Visiting New Places When You Have Sensory Discrimination and Motor Difficulties

Girl standing on train, holding onto a rail

Exploring new places can be exciting, but for individuals with sensory discrimination challenges or motor difficulties, it can also be overwhelming and exhausting. What many people consider a simple day out i.e. visiting a café, trying a new sports club, going on holiday, or navigating a busy city, can involve a series of hidden demands on the brain and body.

These experiences don’t have to be avoided; they just need to be understood and supported. In this blog, I explain why new environments can be particularly challenging, how sensory discrimination and motor difficulties influence participation, and what strategies can help make these experiences more manageable and enjoyable.

Understanding Sensory Discrimination Difficulties in New Places

Sensory discrimination is the brain’s ability to interpret sensations accurately such as identifying where sound is coming from, judging distance, recognising textures, or understanding movement.

In a familiar environment, much of this happens automatically. But in a new environment, the brain has to work harder to interpret unfamiliar sensory information.

This might look like:

• Struggling to identify where sounds are coming from in a busy train station

• Having difficulty navigating a new building because the layout feels confusing

• Feeling unsure about how to move safely on uneven pavements or stairs

• Having difficulty problem solving, i.e. using a ticket machine or using unfamiliar switches

When sensory discrimination is already challenging, these unfamiliar sensory demands can quickly become overwhelming.

How Motor Difficulties Add Another Layer

Motor skills rely heavily on sensory information. When sensory discrimination is affected, motor planning and coordination often become harder too.

Visiting a new place, including train stations, airports, malls and hotels may involve:

• Judging how wide a doorway is

• Navigating crowds or tight spaces

• Walking on different surfaces (slippery floors, gravel, sand, cobblestones)

• Using unfamiliar equipment or seating

• Managing stairs, lifts, or escalators

• Operating switches

Motor difficulties can make these tasks that many people don’t even think about, effortful and mentally draining, especially when paired with the unpredictability of a new environment.

Hidden Challenges Others May Not See

For those with sensory discrimination and motor difficulties, visiting new environments can trigger:

1. Cognitive Overload

Trying to interpret new sensory cues while staying coordinated takes enormous effort.

2. Increased Anxiety

Not knowing what to expect can heighten stress, especially when past experiences in unfamiliar environments have been difficult.

3. Fatigue

High cognitive demand leads to faster burnout. A short trip out may require hours of recovery afterward.

4. Avoidance Behaviours

Avoiding new places is often a coping strategy—not a lack of interest or motivation.

These challenges are valid and deserve understanding, not judgment.

Strategies to Make Visiting New Places Easier

With preparation and support, exploring new places can become more manageable and even enjoyable.

1. Gather Information in Advance

• Look at photos or virtual tours

• Explore floor plans or maps

• Watch videos of the location, if available

• Call ahead to ask about accessibility

This reduces the sensory “unknowns.”

2. Build Predictability

• Create a visual or written plan of the visit

• Identify quiet spaces or rest areas

• Discuss what will happen step-by-step

• Bring familiar comfort items

Predictability reduces cognitive load.

3. Allow Extra Time

Rushing increases sensory stress and motor coordination challenges. More time means:

• Moving safely

• Taking breaks

• Adjusting to new surroundings gradually

4. Start Small, Then Build Up

Visiting less busy or smaller environments first helps build confidence.

Gradual exposure supports sensory learning and reduces anxiety.

5. Celebrate Little Wins

Even short visits or attempts should be recognised as successes. Progress in new environments is often slow but meaningful.

For Parents and Caregivers

Children with sensory discrimination and motor difficulties may need additional support, such as:

• Pre-visit social stories

• Practising similar motor tasks at home

• Familiarising themselves with expected sounds or visuals

• Extra downtime after outings

Final Thoughts

Visiting new places can feel like a mountain to climb when sensory discrimination and motor difficulties are involved. But with the right strategies, environments can become more predictable, movement can feel safer, and the experience can shift from overwhelming to empowering.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to explore the world comfortably and confidently.

By increasing awareness and making small but meaningful adjustments we can make every space more inclusive for those who process the world differently.