Sensory Overload in Kids: UCSF Study Reveals Brain Activity Patterns

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Brain Scans Reveal Distinct Patterns in Children Overwhelmed by Sensory Input

A new study offers a potential neurological basis for sensory processing disorder, identifying unique brain activity patterns in children highly sensitive to stimuli like sound, touch, and light. The findings,published on November 21,2025,in the Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders,could pave the way for more personalized and effective treatments for children experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges related to sensory sensitivities.

While not yet an officially recognized medical diagnosis, sensory processing disorder impacts how the brain interprets and responds to sensory details.Researchers have long sought objective ways to measure and understand the condition, and this latest work from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) represents a significant step forward.

Did you know?– Sensory processing disorder is estimated to affect 5-12% of children in the U.S.,potentially contributing to emotional instability.

Uncovering the neural Basis of Sensory Over-Responsivity

The UCSF team studied 83 neurodivergent children between the ages of 8 and 12.Roughly half exhibited heightened sensitivity to sensory input, while the other half did not.Using functional MRI – a neuroimaging technique that detects brain activity by measuring changes in blood flow – scientists observed striking differences between the two groups.

For children who were easily overwhelmed, activity in brain networks responsible for “outward” functions, such as motor skills and sensation, was notably lower. Conversely, activity in networks governing “inward” functions, including cognition and impulse control, was considerably higher. This pattern was reversed in children who were less sensitive to sensory stimuli.

“We think that when you are overstimulated by sensory input, you compensate by dialing up your brainS inward-focused networks to gain self-control. You also dial down your outward-focused networks to minimize sensory input,” explained Pratik Mukherjee, MD, phd, a UCSF neuroradiology professor and co-senior author of the study. “The kids who aren’t emotionally overwhelmed by the input – some are even under-responsive to it – do the opposite.”

Pro tip:– Gradual exposure to sensory stimuli is a common treatment, but personalized therapies based on brain patterns may prove more effective.

Implications for Treatment and Understanding Emotional Volatility

These findings offer valuable insight into the neurological mechanisms underlying sensory sensitivities, which are estimated to affect between 5% and 12% of children in the U.S. Experts believe these challenges may contribute significantly to emotional instability observed in school-aged children.

Current treatments for children who are over-responsive typically involve gradual exposure to sensory stimuli to help them build tolerance. Mukherjee suggests that a deeper understanding of individual brain patterns could revolutionize these therapies.”If we know an individual child’s brain patterns and how that maps to emotion and behavior, we may be able to use this to personalize treatments,” he stated.

This research underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing sensory processing challenges,not just for the immediate relief of discomfort,but also for fostering emotional well-being and behavioral stability in children.

Reader question:– How can parents advocate for sensory assessments for thier children? Discuss concerns with pediatricians and school psychologists.

Source: University of california – San Francisco
Journal reference: Choi,H. L., et al. (2025). A neural substrate for sensory over-responsivity defined by exogenous and endogenous brain systems. Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. doi: 10.1186/s11689-025-09656-y. Related