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Sensory Red Flags

Writer's picture: Rachel TroccoliRachel Troccoli


Sensory Red Flags


All people may display degrees of these behaviors, however it is when the behavior starts affecting our functioning that it becomes a concern.


People can be over- or under-responsive to different types of sensory stimulation to different degrees, which may cause them to seek out or avoid different sensations.


If you have any sensory concerns for your child it is important to get an assessment from a licensed Occupational Therapist. Sensory processing issues are often difficult to fully identify unless you are trained to do so, and they can impact a child’s ability to participate in their social and academic environment.


The following are examples of different red flags that suggest possible sensory processing difficulties.


Touch:

  • avoids messy play like painting and sand play

  • can be overly controlling, particularly about how group activities are done and what other children are doing

  • seems not to notice when hands get dirty or when there is food around their mouth

  • seeks out all sorts of messy play and often gets stuck on this type of play

  • obsesses about their clothing or has very particular clothing choices

  • has trouble keeping hands to themselves

  • has difficulty in close group situations

Movement and Balance:

  • craves movement, has difficulty staying in their seat, and may frequently ask to leave the classroom

  • loves swings, slides, trampolines, and rough and tumble play- finding it difficult move onto other play

  • dislikes movement play- avoids swings and climbing up onto apparatus or playground and appears afraid of heights and of feet leaving the floor making their overly anxious

  • has poor balance and seems unaware of falling, often failing to catch themselves, and appears clumsy

  • often complains of feeling dizzy or ill after playing on swings

  • never seems to become dizzy despite seeking out spinning movement

  • often slumps over the desk or props themselves up on arms to support sitting at the table

Body Position and Force:

  • frequently clumsily knocks into things and other people

  • appears uncoordinated for age

  • applies too much or too little force

  • breaks toys easily

  • plays roughly with peers

  • appears to tire easily, be passive, or even lethargic

Auditory/Language Processing:

  • covers ears or become distressed when there are loud noises or shouts

  • has good hearing but often seems to miss what is being said or has “selective hearing”

  • craves loud noise – turning up music, shouting instead of talking, banging toys to make percussion sounds, etc.

  • appears to have difficulty understanding instructions

  • tends to repeat instructions to themselves

Visual Processing:

  • struggles to focus when there is too much to look at, peering around and getting distracted or struggling to find items on their desk

  • may seem particularly light sensitive, often covers eyes, or complains of bright lights

  • appears not to see things, walks into objects in their path, does not notice approaching objects, has difficulty with hand-eye coordination games, or seems to stare a lot before responding

  • becomes fixated on visually stimulating objects, like fans, flickering lights, or screens

Emotional Regulation:

  • does not accept changes in routine easily

  • becomes easily frustrated

  • acts out behaviorally and has difficulty getting along with others

  • displays marked mood variations

  • displays frequent outbursts or tantrums

  • tries to control others, activities, or different settings


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Skyrocket Pediatric Therapy Foundation (Skyrocket) does not provide medical or legal advice or services. Skyrocket provides general information about developmental disabilities and developmental therapies as a service to the community. The information provided on our website is not a recommendation, referral or endorsement of any resource, therapeutic method, or service provider and does not replace the advice of medical, legal or educational professionals. Skyrocket has not validated and is not responsible for any information, events, or services provided by third parties. The views and opinions expressed in blogs on our website do not necessarily reflect the views of Skyrocket.

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