Commonly overlooked sensory red flags and signs of sensory issues that could be a clue to your child’s needs, which will decrease confusion and frustration.
This thing happens to me all the time as a pediatric OT… I’m talking to parents during a party, a play-date, or even in line at the grocery store, and the parent casually mentions, often in passing, an odd thing that their child does.
Maybe their child walks around on their toes all the time, gags at some foods, or their toddler hates swings or being messy? Sometimes, they aren’t even that concerned about this odd “thing”.
Often times, I know this “thing” their child is doing is a sensory “issue” or sign of a sensory processing difficulties (which isn’t as bad as it sounds!)
Just because your toddler doesn’t like messy hands doesn’t necessarily mean there is a problem, but it is worth paying attention to.
Sensory processing can be very complicated, and the truth is many parents have never heard about it. Some realize their child may have some sensory issues that sometimes cause odd, confusing, or frustrating behaviors.
When I find myself in these situations, I usually feel a bit stuck because sensory processing isn’t exactly a quick topic, especially for parents who’ve never even heard about it.
If you’ve found your way here, my bet is that you know at least a little something about sensory processing, but if not, that is okay, too.
Either way, I have an exciting solution to that problem, but before I get to that, let’s talk more about these sensory red flags.
What are Sensory Red Flags Exactly?
A sensory red flag is a sign that a child may have a sensory “issue,” or as we prefer to say, a sensory need. Others may call it a sensory behavior. Basically, it’s anything your child does that indicates their sensory system needs more sensory input or less.
That sensory need happens because of the way their unique brain is “thinking” about the sensory input it’s receiving.
It’s not a choice they are making, but literally because of how their brain is wired.
Let me give you a REALLY simple example. My son loves to jump on the furniture. This is a sensory red flag or sign for him because I can see that he is trying to get more sensory input when he’s doing that.
I wanted to write about a few of the most overlooked sensory behaviors or red flags, so that you can begin seeing why your child does seemingly odd or unusual things.
Understanding why your child is waving a sensory red flag, or displaying signs of sensory issues, will help you help them!
But before you even do that, you need to know what the heck this sensory thing is all about. Because I know that as I sit and write this, many of you are feeling overwhelmed or frustrated.
It’s a reaction that I’ve seen too many times to count, and, to be honest, it gets my anxiety going up because I want to help you! I know the solution to that frustration and overwhelming feeling.
Here’s a short video summing up why it’s important to identify sensory red flags, and why they don’t mean something is wrong with your child.
10 Sensory Processing Challenges and Red Flags
Before we dive into these behaviors, I want to make it VERY clear that just because your child may have one or several of these red flags, it doesn’t mean that they have sensory problems, autism, or any other diagnosis.
We ALL have sensory processing needs and differences. Seeing your child’s behavior through the sensory lens will allow you to understand them and support their needs, which means less confusion and frustration for everybody!
And, if you’re concerned that your child’s sensory issues need addressed by a professional, then check out sensory integration therapy.
You’ll find a guide to walk you through figuring that all out so you have peace of mind! If you are concerned your child has autism, or already know they do, check out the link between autism and sensory processing.
1. Avoids Movement – If your child gets scared at climbing playground equipment, roughhousing, or riding a swing, they are likely avoiding vestibular and possibly proprioceptive input.
Those are our sixth and seventh senses that give us our sense of balance and body awareness.
2. Gagging at the Sight, Taste, and Smell of Foods – Although not always sensory, gagging immediately when confronted with foods is often because the oral system is being overwhelmed. Read more about sensory issues with food.
3. Frequently Walking on Toes – Children often do this because they are sensitive to the sensations they are feeling on their feet and prefer as little of their foot to be touching the surface as possible.
Sometime children toe-walk because they like the pressure it puts on their ankle, which is more proprioceptive feedback. Or, it can also be the result of a vestibular system that isn’t processing properly.
4. Clumsy – There are a variety of reasons that a child may seem to fall or bump into objects more than other children, and one of the most overlooked reasons is because the child’s proprioception and possibly vestibular systems aren’t working too well.
The wiring may be all jumbled up.
Some children with this sensory red flag don’t put their hands out when falling, or seems unaware of how to catch themself when off balance.
5. Hides at Parties or Avoids Them – If your child hates going to parties or other public places, it is possible that they may be overstimulated by the noise, lights, and/or people accidentally touching them.
For kids that have this response due to a sensory processing difficulty, a party can be downright torture as the sounds, sights, and unexpected touches can just be painful to them, literally. Head to sensory sensitivity in kids to learn more.
6. Prefers Tight Clothing – Sometimes kids will want to layer clothes or wear really tight fitting clothing to give themselves more proprioceptive input. It may seem strange, but the sensation they receive is calming to them and may even help them focus better.
Or, your child may be extremely particular about some sort of fabric. This all relates back to sensory. Head over to sensory issues with clothing to learn more.
7. Wild Child– There are a variety of reasons that kids seem to bounce off the walls at times, but kids that always seem to be jumping, climbing, running, pushing, and roughhousing are typically seeking out proprioceptive input, and sometimes vestibular as well.
Unfortunately, these kids are often described as “bad” or wild, but really, they are just trying to get their needs met. Read more about sensory strategies for sensory seekers or “wild kids”, and a three part plan for “dealing with” hyperactive kids.
8. Likes Bright, Fast Paced TV Shows – I know a lot of kids like these types of shows, but if your child only wants to watch fast, bright shows, then it may be an indication that they want more visual stimulation.
If that is the case, your child may also like looking at lights and brightly colored or high contrast books.
9. Bites Toys or People When Unprovoked – If your child seems to bite others or their toys often, usually for no reason, they are probably looking for some deep, intense proprioceptive input or oral sensory input.
10. Doesn’t seem to notice when being talked to or needs directions repeated – Yes, sometimes kids ignore, and sometimes this is normal, but if it is a frequent recurring issue than it is a sign that your child’s auditory or hearing system is not processing information well.
Check out 11 more sensory red flags in the follow up post.
Does Your Child Have Sensory Red Flags?
All of these behaviors are like a red flag that your child is waving to tell you something about their sensory processing.
It is a clue into what they need from a sensory standpoint. That need may be help avoiding something like bright lights or seeking something like chewing on toys.
To start figuring out what types of sensory activities might be helpful for your child, follow these steps:
1. Identify which type of sensory need your child has. There are four big categories for sensory issues: seeking, avoiding, low registration, and varied. If that feels overwhelming or you have no idea, I highly recommend our free 1 hour workshop that will help you figure it out!
2. Once you know which type of sensory need your child has then you can match the types of sensory diet activities that will be most helpful for them!
3. Organize when and how often you use the sensory activities by using a sensory diet, which has nothing to do with food, but is a diet of supports and sensory input that help calm and organize your child’s brain.
(Steps 2 and 3 are also taught in the free sensory workshop!)
Get the 21 Sensory Red Flags Printable Checklist
Wish you had all these red flags and 11 more you might be missing in a list you could download and/or print out?
I’ve got you covered! Click here to get the 21 Sensory Red Flags checklist sent right to your inbox!
More on Kids Sensory Red Flags
Does Your Child Cry All The Time? This Might Be Why…
33 Signs of Sensory Processing Disorder
How to Identify Sensory Issues in Toddlers
4 Simple After School Routines That Will Cut the Chaos.
Alisha Grogan is a licensed occupational therapist and founder of Your Kid’s Table. She has over 19 years experience with expertise in sensory processing and feeding development in babies, toddlers, and children. Alisha also has 3 boys of her own at home. Learn more about her here.
I came across this blog about the 10 red flags and honestly, I have been concerned with my almost two year old son but never really thought of this. My son displays a lot of these behaviors.. he has just recently over the last couple months started the gagging with food but over the last month he chokes on EVERYTHING. He is indeed what you call “a WILD child,” but we always get “he’s a boy, toddler… terrible twos!” Loves the fast paced tv shows. He has just started a behavior that he will hit his mouth or tongue randomly? And he can say a few words but not as many as I thought he would at this age.. And lastly, he can be like talking to a brick wall. I, always told I’m over paranoid because of his age but should i be concerned?
Brianna trust your instincts! So many people don’t understand sensory and dismiss it quickly. I’d definitely look into early intervention and get an eval, if for nothing else but peace of mind.
But, based on what your sharing here, as an OT, I’d definitely want to do an eval, it sounds like sensory is part of what is going on. I have a workshop that could help you learn more too: yourkidstable.com/workshop
Hi,my daughter is 9 and walks on her toes clumsy and the list goes on.she hasn’t been diagnosed with nothing. She’s is struggling at school with her work etc. Is it possible the I can talk to you.
Hi Olivia, it does sound like there’s something going on that’s worth looking into. Can you request an occupational therapy eval at school, you may have to get a little demanding. I’d also check out this post on other ways to get an eval.
Lastly, I have a free workshop that I co-teach that will give you some valuable insights. Take a look at it here: yourkidstable.com/workshop
Look into Primitive reflex retention. Many of these sensory issues can be directly related to them. These issues can be solved by rhythmic movement exercises.
Sarah1v trannsmision
My son hates large parties or being around other people/kids what can I do ? I always have to leave early is it sensory?
Hey Kimberly,
Thanks for reaching out. Sensory needs can be really hard to navigate, but does sound like that’s what is happening with your son! We do have an article for what to do when they are overwhelmed at parties, you can check out some tips! We do also have a free sensory workshop that will help you navigate sensory needs! You can save your seat here!
Best,
Desiree
Hi, I have a son who is going to be 4 next month and I feel could have a sensory issues. He walks on his toes, afraid of playground equipment as in won’t even climb up the stairs or go down the slide, runs back and forth, and doesn’t ware clothes. He also loves to just jump on a trampoline for hours. I don’t no if I’m just looking for something as I have another child with Autism but he doesn’t act like this . I’ve been told he could just be coping his brother. Would these signs? Figured I’d talk to his doctor but feel I’ll just be blown off as he doesn’t have communication or other issues like my other son has.
Hi Tina, these all do seem like sensory red flags. Not sure if you’ll see this today, but I have a free 3 video series I did last week, it’s only available through today, but you can get all the videos for free here: https://yourkidstable.com/sensory-series
It was nice and helpful article. Anyway, i have a 2 y. O. son. The problem is he feels uncomfortable to wear shoes/flip flop. When i convince him to wear them to protect his feet, he always reject them and even screaming. Therefore, until now, he goes everywhere with barefoot. Besides that, sometimes he feels uncomfortable with noisy sounds. Are these included as sensory red flags signs? What should I do?
Yes! These are definitely sensory red flags. I know it can all seem really confusing. You’ve actually commented at just the right time because I have a free 3 part video series that answers all these questions. It’s only up through monday though. You can get the videos in your email by signing up here: https://yourkidstable.com/sensory-series
Glad I came to see this article ..my son is 6 now and when I read the red flags I realised..what the issue is
Avoiding movement and gagging on food loves to jump on sofa and bed..most of this has improved with his age but then we saw something more not paying attention speech issues and reading disability
Glad it was helpful Seema!
Should number 10 be a concern with a 2 year old? I feel like he doesn’t hear anything we say. His hearing is fine.
No, totally normal!
Hi! My 4 year old is a wild child in many ways, running, jumping, not finishing 1 activity before atarting the next,not sitting still while doing en activity… But also, he is sensitive to noise,not all noise, but we had him in pre school, but he couldn’t handle the noise. I have read the other articles about the wild child, but how do I help him with the noise? He need to go to school soon.
My son (12) has known sensory issues. Most, we have learned to manage or are less obvious than when he was younger. I think it’s interesting that you mentioned lights and bright screens. Even as an infant, my son would crane his neck to stare at lights. Now, he is a child who cannot tear his eyes away from any type of screen if it is in his view – almost hypnotically so. He used to have big meltdowns after screen time, and now he often still has very intense emotions and/or becomes very impulsive or spacey after screen time. I’ve always suspected it was related to sensory issues, but no one ever firmly confirmed it or gave us tips for management. Besides letting him stare at screens unrestricted, what are some other ideas to help meet this sensory-seeking need??
Visual needs are challenging for sure! I do think its a balance between letting them have some of the input they are craving and putting boundaries on them as well. At his age you can talk this out together, this will get him to buy in! Come up with a schedule and restrictions that you can both feel good about, set timers if need be. I’d also consider other visual stimuli that might help him meet his needs, could be a lava lamp while going to bed or a light up fidget spinner. There are actually a lot of bright, light up fidget like toys that would be age appropriate.
I have an also 10 month old. As a very young baby around 3.5 months he startin showing signs of not wanting to drink his bottle and at times would absolutely refuse to drink. He then was diagnosed with a milk protein allergy and reflux which we have been on meds for are getting ready to have his first scope to look in his stomach. Even still to this day he has to be distracted by watching a movie on my phone or asleep to drink his bottles. When we started solids at 4 months he did well but wasn’t gaining enough weight so we stopped baby food and did just bottles until 6 months. When we started back on baby food he ate them wonderful and seemed to really enjoy it. However over the past month baby food has increasingly become harder to feed as well. He needs distraction with that too. So we have moved from the high chair to the living room for the exersaucer or floor seat where he can play with a toy or watch tv and eat. And now even this is starting to let us down. At times no matter what he just will not open up to eat. He still will only eat stage 2 baby food and has absolutely no interest in putting food in his mouth. He will put every toy know to man including my fingers and chew on them all day long, but no interest in food. When I have tried to give him stage 3 food he gags I’m looking for any help out there. He is meeting all his other developmental milestones. He says mama and dada and likes making the shhh sound and bybyby babble. He started crawling at 7 months and at 8 months started pulling up and walking holding onto furniture. And now he will even use walk behind toys to walk through the house. Our only main issue is feeding. What advice can you give me.
Oh my gosh Stephanie, you’ve come to the right place! I have a lot of articles that will be really helpful for you. I will say that it sounds like he’s outgrown baby foods which is normal at his age. I want you to check out this new article that will be perfect on getting baby to eat solids, but focus just on using the carrot/celery and play with food. Then I want you to head to How to Transition to Table Foods. Lastly I want you to check out this article about screen time and eating.
Take a look at those and let me know if you have more questions, its a lot of info, take your time going through it!
What causes a child to have sensory red flags? I’ve had to start homeschool for my 7 yo son because of all of these sensory red flags because the school wanted me to put him on medication for ADHD and I refuse because he doesn’t have any issues with focusing so it really didn’t make sense to me that it would be a cure for his overactive behavior. I’ve even asked my pediatrician if it could be SPD and they just look at me like I’m crazy. Finally this year in basketball I had another mother come up to me and ask me about my sons obvious SPD because she was a special education teacher and she wanted to help because she saw he was having problems and wanted to offer solutions.
That’s a great question Crystal… to be honest nobody knows for certain, but research suggests that it can be genetically connected (and I’ve definitely seen this may times), there’s also a higher chance with preemies because the sensory system is the last thing to develop in utero. Sensory differences can sometimes just be that and can be supported and even change over time. Sometimes those differences are significant enough to be a diagnosis, SPD. It sounds like you’re on the track to getting more help, but if you didn’t already see it I’m going to be running two free live workshops with a good friend and sensory guru herself in a couple of weeks. I think it will be REALLY helpful for you and you’ll get to ask us questions about your son. You can sign up here.
My two year old is still constantly putting everything in his mouth. He is non-verbal right now. Any ideas on how to help with the oral stimulation?
Oh yes, Lauren! I actually have a whole article on the topic and it’s just what your looking for. Click here for everything oral sensory and let me know if you have any questions!
Hi I’m an adult with spd diagnosed as a child tho apprently according to the doctors they can’t diagnose it in an adult. I have issues with concintration balance and I seem to not be able to remember to do things such as brush teeth and what not. I also have trouble with my writing expressing myself and often say the wrong thing. I have issues understanding sarcasm or jokes and jump at the slightest things. It has also made it hard to physically do things like driving a car and catching things. I also have really weak lower arm and hand muscles and the upper ones seem to get all the muscles when I do things is there anything on adult spd. Or these particular issues I tipsy toe walked all the time.
I’m so sorry Jenny… Here is a great resource with lots of different links for SPD in adults, if you haven’t seen it already: https://www.spdstar.org/basic/spd-adults
Also, please know that this isn’t a diagnoses at all, and just a small suggestion, but some of the difficulties your having also fall under a diagnoses call Aspberger’s, that’s something you may want to look into as well. You can read more about that here: http://www.aane.org/resources/adults/aspergerautism-spectrum-diagnosis-adults/
I’m glad you reached out and hope this is of some help, let me know if there’s anything else I can do!
We have an 11yr old son that crosses his arms and tucks his hands into his armpits and squeezes himself tightly. He does this constantly day in and day out. Any thoughts?
Hi Michelle, this may be a habit he’s developed, but there certainly are sensory needs he could be filling by doing this. When he does this he is giving himself a lot of proprioceptive feedback, that is deep pressure, which is very calming in general. Has he always done this? Does he like big hugs or to crawl into tight spaces? Those are just a few other signs that he is looking for that input!
My daughter is 18 months old. Do they typically tend to display symptoms at this age? My daughter is very wild. We nicknamed her bulldozer because she tends to plow things down. She started crawling at 5 month and walking 5 days before turning 9 months. But ever since she can walk she’s been climbing on everything. Her favorite thing to do is climb on the end table and jump into whoever’s lap is sitting on the couch or even on to the couch itself. We often say she has no fear because she seems to be a little thrill seeker. She also seems to take off running and runs into things or loses her balance and falls over. If I am washing dishes she will get between me and the sink and against my legs until I’m forced to back up to pick her up. She likes to play behind the couch and she HATES to lay flat, whether it be to have a diaper changed or when they try to measure her at the doctor. She also loses if whenever we try to put her seatbelt on. We’ve found that if we leave for anywhere early and negotiate with her to get her to sit in her car seat she will eventually do it on her own but it takes about 5 mins and some sort of bribing. She doesn’t like her clothes being too tight when she sleeps and will fuss until I take them off. Her sleep is also terrible. She will also constantly move while she nurses, whether it is kicking around her legs or running her hand on my arm. She likes to hold my hand when she tries to focus on nursing. Certain foods she will gag as soon as it hits her tongue and she will push it out and spit it out (like cake type food and cornbread). She also does not like to be covered up. She does sometimes walk on her tip toes but usually only a few steps.
I’ve always thought her gag reflex to certain foods she got from me because I can’t eat foods like bananas and oatmeal because of the texture. I also have to the softest clothes (like cannot wear sweat pants that have been washed too much) I can also only sleep with super soft blankets. I seem to have a lower pain tolerance than most. Like my husband would flick me or poke me or something playing around and it hurts quite a bit. I cannot stand the feeling of wet hair on my shoulders. And hate wearing layers of clothing.
Does the behaviors of my daughter seem to be normal or sensory issues?
Could it be possible I have sensory issues as well?
Hey Melissa,
Yes, it is possible that your daughter (and yourself) are displaying sensory difficulties. While as adults we all have sensory preferences, we just don’t notice them in others as much , as we find ways to cope for ourselves ie: buying more comfortable clothing, etc. We do have an article for sensory in toddlers, so you can check it out for more information here
Best,
Desiree
HI! Can you elaborate a little more on 10? I can be right in front of my son, saying his name and even waving my hand in front of face and he doesn’t seem to realize i’m there. He just started kindergarten this year and it’s becoming quite a problem in school and with peer interactions.
Hi Kylee- I’m assuming you’ve had his hearing checked and that isn’t the issue. What happens is that some kids aren’t registering the sound, when its related to sensory processing, it’s not that they can’t hear. Tapping your child can be helpful and reaching out to touch them, as well. If possible, I’d recommend an OT evaluation from the school due to suspected sensory processing difficulties. This will be free to you and at a minimum the OT will give you and the teacher some helpful tips.
I’m a 39 yr old Autistic man. Here are my red flags. It varies, each of us on the spectrum is unique. For me, it takes a lot to make me overload / meltdown extreme (we’re talking like, a lonnng day of socializing/shopping followed by someone yelling chewing me out for awhile while a baby cries and a jackhammer outside the window while birds chirping or something…. But, if you notice signs of sensory overload don’t panic, but don’t do anything to overload my senses– I can calm myself MUCH faster if left alone so if I’m a 6 or higher plz do so, thanks, nothing you can do to help, truly…..
So here are my typical red flags, in order from 1 (mildly overwhelmed) to 10 (severe meltdown) :
1. Suddenly intensely investigating surroundings or items nearby/in hands; 2. Avoids eye contact entirely, 3. Doesn’t understand simple things being said to me or need it repeated; 4. Taps hand on something; 5. Gets physically clumsy; 6. Doesn’t want to speak or sometimes literally can’t talk; 7. Doesn’t recognize I’m being spoken to (this one may also be me just in deep thought; feel free to call my name once to check) ; 8. Freezes and avoids movement or rocks in place (sitting or standing) ; 9. Covers ears and stomps one foot rhythmically with eyes closed; 10. Runs away quickly or breaks something or curls in fetal position shivering and rocking while covering ears and flinching in pain from the slighest sound (only happened twice in my lifetime thus far)
Thanks for sharing Robert, you bring up a great point, which is once in sensory overload its often best to give kids a safe space to begin to decompress with no talking or noise or touching, of course all kids/people are different, but its important to keep that in mind