Signs Your Child May Have Sensory Processing Challenges

The Little Explorer

Do you stare at your child and question why everything feels like a battle? You get worried and anxious wondering what is wrong. Your mommy radar senses something, and it raises many questions in your head. If you feel you’re in the same boat and can relate to the same struggle, let me answer your questions regarding what sensory processing disorder is. Jennifer came asking, “Is this how toddlers behave, or is there something I am unaware of?” 

You’re not alone if you suspect your child could be going through something similar. 

Understanding Sensory Issues in Kids  

It’s important to understand that sensory processing disorder is not a one-size-fits-all experience.

The following are some more general indicators of sensory processing disorder. More precisely breaking down those sensory processing pathways will help you understand your child’s development.

1. Over Responsiveness:

What is it? 

Over-responsiveness is sensitivity to sensory data. Strong reactions of the nervous system even for everyday experiences. It’s like having a sensory alarm system that goes off at the slightest trigger. 

Characteristics: Strong emotional or physical reactions can result from even little sensory events. Children may consciously avoid circumstances or objects they know would overwhelm them. Children with SOR may show anxiety, panic, or aggression—a ‘fight or flight’ response, when confronted with sensory overload.

For example, the sound of a hair dryer makes them uncomfortable. They are averse to some fabrics; they can’t wear certain clothes because of their feel. Having a flash-attack in a packed, noisy environment. 

2. Under-Responsiveness

What is it?

Sensory under-responsiveness is the state in which one has less sensitivity to sensory information. The nervous system needs much more sensory data to be able to register events than it ought to. It’s like having a sensory ‘filter’ that blocks out too much information. 

Characteristics: Children may seem unaware of their environment or their own body. They may not pay attention to discomfort or injury. Their reaction to sensory inputs could be delayed.

For instance, not realizing when their face is unclean. Walking into things without seeming to notice. Showing indifference to strong noises.

3. Sensory seeking

What is it?

Sometimes known as sensory craving, it is the continual urge for sensory input. The neurological system needs stimulants. It is like having to cover a sensory void. 

Characteristics: Sensory seekers fidget, climb, leap, or spin. They require constant movement. They may touch everything they come across. They may bite on objects or place items in their mouths.

For instance, always looking for physical play or roughhousing. Spinning in circles until they get lightheaded. Chewing on their clothes or pencils.

4. Sensory Sensitivity 

What is it?

Sensory sensitivity generally leans towards high responsiveness. In a broader context, sensory sensitivity refers to both over- and under-responsiveness. It describes either an enhanced or exceptional sensitivity to sensory input. 

Characteristics: They may have a strong liking for specific food textures or flavors. Tags, seams, or some fabrics may irritate them. They find variations in surroundings or practice taxing. Sensory overload causes emotional dysregulation, that is, anxiety, irritability, or meltdowns.

For example, Only consuming a small range of ‘safe’ foods. Feeling great discomfort wearing socks with seams. Getting somewhat irate when their daily schedule is disturbed. 

Understanding these traits will enable you to identify and assist children with sensory processing difficulties.

Identifying the Early Warning Signs  

Signs of sensory processing disorder in toddlers may be either subtle or more obvious. To help you understand some early signs of SPD,  I am further categorizing them:

Tactile Sensibility 

Over Responsiveness 

Kids may show discomfort from clothes tags, avoid messy play, dislike physical contact, and react severely to tiny injuries. They could also object to walking barefoot or accepting grooming practices. 

Under-Responsiveness 

Children could struggle to identify objects by touch and ignore temperature. They may fail to notice touch or pain, and seem clumsy.

Sensory Seeking 

They will touch objects and people nonstop, hunt out strong textures and pressure, and touch surfaces excessively.

Sensory Sensitivity 

They will be highly disturbed by minute changes in clothes and react strongly emotionally to textures and may have increased awareness of even a mild touch.

Vestibular Seeking 

Over-Responsiveness

This might show up as motion sickness, fear of playground equipment, avoidance of head motions, and height anxiety.

Under-responsiveness 

It can cause poor balance, trouble with movement-based exercises, and a lack of body awareness.

Sensory Seeking 

Constant spinning, desiring quick movement, enjoying being upside-down, and too much rocking are among the sensory-seeking activities.

Sensory Sensitivity 

It results in simple disorientation, discomfort with movement, and increased gravitational sensitivity.

Proprioceptive Seeking (body awareness)

Over-Responsiveness 

This is less common, but it may entail stiff motions and avoidance of muscular effort.

Under-Responsiveness 

Commonly presented as clumsiness, poor coordination, trouble with fine motor skills, poor posture, and trouble determining force, proprioceptive under-responsiveness.

Sensory Seeking 

Deep pressure will be sought by sensory-seeking people, who also enjoy roughhousing, stomping, gnawing, and joint snapping.

Sensory Sensitivity 

Proprioceptive sensory sensitivity can lead to avoidance of physical activity and oversensitivity to muscular strain.

Auditory Sensitivity  

Over-Responsiveness 

From loud noises to frequent ear-covering to trouble focusing in noise to anxiety in crowded environments, auditory over-responsiveness can cause discomfort.

Under-Responsiveness 

It can lead to trouble following verbal directions, seeming not to hear, loud speaking, and missing auditory cues.

Sensory Seeking 

Auditory sensory seekers will love loud media, search out noisy surroundings, and create loud noises.

Sensory Sensitivity 

Strong emotional reactions to sounds, increased awareness of background noise, and discomfort with subdued sounds result from auditory sensory sensitivity.

Jennifer’s Journey into Understanding the World of SPD: Seeking Help and Finding Solutions

She spoke to Liam’s (her son’s) pediatrician when she realized he might have sensory processing difficulties. She looked up sensory processing disorder resources for toddlers and finally hired an occupational therapist (OT). 

The OT was a game changer. She guided her in developing plans to assist Liam and understanding his sensory demands. She recommended sensory diets, which involved offering specific sensory stimulation throughout the day. They also discovered sensory tools such as fidget toys and weighted blankets. 

These are a few of the techniques that were useful for them:

• They reduced clutter and noise at home, to create a sensory-friendly environment. They set aside a peaceful area with blankets and comfortable pillows and included sensory bins with varying textures. 
• Offered him sensory input, which included wall push-ups and heavy job tasks like pulling a weighted cart. They planned activities that included swinging and trampoline jumping to encourage mobility. Also provided weighted vests or close hugs for deep pressure.
• They let him select his clothes and progressively added new textures during playtime to address tactile sensitivities. They also generated tactile input with a gentle brush.
• Establishing routines helped lower anxiety by means of predictable behavior. Visual schedules really came in handy. It was very important to prepare him for transitions.

You’re not alone: Finding Hope and Support  

If you find this article relatable and you feel your child has the same struggles, know that you are not alone. If you’re in the same boat, you need to:

• Speak with your pediatrician; they can recommend experts.
• See an occupational therapist to evaluate your child’s sensory demands. Work with them to create a treatment plan.
• Connect with other parents. Join support groups and internet communities that offer priceless tools and encouragement.
• Educate yourself on the subject. You need to first understand what sensory processing disorder is. Then only you will be able to support your child.

Liam is doing great now. He has developed control over his sensory requirements. They’ve improved their communication skills and set their house up according to his needs. It has been a daunting journey for them but the outcome has been worth the efforts they put in.

Remember, every child is different. If you have questions, follow your instincts and see a specialist. You can be your child’s guide if you are properly equipped. Their sensory world is just waiting to be understood.