Possible contributors: sensory processing differences, migraine, hyperacusis, misophonia or trauma reminders. Hearing problems may need separate assessment.

One support: lower one source of noise, move away or ask for quieter communication. Persistent sound pain deserves hearing assessment.

Possible contributors: sensory differences, migraine, eye conditions or visual-processing difficulties.

One support: reduce glare or visual clutter and choose tolerable lighting. New eye pain or vision changes need assessment.

Possible contributors: sensory differences, skin irritation, neuropathic pain, migraine or trauma-related distress.

One support: choose tolerable fabrics and ask before touch. Painful touch should not automatically be treated as a preference to overcome.

Possible contributors: sensory differences, migraine, rhinitis, nausea or oral problems. Irritant reactions, allergy and food intolerance need their own assessment.

One support: choose tolerated products and foods. Breathing symptoms, swelling or nutritional restriction need appropriate care.

Possible contributors: vestibular problems, migraine, coordination differences, joint instability or autonomic symptoms on standing.

One support: use a supported position and move at a tolerable pace. Recurrent dizziness or falls deserve assessment.

Possible contributors: sensory seeking, differences in internal awareness, attention demands or medication effects. New loss of sensation may have a medical cause.

One support: try a chosen, comfortable sensation or a gentle reminder for meals, fluids or the toilet. Avoid extreme heat, pressure or movement.

NIH foundation: consider environmental exposures and relevant allergens.

Try: reduce clutter, glare or a troublesome scent.

Make it fit: use tolerated products. Manage diagnosed allergy or asthma according to your plan; ventilation depends on outdoor air quality and triggers.

May also help: migraine, respiratory comfort or irritant-triggered symptoms. Sensory sensitivity is not the same as allergy.

Try: quieter times, distance from noise or suitable hearing protection when needed.

Make it fit: protect against hazardous noise. Persistent sound intolerance or pain needs individual audiology/ENT advice; avoid forcing exposure or assuming all-day protection suits everyone.

May also help: overload and migraine-related sound sensitivity. Keep alarms and other safety signals accessible.

NIH foundation: support sleep in a comfortable setting.

Try: plan a recovery pause after a demanding activity.

Make it fit: quiet, light levels and company are personal choices. With PEM, account for sensory and mental effort as well as physical effort.

May also help: pain, mood and anxiety coping.

Try: a familiar texture, gentle rocking or another comfortable activity you choose.

Make it fit: avoid movements that strain unstable joints or worsen dizziness. Pressure is optional; any item should allow free breathing and be easy to remove.

May also help: comfort and participation. No single sensory tool works for everyone.

NIH foundation: make nourishment and fluids accessible.

Try: tolerated textures, familiar meals or gentle reminders.

Make it fit: pain, swallowing difficulty or very limited intake deserves care. A dietitian can help without forcing unfamiliar foods.

May also help: energy and daily living; food intolerance or digestive symptoms may need separate advice.

NIH foundation: prioritise demands and draw on support.

Try: a short plan, warning before noise or a clear way to leave a busy space.

Make it fit: use one step at a time and your preferred communication. Receiving help counts as self-care.

May also help: anxiety, mood and planning demands.

Sensory differences can occur with neurodevelopmental conditions and also without them. Assessment considers the broader history and daily impact.

Migraine can make light, sound or smells harder to tolerate. Environmental adjustments can accompany migraine treatment.

Hyperacusis involves reduced tolerance of everyday sounds. Misophonia involves strong responses to particular sounds. Tinnitus is hearing a sound without an external source. They can overlap but are not interchangeable.

A troublesome smell may involve sensory sensitivity, migraine or irritation. Allergy, asthma and non-allergic rhinitis can also affect symptoms; smell sensitivity alone does not establish allergy or MCAS.

Vestibular conditions, migraine, autonomic symptoms and coordination differences may affect movement. These are reasons to assess the pattern rather than assume a sensory cause.

Too much input or demand may make thinking, speaking or participating difficult. Responses vary. Sudden unresponsiveness or confusion should not automatically be labelled shutdown.