Making Sense of Sensory – Week 4: Understanding Visual Sensitivities 👁️

Light, colour, movement, pattern, the visual world is constantly changing. For many neurodivergent individuals, these changes can feel overwhelming or go unnoticed entirely.

Some people may experience visual hypersensitivity, where bright lights, strong patterns, or cluttered environments feel harsh or distressing.

Others may experience visual under-sensitivity, where more intense or exaggerated visuals are needed for their brain to register what's happening around them.

These experiences are part of visual sensory processing, how the brain interprets and responds to what we see, not how the eyes work.

Understanding both ends of this visual spectrum helps us create more inclusive, sensory-friendly spaces.

Sight Over-Sensitive (Sensory Avoidant) 🔴

Someone who is over-sensitive to visual input may find certain environments stressful, chaotic, or even physically uncomfortable.

They might:

• Avoid bright lights, sunlight, or fluorescent bulbs.

• Feel anxious in visually busy places like shops or classrooms.

• Cover their eyes or squint frequently.

• Complaints of headaches or visual fatigue.

• Prefer dim lighting or reduced visual input.

  
  

How to support a visual avoider:

• Use natural or soft lighting where possible.

• Offer sunglasses, hats, or visors indoors if it helps.

• Reduce clutter in key areas like desks, bedrooms, or hallways.

• Allow breaks from screens or intense visual activity.

• Use calm, neutral colours and soft patterns in shared spaces.

  
  

Sight Under-Sensitive (Sensory Seeker) 🔵

Someone who is under-sensitive to sight may crave bright, bold, or moving visuals to feel engaged or connected to their environment.

They might:

• Stare at spinning objects, lights, or high-contrast visuals.

• Be drawn to flashing lights or patterns.

• Miss visual cues like facial expressions or gestures

• Struggle to notice objects unless they’re brightly coloured.

• Seek out screens or fast-moving images.

  
  

How to support a visual seeker:

• Use high-contrast visuals and bold colours for learning.

• Add visual supports like picture schedules or symbols.

• Keep important objects in consistent, visible places.

• Offer light-up toys or sensory tools (if safe and appropriate)

• Highlight key information using colour coding or visual cues.

  
  

Why It Matters 💬

Visual processing isn’t just about sight; it affects emotional regulation, focus, learning, and independence. When someone is over- or under-stimulated visually, it can impact their comfort, behaviour, and confidence.

For children, visual sensitivity might look like “distraction” or “disengagement,” but it could be a sign they’re overstimulated or not getting enough input to stay connected.

By adapting the visual environment and responding to individual needs, we create calmer homes, more accessible classrooms, and more inclusive communities.

Remember: Everyone’s sensory experience is different. What works for one person might not work for another, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to fix, but to understand. 💡

Next week, we’ll explore the sense of taste and how food can be both comforting and challenging for neurodivergent individuals. 👄