Does Your Child Show Signs of SI Dysfunction?

While many children display these behaviors, consider whether your child shows them more often and more dramatically than other children of the same age do.

Over- or undersensitive to touch, sounds, sights, movement, tastes, or smells
Intense, out-of-proportion reactions to everyday experiences
Resists changes in routines and moving from activity to activity
Unusually high or low activity level
Difficulty handling frustration
Seems impulsive, with little or no self-control
Problems paying attention and staying focused
Dislikes getting "messy" (food, sand, glue, paint, lotion), especially on hands or face
Bothered by certain clothing fabrics, seams, tags, waistbands, etc.
Resists grooming activities such as brushing teeth, hair washing, or nail cutting
Avoids touch-or needs it more than other children
Unusually high or low pain tolerance
Fearful of movement activities (swings, see-saw, etc.)
Avoids or excessively craves slides, swings, bouncing, rocking, jumping
Has poor balance, falls often, or runs awkwardly
Seems weaker or less coordinated than other children his age
Seems to walk on tiptoes
Touches walls or furniture when walking
Pushes, hits, bites, or bangs into other children although he/she isn't aggressive
Overly sensitive to noise (sirens, vacuum cleaner, etc.)
Seems to hear things you don't hear
Doesn't seem to hear you, although you know he can hear
Gets dizzy easily-or never at all
Squints, blinks, or rubs eyes frequently
Has trouble reading
Withdraws, "tunes out," or cries in group situations
Avoids foods most children of same age enjoy
Craves or avoids particular food textures-chewy, crunchy, slippery, etc.
Frequently chews on clothing or hair
Difficulty with fine motor tasks-writing, buttons, stringing beads, using scissors, etc.
Poor handwriting and drawing skills
Speech-language, motor skill, or learning delays
Inconsistent sleep and hunger patterns

Lots of kids show these signs for lots of reasons. Some of these behaviors are appropriate at certain ages. Most toddlers are pretty impulsive-that's the terrific but "terrible" twos. But a 10-year-old who acts on every little impulse is a different story. A strong dislike of wool clothing, discomfort making eye contact with strangers, or fear of a goat at the petting zoo that bleats loudly and unexpectedly all fall within the range of so-called typical sensory sensitivity for a child so long as these sensory experiences do not interfere with day-to-day function. A child with sensory problems usually has maladaptive responses to everyday situations, consistently showing behaviors that aren't age-appropriate and that can't be dismissed.

The good news is that if your child has problems with sensory processing, there's a lot you can do about it. An occupational therapist trained in sensory integration problems can evaluate your child, address his or her sensory issues, and show you ways you can help your child deal with and overcome such issues. Raising a Sensory Smart Child is filled with practical advice, solutions, and insights you can use to help your child at home, school, and play.