Signs of Sensory Integration Problems

The brain is responsible for taking information gained through the senses and appropriately interpreting it. The five basic senses are sight, touch, hearing, taste and smell. The body also senses movement and has a sense of self-awareness. While the senses appear to be independent of each other, they do actually work together. Sometimes, though, they do not properly work together, resulting in sensory integration problems, also sometimes known as sensory processing disorder.

Tactile

• Some children show an amplified reaction to touch. They are bothered by different textures, including their clothes and labels. Some may be bothered by very light touch or by people simply passing closely by, claiming it is painful. Others may slam into things or people with a lot of pressure or frequently fall and seem to not feel pain. They may use an excessively tight grasp when holding utensils. Watch for those who dislike getting messy or can't stand to brush hair or teeth.

Auditory

• Some children with sensory integration problems are sensitive to sounds. Look for those who cover their ears during semiloud noises or complain that it is too loud when it appears to be relatively quiet. Some children also get revved up when they are bothered by noises.

Visual

• Children who are experiencing visual difficulties are those who tend to squint, rub their eyes, blink a lot, cannot make eye contact and do not like certain patterns or lights. They may have difficulty tracking and reading.

Motor Skills

• Look for children who appear to be delayed in their gross and/or fine motor skills. Other motor signs include children whose behavior significantly changes in situations. A child who requires vestibular or balance help may spin around like a tornado or enjoy staying on a swing for a long time. Watch for children who cannot stop moving and those who seem to always be slumped over.

Oral

• Children with oral problems can have sensory processing disorder. They may put everything in their mouths, past the toddler years where it is acceptable to do so. Perhaps they chew on their shirts and pencils or lick objects. They also may drool and have difficulty eating or have problems with speech.

Olfactory

• Some children are extremely sensitive to smells. They may have an aversion to smells that others do not even notice. Those smells can trigger angry outbursts and frustration. Also watch for children who hold their noses a lot.

Behavior

• Children who have sensory integration problems can often be flagged because they seem to have behavioral problems. Take a closer look at the ones who can't sit still or become easily overstimulated when in a group. Others may appear to be excessively lethargic or don't pay attention to what is going on around them. They may seem to get easily frustrated and have angry outbursts. Some are particularly sensitive to following specific routines and seem more anxious than their peers.