How do I know if my child has sensory issues?

Symptoms of sensory processing disorder
  • Think clothing feels too scratchy or itchy.
  • Think lights seem too bright.
  • Think sounds seem too loud.
  • Think soft touches feel too hard.
  • Experience food textures make them gag.
  • Have poor balance or seem clumsy.
  • Are afraid to play on the swings.


What does a child with sensory issues look like?

Kids with sensory processing issues behave in ways that look confusing. They might react strongly to loud noises or bright lights, or complain that their clothes are uncomfortable. They may be clumsy or have trouble with fine motor skills like fastening buttons.

What are the 3 patterns of sensory processing disorders?

Subtypes of SPD Explained
  • Summary of Sensory Processing Disorder Subtypes.
  • Pattern 1: Sensory Modulation Disorder.
  • Pattern 2: Sensory-Based Motor Disorder.
  • Pattern 3: Sensory Discrimination Disorder.


Can a child have sensory issues and not be autistic?

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is often confused with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) due to the similarities and connections that exist. While the two have many similarities, SPD is often a comorbid symptom of ASD, but not all children with sensory processing disorder have autism.

What is a sensory meltdown?

A sensory meltdown is a fight, flight or freeze response to sensory overload. It is often mistaken for a tantrum or misbehaviour. The main way to be able to tell the difference between a tantrum and a sensory meltdown is that tantrums have a purpose. They are designed to elicit a certain response or outcome.

Does My Child Have A Sensory Issue?



Are sensory issues part of ADHD?

Can sensory issues be a symptom of ADHD? Sensory issues and sensory processing disorders are prevalent in people with ADHD. Although scientists are still researching the exact correlation, research has shown that kids and adults with ADHD are more likely than neurotypical people to experience sensory overload.

How do I get my child tested for sensory processing disorder?

He or she may refer you to an occupational therapist. These professionals can assess your child for SPD. He or she will likely watch your child interact in certain situations. The therapist will ask your child questions.

Is sensory disorder a form of autism?

There has also been a growing appreciation that sensory difficulties are a big part of what makes autism so difficult to cope with. Today, they're such a widely recognized aspect of autism that they are included in the diagnostic criteria for the condition.

What are the most common sensory disorders?

The main types of sensory disabilities include blindness and low vision, hearing loss and Deafness, deaf-blindness, and sensory processing disorder.

How do you test for sensory issues?

Currently the standardised assessment tool used to diagnose Sensory Processing Disorder is the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests. This consists of 17 tests that are used to test several aspects of sensory processing.

Can sensory issues go away?

“In the majority of people, sensory issues resolve on their own, or become significantly milder and less interfering as a child grows,” explains Wendy Nash, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist. A physician who is trained to diagnose, treat and prevent psychiatric disorders.

Can a pediatrician diagnose sensory processing disorder?

Your pediatrician can suspect your child has a sensory processing disorder but cannot actually make the diagnosis. Again, there are so many other brain issues that can present with similar symptoms so it takes a developmental or a behavioral specialist or even a neuropsychologist to get an official diagnosis.

Can a child outgrow sensory processing disorder?

Sensory Processing Disorder is frequently seen in children who have other conditions like autism spectrum disorder. Much like autism spectrum, the symptoms of this disorder exist on a spectrum. However, unlike autism, it is possible for the child to outgrow this disorder.

How can I help my child with sensory issues?

Managing sensory processing disorder at school
  1. Listening to calming music.
  2. Fidget toys (even hair elastics) and inflatable cushions for long periods of sitting to help with focus and concentration.
  3. Chewable jewellery for oral cravings.
  4. Doing wall push-ups and jumping jacks for physical stimulation.


Do sensory issues get worse with age?

SPD becomes worse with injuries and when with normal aging as the body begins to become less efficient. So, if you always had balance problems and were clumsy, this can become more of a problem in your senior years.

What do sensory issues look like?

Children who have sensory issues may have an aversion to things that overstimulate their senses, such as loud environments, bright lights, or intense smells. Or, they may seek out additional stimulation in settings that don't stimulate their senses enough.

What are the 3 main symptoms of autism?

All people with autism have abnormal functioning in three core areas of development: social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and. the presence of repetitive and restricted patterns of behavior, interests, and activities.

What does sensory overload look like?

Symptoms of sensory overload

difficulty focusing due to competing sensory input. extreme irritability. restlessness and discomfort. urge to cover your ears or shield your eyes from sensory input.

Who can diagnose a child with sensory processing disorder?

The Diagnostic Process

Although not yet recognized officially (for example, in the DSM-5), Sensory processing Disorder can be identified and categorized by an occupational therapist with advanced training in sensory processing and integration.

What is a sensory trigger?

Kids who are sensory avoiding may react to a wide range of triggers. These can include loud sounds, uncomfortable clothing, crowded spaces, or certain food smells or textures, among others. Whatever the trigger, the reaction can sometimes be extreme. Sensory overload can lead to sensory meltdowns.

What are some examples of sensory triggers?

Some examples of situations that can trigger sensory overload include:
  • Loud noises or music.
  • Crowded spaces.
  • Emotionally intense people or groups.
  • Drastic environmental changes (temperature, light, etc.)
  • Unexpected or unwanted physical contact (hugs, etc.)
  • Heavy traffic.


How do you treat sensory issues?

SPD treatment often means working with an occupational therapist on activities that help retrain the senses.
...
Treating SPD with Therapy
  1. Physical therapy using a sensory integration approach (PT-SI)
  2. Vision therapy to improve eye-motor skills for people who have trouble reading, merging into traffic, or writing.


How do you calm sensory overload?

Some tips include counting to ten, walking away, listening to music, or watching a calming video or reading a book. Develop an exit strategy in the event of sensory overload. Talk to your child about ways he or she can stay calm or change environments if they start to feel overwhelmed.

Can sensory issues cause speech delay?

Impact of SPD on Speech

When a child struggles with sensory processing disorder, not only is his/her daily behavior affected, but also the acquisition of speech can be impaired. Many children with SPD are also diagnosed with a speech delay or aphasia, a difficulty in conveying spoken language.

Who treats sensory disorders?

Quick Read. Kids who struggle with sensory processing issues are often referred to occupational therapists (OTs). They do a treatment called “sensory integration therapy.” The idea is that kids with sensory issues have too much or too little stimulation through their senses.