How to Diagnose Sensory Processing Disorder in Children

Sensory processing disorder, also called sensory integration dysfunction, is a term used in occupational therapy to describe a condition where a child has difficulty with the perception of the physical senses. This includes the traditional five senses of hearing, seeing, smell, taste and touch as well as the senses of movement and position. The following steps will show how to diagnose sensory processing disorder in children.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine the specific type of sensory processing disorder. The three general types are sensory-avoiding, sensory-seeking and motor skills difficulties. Problems with motor skills may be further divided into movement and postural disorders.

• 2

  Identify sensory-avoiding sensory processing disorder by a "fight or flight" response to sensation. These children may withdraw or become aggressive when touched, have a fear of movements or heights, or be very picky eaters.

• 3

  Look for a lack of response to sensation in sensory-seeking children. These children may not have an awareness of pain, participate in unsafe activities or become hyperactive in order to receive more sensation.

• 4

  Observe problems with planning or executing new actions in children with motor difficulties. The development of new motor skills may be difficult and the child may be awkward or clumsy. Specific signs include poor performance in handwriting and sports activities.

• 5

  Examine the psychological aspects of sensory processing disorder. Children with sensory processing disorder may suffer from behavioral problems such as aggression, anxiety and depression that can result in social isolation and low self-esteem. They are at higher risk for educational difficulties and frequently acquire a reputation as a difficult child.