Sensory Processing
How the brain receives, organizes, and responds to information from the senses. Some children have difficulty processing sensory input, which can affect their ability to learn and participate in school.
Sensory Processing in context
Sensory Processing comes up across the IEP process — in your IEP document, during meeting prep, and in the federal rights that protect your child. Rules and timelines can also vary by state — find your state's parent training centers and dispute options in our State IEP Guides.
If this term affects your child's annual goals, test whether they are measurable using our free IEP Goal Checker or follow our step-by-step IEP Annual Review Checklist.
Related Terms
Occupational Therapy (OT)
A related service that helps children develop fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care skills, and the ability to participate in classroom activities like writing, cutting, and organizing materials.
Accommodations
Changes in how your child learns or is tested that don't change what they learn. Examples include extra time on tests, preferential seating, audio books, or having instructions read aloud.
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Check the Whole IEP — Free →This glossary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Definitions are simplified for parent-friendly understanding and may not reflect the full legal text. Consult a qualified attorney or advocate for advice about your specific situation.