Why Knowing Your Sensory Profile Changes Everything!
My son was home from college last month, regaling me with stories from a trip to the snow with his friends. Apparently, the thermostat was the primary source of drama. His friends wanted the cabin to be a sauna, and he did not. At one point, he laughed and referred to himself as a "sensory princess."
At first I thought it was self deprecating, but he said that it was actually quite the opposite.
“I know myself mom. It's actually a good thing”. Once I thought about it. I agreed.
In my work, I spend a lot of time talking to clients about the direct line between our sensory systems and our nervous systems. Most of us are well aware of the things that grate on us like the "nails on a chalkboard" moments, or those classic pet peeves like soup-slurping or pen-clicking. These aren’t just annoyances. They are sensory inputs that our brain flags as "threats" or irritants.
We all have a sensory profile. It’s a unique internal blueprint that dictates how we process the world around us. This concept, popularized by researchers like Dr. Winnie Dunn, suggests that we fall into different quadrants based on our neurological thresholds:
Sensory Seekers: People who need more input (loud music, spicy food, bright lights) to feel regulated.
Sensory Avoiders: People who are easily overwhelmed by input and need quiet, dim spaces to feel safe.
Sensory Sensitives: People who notice every little detail (like my son and the heater) and can become "activated" quickly by physical discomfort.
While being a "sensory princess" might sound high-maintenance, it’s actually a superpower. It means my son has a high level of interoception. That’s the ability to sense what is happening inside his body. He knows his profile, he knows when he’s being activated, and he knows how to advocate for his own comfort. Even though he’s one "tough cookie," he recognizes that white-knuckling through sensory discomfort just leads to a frayed nervous system and that can cause irritability and discomfort.
This awareness is a game-changer for everyone, but especially for parents.
As I work with clients to explore their child’s sensory needs, we inevitably start looking at the parents' profiles, too. When a parent realizes that their "low patience" in the evening is actually sensory overload from a day of loud noises and sticky hands, the shame melts away.
By identifying what activates you and what soothes you (whether it’s a weighted blanket, noise-canceling headphones, or a specific scent), you develop the self-regulation skills necessary to model that same calm for your kids. A regulated parent is the best tool for a regulated household.
What’s Your Profile?
To start finding more ease in your daily life, take a moment to check in with your own "inner princess":
The "Ick" Factor
What is one subtle sound, texture, or temperature that immediately makes your shoulders tighten?
The "Ahhh" Factor
What is one sensory experience (a specific fabric, a type of lighting, a certain scent) that feels like a deep exhale for your brain?
The Threshold
When you feel "irritable" or "stressed," is it possible you are actually just sensory-saturated?
So, go ahead and embrace your inner sensory princess. Understanding your needs isn't about being "difficult" . It's about giving your nervous system the peace it deserves.
