Sensory Processing Isn’t Just About Sensory Sensitivities—It’s About Sensory Joy, Too
Bridgette Hamstead
When people talk about sensory processing differences, the conversation often focuses on challenges—sensory overload, sensitivities, and discomfort. While it is absolutely true that many autistic and other neurodivergent individuals experience distress from overwhelming sensory environments, the other side of sensory processing is just as important to acknowledge. Sensory joy—the deep, fulfilling, and often profound pleasure that comes from engaging with the world through heightened sensory experiences—is just as real as sensory sensitivities. Unfortunately, it is rarely talked about in the same way.
Sensory joy is the intense pleasure that comes from engaging with sensory input in ways that feel good, safe, and stimulating. For some, it is the feel of a favorite fabric against their skin, the soothing repetition of a particular sound, or the deep pressure of a weighted blanket. For others, it is the way certain foods taste or the way different colors and light interact in a visually stimulating environment. Many neurodivergent individuals experience sensory processing in a way that makes the world feel incredibly rich, full of textures, sounds, and patterns that others might overlook. Sensory joy is about connection—not just to the external world, but to oneself, one’s body, and one’s emotions.
One of the most beautiful aspects of sensory joy is the ability to deeply connect with and be present in a moment. Neurodivergent individuals often describe experiencing extreme pleasure from things that neurotypical people might find mundane or ordinary. The way water feels running over hands, the way a certain type of fabric glides between fingers, or the way wind moves through trees can be a source of grounding and delight. These moments of connection can be a form of regulation, a way to experience calm and stability in an otherwise overwhelming world. They can also be moments of euphoria, where joy is heightened to a level that is deeply moving.
Music is one of the most universal examples of sensory joy. Many neurodivergent individuals have deep emotional and sensory connections to music, experiencing physical and emotional reactions to particular rhythms, tones, or frequencies. Some find joy in listening to the same song on repeat, completely immersed in the sound, feeling it as much as hearing it. Others experience music as a full-body sensation, where the vibrations and movement create a feeling of intense satisfaction and comfort. The way music interacts with the brain’s sensory processing systems can make it a powerful tool for self-regulation, focus, and emotional connection.
Movement is another common source of sensory joy. Many autistic individuals engage in stimming behaviors that provide deeply pleasurable sensory feedback. Rocking, spinning, pacing, or engaging in repetitive hand motions can create a sense of comfort, safety, and enjoyment. While stimming is often framed as something to be minimized or controlled, it is actually an essential and natural part of sensory regulation. For those who experience sensory joy through movement, activities like swimming, dancing, or even feeling the motion of a swing can bring an incredible sense of connection and peace. The body and mind align in these moments, creating a sensation of wholeness that is often difficult to describe.
Nature is another profound source of sensory joy. Many neurodivergent individuals feel a strong connection to natural environments, finding deep pleasure in the sensory experiences that nature provides. The feeling of sunlight on the skin, the sound of leaves rustling, the repetitive pattern of ocean waves—these experiences can create a sense of grounding and connection that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. Many neurodivergent individuals find that being in nature helps regulate sensory overwhelm, providing a space where sensory input is organic, predictable, and soothing rather than chaotic and overstimulating. The textures, sounds, and movement found in nature provide a natural form of sensory nourishment, offering both stimulation and calm in equal measure.
The experience of sensory joy also extends to food. While sensory sensitivities can make eating difficult for many neurodivergent individuals, those who experience sensory joy through taste often describe certain flavors, textures, and combinations as being intensely pleasurable. The smoothness of a favorite dessert, the crunch of fresh vegetables, or the fizzy sensation of carbonation can be incredibly stimulating and satisfying. Some neurodivergent individuals seek out particular foods not just for their taste, but for the sensory experience they provide, enjoying the predictability and comfort of specific textures and flavors.
Sensory joy is deeply personal, and what brings joy to one neurodivergent person might be overwhelming to another. This is why understanding individual sensory needs is so important. The narrative around sensory processing often frames neurodivergent sensory experiences as something to be “managed” or “tolerated,” as if the goal is simply to minimize distress. But the truth is, embracing sensory joy is just as important as addressing sensory sensitivities. When neurodivergent individuals are allowed to engage with the sensory experiences that bring them joy—without shame, suppression, or judgment—it enhances emotional well-being, self-regulation, and overall happiness.
The suppression of sensory joy often begins in childhood. Many autistic children naturally engage in sensory-seeking behaviors, such as spinning, hand-flapping, humming, or rubbing soft objects against their skin. But because these behaviors do not fit within neurotypical social norms, they are frequently discouraged. Children are told to sit still, stop making noises, or “act appropriately,” which often means masking their natural responses to sensory input. As a result, many neurodivergent individuals grow up feeling disconnected from their sensory needs, having learned to suppress or hide what makes them feel good.
Reclaiming sensory joy in adulthood can be a deeply healing process. It requires unlearning years of conditioning that framed certain sensory experiences as “weird” or “inappropriate” and instead recognizing them as valuable and necessary. This might look like rediscovering a love for a specific type of fabric, allowing oneself to stim freely without fear of judgment, or prioritizing time in nature to fully engage with sensory experiences. It might mean filling one’s space with pleasing colors, scents, and textures or listening to the same song on repeat without guilt.
For neurodivergent individuals, sensory joy is not a small thing—it is a fundamental part of how they experience the world. It is not just about pleasure, but about self-regulation, connection, and identity. Recognizing and honoring sensory joy allows for a more complete understanding of neurodivergence, one that is not just defined by difficulties but by richness, beauty, and unique ways of engaging with the world.
The conversation about sensory processing must shift from one that focuses solely on challenges to one that also embraces the positives. Sensory joy is real, and it deserves recognition. It is time to celebrate the way neurodivergent individuals experience the world—not just through the lens of struggle, but through the vibrant, meaningful, and deeply satisfying experiences that sensory joy provides.