At STAR Institute, our mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of sensory health to support individuals and families navigating sensory differences.  
 
Neurodiversity—a term celebrating the natural diversity in human neural processing—encompasses a wide range of cognitive, sensory, and emotional differences. Much like biodiversity, neurodiversity reflects the diverse ways our nervous systems and brains experience and process the world. By examining neurodiversity through a sensory lens, we aim to highlight the central role of sensory health in shaping the experiences and well-being of neurodivergent individuals. 

Neurodivergent (Also, neurodistinct, neurounique, neurominority, neuro-oppressed, neuroatypical.)
A way of processing/experiencing life that is outside the majority. Neurodivergent diagnoses include ADHD, anxiety, autism, depression, dyscalculia, dyslexia, dyspraxia, FAS, gifted, learning differences, OCD, SPD, Tourette's, twice exceptional. 

Antonyms: neuromajority, neurotypical 

What Does a Sensory Lens Mean? 

Viewing neurodiversity through a sensory lens involves understanding how individuals perceive and process sensory information—sights, sounds, tastes, textures, moving and being moved—in ways that differ from the majority. It also encompasses how individuals respond intentionally and adaptively to sensory input. Sensory processing refers to the brain-body's ability to interpret and react to sensory stimuli, a process that varies significantly among individuals. For many neurodivergent people, sensory experiences may be amplified, muted, or processed uniquely, profoundly influencing their daily lives, preferences, and challenges. Additionally, they may experience differences in responding to sensations, affecting development of posture, motor skills, and motor planning.

The Spectrum of Sensory Experiences 

Neurodivergent individuals often experience unique sensory modulation, which can manifest as heightened sensitivity (where sounds, sights, and other sensations feel overwhelmingly intense) or reduced sensitivity (where the world is experienced as muted). Some individuals may have a mixed profile, with heightened sensitivity in some sensory systems and reduced sensitivity in others, and their responses can be multi-faceted and fluid. Behavioral responses to these sensory differences vary widely, with some individuals seeking out strong sensations to feel grounded and others avoiding sensation to manage overload, and sensory processing can fluctuate based on factors like stress, fatigue, or environmental changes. The development of posture relies heavily on sensory integration, particularly through the vestibular and proprioceptive systems, which help maintain upright positions and coordinate movements. Effective motor planning, or praxis, is also dependent on the integration of tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems, enabling the planning and execution of purposeful movements such as reaching, grasping, and navigating through the environment. 

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Sensory Differences and Daily Life 

At STAR, we witness firsthand how differences in sensory integration and processing can profoundly impact daily life. Sensory challenges can affect everyday activities, from getting dressed to navigating social situations. For example, someone with heightened sensitivity might find the sound of a crowded café overwhelming, making it difficult to enjoy a meal with friends. Conversely, an individual with lower sensitivity may seek out intense sensations, like loud music or strong flavors, to feel more engaged with their environment. 

Sensory differences also influence how individuals interact with their surroundings. A child may struggle to focus in a classroom filled with various stimuli, such as the ticking of a clock or the buzzing of an air conditioner, as these sounds compete for their attention. Alternatively, they might avoid activities that involve certain textures or sensations, leading to challenges in social participation. Ultimately, understanding and addressing these sensory processing differences is crucial for inclusion.  

Embracing Sensory Inclusivity 

Recognizing sensory differences as a fundamental aspect of the human condition aligns with STAR’s commitment to sensory health. Here’s how we can foster inclusion: 

Designing Inclusive Spaces:  

• Creating low-sensory environments—with adjustable lighting, quiet zones, and noise-canceling options—can reduce stress and improve accessibility. 
• Providing standing tables and seating that can be adapted/adjusted to support different shapes and sizes of body and different postural needs.  
• Offering movement, supporting the use of headphones for people who need loud music, letting students/employees chew gum etc. 

Promoting Awareness: Educating families, educators, and employers about sensory processing differences fosters empathy and understanding. Simple accommodations can make a significant difference. 

Valuing Sensory Needs & Preferences: Honoring individual sensory needs as valid and important empowers not just neurodivergent individuals but all of us. We all thrive when we can support our bodies sensory needs, this benefits our energy expenditure, ability to selectively pay attention, social interactions and so much more. 

A Call for Sensory Acceptance 

At STAR, we believe that viewing neurodiversity through a sensory lens deepens our appreciation for the rich tapestry of human experience. Too often, sensory differences are framed through a deficit-based perspective—seen as "disruptive" or "abnormal" rather than as natural variations in how people engage with the world. This viewpoint reinforces harmful ideas that “normal” equals “good,” that conformity is more important than comfort and functioning, and that sensory experiences should be suppressed rather than understood.

Instead, we advocate for an affirming approach—one that recognizes and values the diverse ways individuals process and respond to sensory input. Sensory acceptance is about shifting from "fixing" differences to supporting them, from pathologizing to appreciating, and from exclusion to inclusion. By fostering sensory acceptance, we create spaces that honor individual needs, empower self-expression, and celebrate the diversity that makes our world vibrant and full of possibility.

When we focus on sensory health and promote sensory acceptance, everyone benefits.