Dunn's Model of

Sensory Processing

Understanding how individuals process sensory information differently

and how these patterns affect daily life, learning, and behaviour in various environments.

Sense the Classroom Differently

"The  experience  of  being  human  is  embedded  in  the  sensory  events  of  our  every  day  lives." 

Dr. Winnie Dunn
What Is It?

A Framework for Sensory Processing

Dunn’s Model explains why students respond so differently to the same classroom, playground or busy hallway. We all take in information through our senses: what we see, hear, touch, smell, taste, how we move, and how we feel our bodies in space. Some students notice small changes right away, while others may not pick up on them at all.

The model is built on two key ideas: sensory threshold and self regulation.

Sensory threshold:the amount of input it takes for someone to notice what is happening around them.
Self regulation:the way people manage that input, whether they seek out more sensations, avoid them, or fall somewhere in between.

Together, these dimensions create four patterns of sensory processing. These patterns are not about misbehaviour or poor attention. They simply describe natural differences in how students experience and respond to the world.

Passive
Self-Regulation Active
Self-Regulation Hyposensitivity
(High Neurological Threshold) Hypersensitivity
(Low Neurological Threshold)
Low
Registration
Sensation
Seeking
Sensory
Sensitive
Sensation
Avoiding
The Four Patterns

Recognising Student Sensory Needs

Meet Teddy, Penny, Chip, and Bean. Each student represent's a different sensory processing pattern from Dunn's Model. Select a student to learn more about their pattern.

Teddy Sensory Avoiding
Penny Low Registration
Chip Sensory Sensitive
Bean Sensory Seeking
Why Does it Matter

The Importance of
Dunn's Model

Every student experiences the classroom differently. Dunn's Model helps teachers see behaviours not as misbehaviour or inattention, but as natural responses to sensory input. Understanding the four sensory processing patterns makes it easier to support individual needs, reduce stress, and create classrooms that are calmer, kinder, and more inclusive.

Who can benefit from Dunn's Model

  • bullet Teachers and teaching assistants looking for practical strategies
  • bullet School leaders and specialists supporting inclusive classrooms
  • bullet Parents and caregivers who want to understand their child
  • bullet Peers and classmates learning to support and respect differences

Next steps you can take:

  • bullet Explore the interactive experience to see the four patterns in real situations
  • bullet Download classroom resources, tips, and guides
  • bullet Reflect on your own classroom environment and consider small changes that support sensory needs
  • bullet Share what you learn with colleagues, support staff, and parents