modulation Disorder. People with SOR respond to sensory input with intensity, anxiety, or avoidance, even when the stimuli are harmless or mild.

Common triggers include:

Loud or unexpected noises
Clothing textures or tags
Bright lights
Certain food textures
Light touch or unexpected contact

Children or adults with SOR may appear anxious, hyperreactive, or overwhelmed in typical daily situations. These reactions are neurological—not behavioral—and result from how the brain interprets sensory input.

Signs and Symptoms of Sensory Over-Responsivity

Signs of SOR vary by individual and sensory system affected, but common symptoms include:

Auditory Sensitivity: Covers ears at common sounds, avoids noisy environments
Tactile Sensitivity: Hates clothing seams, hair brushing, or messy textures
Visual Sensitivity: Dislikes bright lights or fast-moving visuals
Oral Sensitivity: Gags at certain textures or resists new foods
Emotional Reactions: Meltdowns, tantrums, or panic in overstimulating situations
Avoidance Behaviors: Avoids playgrounds, crowds, or physical contact

SOR is often mistaken for anxiety, ADHD, or behavioral issues—making accurate identification and support essential.

What Causes Sensory Over-Responsivity?

SOR is believed to stem from neurological differences in how the brain processes sensory information. Rather than filtering input efficiently, the brain may misinterpret benign stimuli as threatening or overwhelming.

Possible contributing factors include:

Genetics or family history of sensory processing issues
Premature birth or birth complications
Prenatal stress or environmental exposure
Co-occurring conditions such as autism, ADHD, or anxiety
Sensory deprivation or trauma during early development

SOR is not caused by parenting or personality—it’s a neurodevelopmental condition recognized by occupational therapists and neuroscience researchers.

How Sensory Over-Responsivity Affects Daily Life

SOR can have a major impact on a person’s ability to function, learn, and socialize. For children, common challenges include:

Trouble focusing in noisy classrooms
Emotional outbursts from clothing discomfort or surprise touch
Avoidance of social play or group settings
Difficulty with grooming or dressing routines

In adults, SOR may manifest as:

Fatigue from sensory overload
Irritability in busy environments
Avoidance of bright lights, loud workplaces, or crowded areas

These reactions are real, exhausting, and deeply affect quality of life.

How Is Sensory Over-Responsivity Diagnosed?

SOR is diagnosed through a comprehensive sensory evaluation by an occupational therapist (OT). This includes:

Developmental history and parent interviews
Standardized questionnaires (e.g., Sensory Profile 2, SPM)
Direct observation of behavior and reactions to stimuli
Rule-out of other conditions (e.g., hearing loss, anxiety disorders)

While SOR is not a formal diagnosis in the DSM-5, it is widely recognized in occupational therapy and supported by clinical research.

Treatment and Therapy for Sensory Over-Responsivity

Occupational Therapy using Sensory Integration techniques is the most effective approach to treating SOR. Treatment goals include:

Helping the brain adapt to sensory input more efficiently
Increasing tolerance for specific triggers
Reducing emotional reactivity and anxiety

Therapies may involve:

Gradual exposure to sensory stimuli in a safe environment
Play-based sensory integration activities
Deep pressure therapy (e.g., weighted blankets, compression clothing)
Parent coaching and home sensory strategies

Therapy is personalized and often delivered 1–2 times per week, with measurable goals and home reinforcement.

At-Home Support and Sensory Strategies

Caregivers can support children with SOR at home through a custom sensory diet and calming routines. Examples include:

Weighted blankets or vests
Noise-canceling headphones in noisy settings
Fidget tools or chewable jewelry
Slow, rhythmic activities (e.g., swinging, rocking, yoga)
Predictable routines and sensory-friendly spaces

Consistency and collaboration with a therapist are key to helping kids self-regulate and feel safe.

Is sensory over-responsivity the same as sensory sensitivity?

Yes—Sensory Over-Responsivity (SOR) is the clinical term for what many parents describe as “sensory sensitivity.” It means the nervous system responds too strongly or negatively to sensory input like sound, touch, or movement. It’s a recognized subtype of Sensory Processing Disorder.

Can sensory over-responsivity be mistaken for ADHD or autism?

Absolutely. Children with SOR may appear fidgety, avoidant, or emotionally reactive—behaviors often seen in ADHD or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, these reactions are rooted in sensory overload, not necessarily attention or social deficits. A proper evaluation is essential.

Do kids grow out of sensory over-responsivity?

Some children show improvement as their nervous system matures, especially with early intervention and therapy. However, without support, symptoms can persist into adolescence or adulthood. Ongoing sensory strategies and therapy often help individuals manage their environment better.

What triggers sensory over-responsivity?

Common triggers include:

Loud sounds (sirens, vacuum cleaners)
Tags or seams in clothing
Brushing teeth or cutting nails
Crowded, bright environments
Sudden touch or changes in routine

Each person’s triggers are different, and identifying them is key to creating a sensory-friendly routine.

Can adults have sensory over-responsivity?

Yes. Adults with SOR may struggle with bright lights, certain fabrics, background noise, or crowded spaces. Many were not diagnosed as children but learn later in life that their discomforts are related to sensory processing differences. Occupational therapy and sensory-friendly habits can help.

This page provides general educational content and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a licensed provider for diagnosis and treatment.

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