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.
Thank you for sharing this insightful post! I had no idea that sensory symptoms could manifest in such subtle ways. The examples you provided really resonated with me, and I’m definitely going to pay closer attention to my child’s behavior. It’s so important to understand these signs for better support.
My daughter (5 y/o) recently developed an aversion to soft furniture. She prefers hard surfaces. She won’t sit on the couch, she sits on stools at the dinner table and even prefers to fall asleep on the floor. We generally accommodate her but would love to know the best way to get her comfortable on softer surfaces, especially her bed.
Thank you!
Hi Sandy,
It sounds like a tactile issue, or that she doesn’t like feeling enveloped by the soft furniture, which could be a result from low tone or core strength making it difficult to get up from this position. I’d start on the tactile side of things first and go from there!
Best,
Laura
Your Kid’s Table team member
Hello. My 10 month old crosses her index and middle finger often, also presses her fingertips together often. She examines toys and scratches fabric. She pulls her hands away from me when I try to hold her hand. She waves her hand in front of her face and studies her fingers often. She does not clap or wave (though I think tries sometimes). She does have great eye contact, responds to her name most of the time, smiles and laughs with us, sleeps and eats well. Wondering if this sounds like SPD or ASD?
Hi LaShea,
At 10 months, a lot of these behaviors can be typical, the key is if they are repetitive and continuous past stages when they are considered typical. It definitely sounds like some sensory things are going on. Have you chatted with your pediatrician? She would qualify for early intervention services at her age which can be helpful in determining if anything bigger is going on. You can request this from your pediatrician.
Best,
Laura
Your Kid’s Table team member
I love this blog! I have a 2 year old and I’m always on the lookout for ways to help him be more sensory aware. This post is great!
Thanks for reading and the positive feedback!
Best,
Laura
Your Kid’s Table team member
Hello. I’m trying to conduct some research wherein my 2 yo granddaughter who absolutely loves me. I’m her world when I walk through the door. Immediately she starts crying real tears, grabs her blanket and runs right to me to hold her and won’t leave my side during my entire visit. My daughter believes she may be autistic. Would this be part of that? Trying to understand the crying anytime I see her.
Hi Terri,
It is incredibly common for 2-year-olds and other toddlers to demonstrate preference for certain caregivers. It is developmentally appropriate at this age. Getting an autism diagnosis is a much more involved process where someone has to meet a range of criteria from a neurodevelopmental standpoint. Unless there are other concerns, this sounds appropriate, but certainly reach out to her healthcare provider with concerns and they can help with a referral.
Best,
Laura
Your Kid’s Table team member
My lil boy who recently turned 1 doesn’t like touching things. He literally won’t touch any toys, for, anything that we try put on his hands. He just keeps his fingers on his mouth. His been like that since about 4 months old. I know he’s teething but not sure if it’s only for that reason. He’s also easy behing his motor skills. Still not sitting unasisted,bsrely rolling over ect. Doesn’t seem to t have much interest in ppl in general or anything around him.
Hi Gosia,
There is enough going on here that I’d ask your pediatrician for a referral to a developmental evaluation. Depending on where you’re located, he should easily get a referral to occupational therapy. We do have some ideas for toddler activities, but I’d start with a pediatrician referral to OT if you can!
Best,
Laura
Your Kid’s Table team member
Those shots, I’m furious that we have been programmed into such lies that our children need these shots from their first breath on!
No they nobly don’t need them since they are loaded with the most toxic soup you can imagine- heavy metals, etc. our children are beautiful healthy beings when we receive them, give them breast milk
And use your instincts God gave you to take of them and you would be amazed how happy & wonderful they develope. Shots take away and damage. Stop letting them get shot up and trust God,
Hi.my three year old walks on his toes most often,is afraid of swings.doesnt like most fruits and desserts.loves chips zlot.
Hi Lache, It sounds like your son would benefit from sensory integration work. Have you taken our free sensory course yet?
Hi. My baby is 8 months old. Since he was born he doesn’t play, touch anything except his own hands .. He won’t hold a toy or anything else that we put in his hands. He’s not rolling either. Wondering could this be sensory related or somthing else.? I’ve never seen anything like this
Hi Gosia, this may be sensory related, but it sounds to me more like a developmental/motor red flag. Does he visually track you or objects around the room? Does he seem interested in his environment despite not engaging with his hands? I’m not sure where you live but are early intervention services available to you? If so, it wouldn’t hurt to seek an evaluation because they could get a better understanding about what is going on.
Best,
Laura
Your Kid’s Table team member
Hi
My 5 year old son is afraid of mess. So as your post mention does not like much art such as painting, except his mums nails 🙂
It’s also with food he eats not a wide or mixed foods so more sausages ready cut, fruit, milk, rice crackers. So no spaghetti meatballs always with fork or just handle with hands, although has a fine motor skill delay and chooses food with his skill set.
He is seeing OT for fine motor skill delays however any thoughts or experiences would be helpful to hear.
Hi. My son is 2yr 4months. When he started walking he was walking normally. Few months back he started walking on his toe. He likes to touch rough surfaces with his nails. Response to his name some times. Pay good attention when we teach him anything or playing and reading books. He ask his older brother what we teach him ( example what is this?, what color is this?). Eating drinking we don’t have any problem. Sleeps through out the night too. Likes to go out to play/ walking.
Does he has any sensory issue?
Hi Ayaz! Here is a blog post that goes over more signs of sensory issues! Hope this helps!
Best,
Kalyn
My 18 month old meets all milestones but is not consistent with name responding. She’ll come or look if she isn’t busy. I’ve been keeping track and she responds about 5 times a day. She is verbal and points to choose water or milk. She’ll point to items in a book but not so much to share interest ( this only has happened a few times in the past 3 days. However she walks on her tio toes not all the time and rubs or pats other babies heads when saying hello. She does know how to save and give high fives. Should I be concerned about autism or is this typical behavior? Thanks
Hi Gina! It’s hard to say, since she’s so young and certain behaviors could be just her being a toddler. However, if you feel concerned, you should definitely consult your pediatrician, who can then test for autism. The walking around on her toes and wanting to rub/pat things does sound sensory related, though! And even if your child has sensory sensitivities, that doesn’t mean she has autism. Hope that helps 🙂
Best,
Kalyn
My 17 month grandson has started this and I’m not sure how to handle it nor do his parents. He has gotten in ‘grumpy’ moods and if I or anyone looks at him he will whine and say ‘i don’t want you’. This isn’t necessarily because he tired, I can be facetiming with him and out of the clear blue he will say ‘i don’t want you’ and push the phone away. Any thoughts on this behavior?
Also, what are your thoughts on making a child stand in the corner vs just making them sit down for a time out? ty
Hey Sandra,
I would try to look for clues to see if he’s overwhelmed or needing more sensory input, so he can’t manage to stand/sit still while talking with you or others! He could need his own space as he’s overwhelmed or need to move, from a sensory standpoint!
Hope that helps!
Desiree
I think it’s very important to adjust your phrasing and possibly mindset here. I’m hearing a lot of, “this is broken and needs to be fixed” however, especially considering the Sensory factor of the Meyers Briggs test or (HSP) Highly Sensitive Personalities a lot of people are just born with heightened sensory processing. And that’s ok. In fact, it can honestly be a superpower if you’re open to it.
Hello,
My son is two years old and seems to have some sensory issues regarding his hands. He does not like getting his hands dirty and will cry until they are clean, he is very meticulous if he finds hair on his hands or any other surface (we have a dog and a cat), and will also grab stuff with his knuckles instead of his fingers and palms. I’m really kind of concerned and would love to get some input. Thank you in advance.
Hi Lauren! Thanks for reaching out! Definitely sounds like he is sensory sensitive. Try using sensory bins to help him become more comfortable with different textures. Here is a list of ideas!
Best,
Kalyn
My newly 7 year old doesn’t like tags, seams on his socks, buttons on his shirts or jean/buttons on pants. He’s very sensitive to when people change their tone even and can get offended easily. He absolutely HATES bullies, there always seems to be bullying incidents I’m dealing with. He doesn’t like his teacher because she “yells too much”. He always thinks I don’t love him (mostly when I am correcting his bad behaviour). He doesn’t like to pay attention to “long talks” explaining what he did/should have done. He doesn’t want to play hockey any more cause the players are too good and “rough”. He has HORRIBLE melt downs.There have also been other contributing factors like we moved to a new city 5/6 months ago, have been very isolated, I’ve been going through mountains of stress and for almost a year before we moved 1/2 months into our move I as being controlled by a narcissist that convinced me her VERY strict parenting was the way everyone should parent. Finally my eyes were opened by a family member to realize how crazy she was and how hard it has been on my son. So there is that also. Not seeing our friends we say almost daily etc. He has also always beenVERY intuitive with other people and their feeling and emotions etc.. asks very in depth questions and he very in depth thoughts… could he have sensitivity sensory? Or could this be stress etc from the move? Because he’s fine at birthday parties and around kids and movies and swimming etc.
You need to ask a professional in person, not someone online who can’t observe you or your son.
Hi Amanda! Thanks for reaching out and sharing some of your journey! Your son sounds like he is a very sweet kid! So sorry to hear about all the past stress and trauma both you and your son have endured. All of those life changes can definitely impact a child. That being said, some of it may be sensory related, and some of it may not. Him not liking tags, seams, buttons, etc. is definitely sensory related! If youre interested in learning more about sensory, check out our free sensory workshop- save your seat here!
Best,
Kalyn
I believe your son is highly sensitive and you may benefit from reading Dr. Elaine Aron’s books on highly sensitive children. Hope this helps!
My son is one years old. He has to climb and be as close as he can to the televsion (but is very capable of watching it from a distance). He also looks for it in reflections (like our windows, or picture frame).
Some of the toys he has emits bright colored lights while it talks/sing and he ALWAYS puts his eyes directly against it. It’s concerning as I hope it’s not going to damage his eyes. But, I’m wondering if this is similar to the sensory symptom/red flag you listed related to lights. Any suggestions on what more stimulation I can provide?
Hey Erin, Thanks for reaching out! Sounds like you son is visually seeking! I’d try to use bright colors in the environment, fidget spinners, lots of visuals, glow in dark objects. These can help give him the input he’s seeking!
If you want to learn more about sensory, you can save a seat in our free workshop here: yourkidstable.com/workshop
Hi, I look after a girl nearly 3 years old. With me, a gem! Couldn’t ask for a better behaved child. Sometimes get over excited or repeats words. Used to bite people/herself and toys but not any more. Used to tell me she was scared when climbing at the park but again, this has lessened.
However, with her family completely different, screams a lot, struggled to sleep or do things that she can easily do with me but not with her family.. like holding hands while walking, goes to bed, eats lunch, swimming lessons etc.
the other day whilst with the family they did a new game, she was super excited to play but then all of a sudden screamed and bit the toy. I haven’t seen this for a long time. And doesn’t do this with me. Very good communications skills and physical skills.
I’m wondering if this a sensory thing or just an environmental thing?
Hi Kels! Thanks for reaching out! It’s hard to say. It could be either an environmental thing, a sensory thing, or a combination of both. If she tends to struggle more in big groups of people, it could be a sensory thing- her being overstimulated or triggered by the loud/busy environment, especially if she is sensory sensitive. You can find more info here!
Best,
Kalyn
My son is 10 and was told at 2 years old he has processing disorder as he walks on his toes and can’t stand the smell of certain foods and won’t touch fruit. At 6 he was still walking on his toes and the pediatrician kept to the same. Any advise his 10 now
Hi Marzelle! Thanks for reaching out! We have a free sensory workshop that can help provide more tips and info for your sensory child! Also, here’s another blog post about sensory processing!
Best,
Kalyn
Hi there. I have a two year old son who never seems hungry. I’ll put food in front of him and it will sit there. For the past year he would mostly eat puree. He would occasionally eat a few bites of a chicken nugget or Mac and cheese but never enough for a meal. We are still giving toddler formula to supplement because he has issues gaining weight. Since he turned two he will no longer eat the occasional things he use to and doesn’t like us to feed him puree any longer. He mostly wants a few chips then appears to be done eating. I will try cutting back on toddler formula but that never seems to help fuel his hunger. When I read about sensory issues he does have a few signs like doesn’t like dirty hands, seems to favor crunchies. Every now and then he’ll surprise me and eat half of a grilled cheese or eat something new at daycare. I’d love to hear any thoughts. Thanks so much, Tiffany
Hi Tiffany! Thanks for reaching out! Definitely consult with your pediatrician, due to his age and weight loss. Your doctor can potentially refer you to a feeding therapist that can offer some hands on help. In the meantime, try using some sensory bins and oral motor exercises to help with the sensory sensitivities and oral muscles that work to chew/swallow. With food, the main thing will be to keep offering without any force or pressure. Also, when serving him a meal, try including 1-2 of his go-to foods on the plate, this will help entice him to try the other foods plated and make him feel more comfortable. For more in-depth tips, definitely check out our free picky eating workshop— save your seat here!
Best,
Kalyn
Hi
My one year old hates everything! Lights, loud noises, water, sand, grass, swings etc.
I really don’t know what to do or where to go with this.
Hi Kiera! Thanks for reaching out! Your child may benefit from sensory activities to help with all these sensitivities! For additional help, check out our free sensory workshop— save your seat here.
Best,
Kalyn