7 Hidden Signs of Sensory Needs [and how to help]

Difficult behaviors and trouble learning are a few of the many possible signs of sensory processing disorder (SPD).

Learn: 

1. What Sensory Processing Disorder Is

2. Signs of Sensory Processing Disorder

3. How to Help a Child with Sensory Needs

What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Most of your kid’s brain activity before he turns seven is part of one process: organizing sensations (Ayres, 2005).

Sensations are the way we understand the world. Sensations are the “inputs” to your body. They are the things you see, hear, and feel in your body. Actions or behaviors are the “outputs”.

Sensations are food for the brain. If your child is having difficulties processing (or digesting) sensations correctly, these sensations don’t nourish the brain as much.

People with SPD may develop anxiety, a sense of helplessness, or low self-esteem, which affects their school or home life. Complex activities like schoolwork and socializing may be very difficult for people living with SPD.

When your child is able to process sensations correctly, that leads to more positive social interactions, higher self-esteem, and an overall more happy and successful life.

Signs of SPD

Consider sensory processing challenges if your child:

1. Has trouble learning. This can look like difficulty paying attention, understanding instructions, or making a plan.

2. Has “difficult” behaviors like tough transitions, constantly moving, or trouble managing emotions.

3. Is unable to tolerate everyday activities like brushing teeth, getting haircuts, or wearing certain clothes.

4. Uses excessive force with others and on objects.

5. Appears clumsy

6. Is late to milestones like rolling, crawling, sitting, or speaking.

7. Has a limited variety of play.

These are just some of the hundreds of possible signs. Remember, every child's set of symptoms is going to be as unique as they are.

What You Can Do

Where do you start if you think your child is having trouble processing sensations? 

1. Notice patterns. Pay attention to the parts in your child’s day that are difficult. Is a certain time of day especially noisy or visually distracting? Notice what happens on “good” days. What helps you child learn and behave?

2. Once you’ve noticed patterns, start with changing the environment. Do this instead of expecting your child to change. The environment helps shape your kid - set the stage for their success.

3. Try combining sensations. If you're just saying words when you are giving instructions, your child may only be hearing. Maybe he doesn't know what to do with the sound of your words. You can combine a picture with the word to help your child understand what you’re saying.

4. Teach your child through repeated, hands-on experiences. He needs hands-on experiences to understand the physical world around him. Understanding his physical world comes before understanding more abstract ideas like math, writing, or reading.

   Your child needs to feel things to understand concepts like size, weight, and shape. He needs sensory-rich experiences over and over and over again tied with a positive feeling to really learn and understand.

   Think of the experience of touching flashcards: the cards are all visually different, but feel the same. Is there a way you can add touch and movement to these typically “sit-down” activities? 

5. Lastly, you can get professional help. Collaborate with them an occupational therapist about whether your kid’s challenges are consistent with difficulties processing sensations. They usually have fun ideas that are easy to do try and cost nothing.

Conclusion

Now you know the basics about what sensory integration is, what it can look like, and where to start if you suspect these challenges.

There is so much more to sensory integration. This was just the very tip of the iceberg.

I Want to Know…

What are some unique sensory processing challenges your child faces? What have you found that helps your child?

Let me know in the comments below!