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.
Help please I dont know where else to go my 14 month old cannot say anything apart from dada.. cant wave… cant point…is fussy with food will spit things out turn head away and when I do fred him he will have his arms out infront of him sometimes rotating.
Also since 2 months had a very high pitched scream even now it’s worse he screams and cries most of the day and constantly wants my attention and only my attention he screams too much.
I can’t make him laugh and smile but other then that hes only quiet when I put duggee on his favourite tv programme and will only sit still whilst watching this one.
The rest of the time I’m constantly pulling him from climbing on sofa..climbing up to the window . Throwing things on the floor very hard he doesnt place things down… stopping him from eating anything he finds.. stopping him from banging his head on floor he will just get on the flood and repeatedly bang his head…
He is like a whirlwind that’s all I can say and I just cant cope any more I’ve reached out to hv before even when he was a few month old but they dont understand the screaming I’m with him constantly and our 2 and half year old and it’s so hard!
Anyone had anything like this.
We know sensory needs can be so difficult sometimes. This is especially true when we have more than one kiddo in the mix! Some proprioceptive activities might be helpful to encourage a bit more calm. We also have a free sensory workshop that would be helpful! You can save your seat HERE.
Best,
Andrea
Hi there!
I worked with Easter seals for 3 years and from what your describing, your kiddo might be Autistic. Please look into it and have him checked out by his doctor.
Hello,
What can one do to help with visual and auditory sensory issues? Thanks for any info!
Hey! Thanks for reaching out. If you’re child is easily distracted by the auditory or visual environment, minimizing the environment and reducing distractions can be really key. Here’s a great article on auditory processing challenges that might be helpful.
Best,
Andrea
My 21 month has been clenching his neck on to my elbow or knee . He randomly walks up to me and does that . He also rubs his forehead back and forth on to the wall or my forehead/knee/feet. He will also rub his face on my legs going down to my feet while I’m sitting or standing . He throws things down to the floor hard and likes to do it over and over until I take it . What can I do to help him with that??
Hi Martina,
From what you’ve shared it sounds like he really loves certain sensory information and is looking for ways to get it! Activities like jumping and joint compressions can sometimes be helpful in helping him find what his body needs. We have a free sensory workshop that you should check out. You can save your seat HERE!
Best,
Andrea
I agree mostly with this article, though many of these red flags could also be caused by slow processing issues, ADHD, inattentiveness, OCD tendancies, etc, just wanted to mention that for any newer parents to the sensory minefield,
Hi Jess,
Thanks for chiming in! You are right that there is sometimes overlap with different diagnoses. Many kids with those diagnoses may have underlying sensory issues as well. It can be tough to tease out the differences sometimes!
Best,
Andrea
Your Kids Table Team
My 15 month old is developing wonderfully. She has met every developmental milestone. She uses imaginative play, responds to name, points, makes eye contact, plays well with kids ans uses many words. However, I noticed she crosses her index and middle finger from time to time. I can usually hold her hand and she’ll relax it. I am concerned becauS as soon as I googled it, ASD was the first thing that came up (Dr. Google is gonna give me a heart attack one day). I am a first time mom and just was hoping for some reassurance that it can be something normal and just a random sensory thing. Plenty of my friends kids do something with their fingers, all same age range.
Thank you in advance.
Hi Katrena,
We’re glad you stopped by! It’s wonderful that your daughter is so social! Sometimes children will have a little quirky habit. Pediatricians usually screen for ASD at 18 months and again at 24 months. If you still have concerns, you can always chat with your child’s doctor about it. We also have more detailed information about identifying sensory concerns in toddlers that you may find helpful.
Best,
Andrea
I googled issues with cutting my toddlers nails after a melt down episode tonight and it led me to your site and made me realize all the other sensory issues my son may have. Here are just a few things that came to mind while reading tonight. When my 3 year old son gets his nails cut he screams and cries like I’m cutting his fingers off! He says it hurts and afterwards he keeps his fingers curled up or refuses to use them and holds stuff with palms only. Other things he does that has brought to light as possibly sensory issues are he hates having his hair washed, cries over being washed with a washcloth, hates the wind blowing and cries like he’s terrified, he’s an extremely picky eater only eating about 5 or 6 foods, screams and cries getting teeth brushed, he has spells of extreme rowdiness and just can’t control himself, he has a lot of fears … irrational fears. Doesn’t like getting his hands dirty especially from Eating and wants things cut up into small pieces. He is very sensitive to smell and most foods cooking that really smell good… smell awful to him and he can’t seem to handle it. He never went through a phase of chewing on things as an infant. Sucks a pacifier and cannot seem to survive without it. He cannot stand to wear anything other than “soft” clothes so nothing dressy, or jeans or he cries and gets very upset. Is becoming more shy with crowds at church and only wants to lay down on the pew and hide/cry after walking into the building.
All these things I have written off as “normal” toddler behavior but lately have been wondering if there’s more to what’s going on. Then I found your site. Do my concerns sound legitimate? He has his 4 year checkup in April. Should I mention something then or try and reach out to someone beforehand? Thank you so much for all your information!
Hey Megan,
So glad that you found us! Yes, those all sound sensory related!! You can definitely bring it up at your appointment with your pediatrician. For sensory issues, typically it would be addressed by an occupational therapist. We do have a free workshop coming up that sign ups just started today! So, hopefully you can join us (if not we will send you the replay) and it can be helpful at learning about sensory and what kinds of sensory activities may help! You can save your seat HERE
Best,
Desiree
My soon to be 5 year old son is continuously touching his privates then sniffing his hands, front and back. He chews his collars and cuffs of everything and has recently started violently banging his teeth together over and over, it’s like a tick as its whilst he’s happily playing or eating, or just sat watching tv. There seems to be a new ‘thing’ every week. I have no idea how to handle any of these quirks I end up getting cross. Can someone give me some advice please. He is also has violent outbursts hes so aggressive and often says hes going to stab me or punch me in the face, hes super bright and isn’t like that at school though he does chew his clothes at school, which has been going on around 6 weeks but the teeth banging only three weeks. What can I do?
Diane, first let me say you’re not alone! Secondly, call your son’s doctor and get a referral to an occupational therapist asap. Follow everything they ask you to do. My daughter did OT for a year and a half and it made a world of difference!
Hi Dianne,
That sounds like a really tough situation and like he is seeking to meet his sensory needs! One suggestion, you might try to give him a fidget toy to play with, especially during down time (like while he’s watching tv). Often times if children’s hands are busy it can distract them from other behaviors. He may also benefit from sensory activities throughout the day to help him meet his sensory needs.
We also have a post about sensory based therapy. It might be helpful for you to check it out to see if it is right for your son.
I hope that helps get you started!
Best,
Andrea
Your Kids Table Team
Re the private parts get him social stories on why thats not ok, books or videos on hygene, germs, and keeping privates private. We found that onesies and overalls helped, as well as deflection.
Perhaps get him to help cook or bake in the kitchen for that sensory feedback.
Re the banging teeth together seems like he either likes the noise or the oral stimulation – try music and chew necklaces or a chew bracelet. Sensory fidget toys help a lot.
Violent outbursts may be ADHD / a need for deep pressure input, seek out an OT, till then try getting him to do some heavy work – lots of outside time on play grounds, get a scooterboard and get him to wheel himself around on arms for that deep input, get a crash mat and trampoline, and spend at least an hour a day 1 on 1 quality time
Hi my 10year old daughter is showing signs of red flag. She quite often makes little cough noises to clear her throat, she says there’s something stuck. This has been like this for a few months now.Quite ofen she can be eating things then will spit them out. She says she can’t swallow them.
She has also always hated her hair being washed. Recently she goes into full on hysterics. She does not rinse it very well, so when I go to help her she has a melt down and screams that she doesn’t want me to touch her or go near her as I will hurt her.
I can count on one hand how many times she has been to the hairdresser. Last time it took 3 people to hold her down whilst she had a trim. It now seems that more and more flags are popping up and they seem to be getting worse. School have also noticed these things. They have been really good and have started the process of getting us some help. Not only to help her but also me aswell.
Hey Kadie,
It’s hard to sort through all the sensory information and we get that! I did want to mention that we do have a free sensory workshop coming up on 3.3.21! We will be opening enrollment for our free workshop next week, so keep your eye out for that. I think it’ll really help to sort through some great information!
Best,
Desiree
My daughter gets so upset when someone is scratching their head or making hand movements (like twirling my ring). Wiggling toes, drives her crazy too. Sounds make her crazy. Especially crunching. I feel like every little thing makes her go bonkers. She is 9. Has been diagnosed with ADD. Any similar situations? I’ve searched and searched for similar symptoms with movement. Can’t find a thing. Misophonia is the closest thing I can find. It’s not only the sound though.
Hey Melissa,
Thanks for reaching out. Sounds like your daughter has a lot of what we’d consider “sensory sensitivities”. We do have a post that might be helpful for you, check it out Here.
Best,
Desiree
My 5 year old granddaughter as soon as she hear the front door about to open drops whatever she is doing and runs as fast as she can to hide . And she runs in fear
Hi Miriam, did you find out why your 5 year old granddaughter runs and hides in fear I’m interested to find out why this happens. My 5 year old daughter does exactly the same! And also hides down side of her bed when I leave the room.
My 16 month old daughter walked on her tip toes and has been for 2 months. She will walk backwards now because she just discovered that she could, and she will do this flat footed. She is being scheduled for OT to see if she has sensory issues. But that is all that fits in this category. She never walks flat footed besides backwards. Please someone help.. I’m scared something is wrong with my baby girl!
Hey Marissa,
So happy you reached out for an OT eval, they can help get eyes on her and give you a piece of mind. I’d try to get different textures for her to squish her feet down on, while standing so that he can have some practice with keeping her feet flat. Then once you get the eval, they should be able to provide you with some suggestions!
Best,
Desiree
Hi my name Chioma and my two year do not talk but he play with other kid, but he do not feed his self and he doesn’t put to things that he want. He rather get it and give it to you for you to do it for him. Should I be concerns about autism
Hi Chioma,
We are so glad you’re here! We understand your concern about your child not feeing himself! It can be really difficult for some children to learn how to do that. We have a great post that gives you some great step by step ideas of how to teach your child to feed himself. We recommend speaking to your child’s doctor about any specific concerns you have about autism.
Feel free to reach out to us with any other questions!
Best,
Andrea
Your Kids Table Team
Marissa- please don’t be fearful. My 5 year old was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder about a year ago. I noticed some red flags here and there, I talked to his peds but they all thought he was fine. When I realized that his speech was so under development compared to his peers I sought out speech therapy myself. The speech therapist referred him to OT and from there they did the ADOS to determine ASD. In the last year and a half that he’s been in speech and OT he’s improved drastically. I’m telling you this because I don’t want you to be fearful. Sensory kids are so awesome! I have learned so much from my little guy. I certain wish I had gone with my gut and sought out treatment much sooner. Kudos to you for doing that. Life with a sensory kid is a little harder but the best lesson they will teach you is patience. I wish you the best of luck in your future. Again- don’t be afraid that something is “wrong” with your little one seeking out help this early is fantastic!
My son is 13 years old and has struggled with many of these sensory issues since he was little. Everyone I have spoken to has downplayed their importance and many have told me that I am babying him because he still can’t put socks on because they don’t feel right or do the dishes because he gags. Just a couple examples. What should I do?
Hey Christina,
So glad you enjoyed the article and are getting to understanding the sensory needs. I’d look at the struggles that your son is having and try to work on them, one at a time so that you can help provide input he’s needing to adjust. We do have an article on difficulties with clothing that will be a good place to start. You can check it out here
Best,
Desiree
What if I know my son has a sensory issue but I can’t get doctors to see it? He’s been diagnosed with ASD by one doctor and denied that by another. But either way he definitely has a sensory disorder. What do I do to get him diagnosed?
Hey Jennifer!
The doctor’s evaluation is the only way to get an actual diagnosis. So I’d push for what you know to be true and find an expert in your area. I’d also be looking for ways to be working on those sensory difficulties that he has and working on providing activities that address his needs ie: sensory diet! If you haven’t seen our sensory diet post already, you can check it out here
Best,
Desiree
Christina,
I’m so glad I read your post. I also have a 13 year old son with sensory issues, and also deal with people telling me I’m babying my son, that I’m doing too much for him, and that sensory issues don’t exist. I’m really tired of people acting like I’m some helicopter parent. People have also told me that because I do things for my kid that he’ll never learn how to do them for himself. For example tying his own shoes (or tying in general), clasping buttons on jeans, etc.
I care about what they’re saying and have listened to the comments, but after considering carefully the feedback I was receiving, what doctors and therapists and with my own knowledge about sensory issues, I decided it’s not going to change how I care for my son. At the end of the day, I am his mother, and not the ones making those comments. Those people don’t know what I know and haven’t been through the same situations with my child. I just made the decision to let it roll of my back. Support groups are also a great way to find like-minded people.
Hello Mam
My cousin brother is 6 years old and he walks on his toe …..He his facing many problems due to this nowadays…..He cannot climb stairs due to the pain the ankle causes , he cannot sit down on floor, he cannot use indian toilets as he is unable to sit down so we all are very much worried for him.
We have consulted many physiotherapists, many doctors but there are no signs of improvement at all……. He has taken many medications and many physical exercises but no improvements……..We are extremely worried for him ..
So please suggest us some solution for that…we are very urgently in need of solutioon
Hey Ankita,
So sorry you are having trouble locating some help for him. I’d try to reach out to a physical therapist. They can look at stretching the legs to see if his muscles are tight and work on providing exercises to help loosen the muscles. If there is a sensory component they will be able to refer you to an occupational therapist if needed. Hope that helps!
Best,
Desiree
Alisha I wish I had access to this information 15 years ago! My 20 year old daughter has always danced to her own quirky tune but we were always told she’d be fine. We have now been told she is one of the many that have fallen through the the gaps in child hood and is being tested for autism. The daring girl has struggled to fit in with her peers all her life, was bullied in school and will probably never hold down a full time job; Some of this could possibly been have been avoided, minimised or eliminated if we had known what some (8 out of 10) of your red flags meant and should be addressed. Early intervention is so important. I’m not a huge fan of the internet but when I read articles like yours I see it’s usefulness. Thank you for such for well written and non alarmist Information.
I like that you say “may” in these descriptions. The reason being is that I exhibited three of them when I was little and some people would be hollering “red alert” over that.
Clumsy. I didn’t walk until I was 18 months old. My coordination was spot on; however, it seemed as though I simply didn’t trust my legs. Turns out I was blind as a bat. I was wearing glasses by the age of 2 and all signs of clumsiness / wariness / hesitation were erased. My mother says I was a different child after getting my eyes adjusted. Sometimes it’s a good course to rule out the super simple causes first.
“Frequently walking on toes.” They could want to be taller, as was the case with me. I didn’t only frequently walk on my toes, I dang near Always walked on my toes because my “little” brother outpaced me in growth and I was always mistaken as the youngest (I was adopted from a short family by a tall family – “li’l” bro is 6’5″ now and I’m not Quite clearing 5’5″). The solution was to make myself taller than him by walking around the house like a ballerina. I also got ignored often because my family is loud and I’m quiet. Standing on my toes was an effective way to get recognized. I can’t tell you how many times my mother asked, “is in the car?!” I was so quiet she always thought they’d left me in some Home Alone scenario. I was frustrated by being interrupted and talked over one evening that I made up a rule that we had to raise our hand and be recognized before we could talk. That lasted 5 minutes.
I hid at parties because I didn’t like people. To a point I Still don’t. They ask too many questions about things they’re going to forget in ten minutes, talk about frivolous things solely to be heard, or are utterly unaware of themselves (think of the lady at the grocery store taking up the Entire milk row while talking on her phone, grrrr), and lastly, I’m introverted. I would rather be surrounded by my furry companions and other things I like, rather than people. My family is the complete opposite – social butterflies. I usually brought a book along with me (coloring when I was little, chapter or puzzle as I got older) when they’d drag me to parties. Nowadays I say hi to the host, then beat a path for the door or, if escape is unattainable, I’ll find the rest of the introverts and “hang out” with them (we sit or stand in proximity to one another while rattling around in our own heads – and we’re happy there). I also enjoy people watching as opposed to interacting. The things one can learn when one’s mouth is closed and ears are open.
So, if your kiddo also exhibits some of these signs, remember the author does qualify the statements with “may.” Please don’t jump to the worst possible conclusion – you’re going to stress yourself, and your child, out. Instead of testing to find out why I was introverted I was put into the Talented and Gifted program at school, and teachers put me at the front of the classroom so I could see better. With those fixes in place I thrived (and gained a love for word puzzles, which led to a career in Information Technology). 🙂
Thanks for sharing your story
Thank you so much for sharing. I hate how the preschools are labeling my child. She’s unique in her own way and how cool she experiences the world with sensation. She’s going to be an amazing chef, or somm, or musician…etc. I have been going crazy and I’m a PT and just thank you for these words!
Hey Nicole,
So glad this article has helped you! We know how hard it can be when other people are seeing it differently. Love your perspective on your daughter though!
Best,
Desiree
Thank you so much for this article and for spelling out what sensory needs are so clearly – as a teacher of 5 year olds, I am noticing sensory needs more and more all the time and so often it is so difficult to explain to parents the need for going to an OT. This is a great reference tool for me and makes it so easy to understand! So a huge thank you again!!
Thank you so much Kerry! I’m glad you found it helpful!
Hi, my 4.5 yrs old is going to a speech therapist who pointed out that he does not have speech delay but a sensory issue that he cannot process what he is hearing, point number 10. Any more details on that?
Yes, so this is all about the brain “processing” the noise he’s hearing. It’s usually a problem when kids are focusing on something else. It’s like it doesn’t register in the brain. Getting their attention by touching them so they turn to you is extremely helpful.
Great article! It can be so easily overlooked, so this is great info!
Thank you Dawn!
Hello. At what age do you become concerned about sensory issues?
My son is 13 months, this week, and he actually shows some of these signs…
-He hates large family parties, he becomes so overwhelmed, that we have started taking two cars, and I usually leave early with him.
-Public Restroom – hand dryers scare the bejesus out of him! He trembles every time I lay him down on the changing table! I try to out off unless absolutely necessary.
-He hates pureed foods; we ended up going straight to regular/small bites. He won’t eat apple sauce, yogurt, or oatmeal. I have to make the oatmeal almost like a paste for him to eat it.
-He sometimes doesn’t respond when talked to. When I tell him no, with a firm voice, he just stares at me like he doesn’t know what I trying to say.
-He doesn’t say words, but babbles a lot to himself. Up until about a month ago, he would yell ‘Ahhhhh’ really loud for 5-10 seconds at time (occasionally changing the pitch).
-He loves playing with water, but curls his legs into himself if we try to set him down on the grass.
-He just started crawling couple of weeks ago, and he has no desire to stand/walk.
His pediatrician is having us go in for a hearing test, but brushed off my concern of sensory issues stating that he was too young. That he doesn’t worry about sensory issues until years down the road.
Thank you for your time!
Cari
In my experience, sensory issues can absolutely be present this young and often are. They typically don’t develop out of nowhere. I know it can be tricky hearing conflicting advice and you can look into free early intervention services if you live in the states. Click here to find out more about that. Also, it might be helpful to learn more about his sensory needs. I have a free workshop that might be helpful to you, so that you can start helping him at home.
Cari, you have some very good questions and observations and I am sorry your pediatrician “brushed off” your concern. 13 months is not too early to find support for your concerns!! I am an Occupational Therapist and work with children aged birth to 3 years old. I work in Early Intervention. There is no cost to have your child evaluated for Early Intervention here in the U.S. at this age for any of these concerns. I do not know if this is a more serious set of problems or not, but an OT can give you some strategies to help and suggestions for play ideas, things you can do with him right in your home. A hearing test is a very good suggestion, but I also recommend you repeat your question about sensory issues and his lack of a few words at this point. There is help if he needs it!!