Sensory Processing Disorder
Authored by: The DrSensory Editorial Team
Reviewed by: 🛡️ DrSensory Clinical Review Board
Last updated: June 2026
Key Takeaways
- Sensory under-responsivity (SUR) is a subtype of Sensory Modulation Disorder under Sensory Processing Disorder, in which a person responds less intensely or more slowly to sensory input and may need stronger, more frequent stimulation to register it.
- SUR can affect any of the senses—touch, sound, sight, smell, taste, movement, and proprioception (body awareness)—and may cause a person to under-react to pain, emotions, or stimuli around them.
- Children with SUR may seem passive, slow, lazy, or unmotivated, but the root issue is neurological, not behavioral.
- SUR is typically diagnosed by a licensed occupational therapist using questionnaires, clinical observation, and standardized testing, with other conditions like hearing issues ruled out first.
- Occupational therapy using Sensory Integration techniques is the most effective treatment, aiming to increase the nervous system's responsiveness, improve body awareness and coordination, and help the person stay alert and focused.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of sensory under-responsivity in a child?
Common signs include delayed responses to their name or sounds, little reaction to pain, heat, or cold, clumsiness or poor body awareness, low energy or trouble getting going, and not noticing things like a messy face, dirty hands, or wet clothes. Some children also seek constant motion such as spinning or jumping but never seem satisfied by it.
Is my child lazy, or could it be sensory under-responsivity?
Children with SUR often seem passive, slow, or unmotivated and may be labeled lazy or inattentive, but the underlying cause is neurological rather than behavioral. They may actually need more sensory input to focus, which is why a proper evaluation matters.
What causes sensory under-responsivity?
SUR is thought to come from neurological differences in how the brain processes and integrates sensory input, so the brain may not register signals clearly or quickly. Risk factors can include genetics or family history of SPD, autism, or ADHD, premature birth or low birth weight, neurological immaturity, early environmental deprivation, and prenatal exposure to stress, alcohol, or toxins.
How is sensory under-responsivity diagnosed?
Diagnosis is typically made by a licensed occupational therapist with expertise in sensory integration, using parent and teacher questionnaires, clinical observations of sensory response patterns, and standardized testing when needed. Other conditions, such as hearing issues or developmental delays, are also ruled out, and an individualized sensory profile is created to guide treatment.
Can sensory under-responsivity occur with autism or ADHD?
Yes. SUR may occur on its own or alongside conditions like autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, or ADHD.
