Children with learning and behavioral challenges have struggles that can go beyond simply performing well in school and the classroom. If you're a parent of a child who has a learning or behavioral disorder, you may have realized that your child struggles with sensory processing, too. Ever wonder if your child just has a hard time with patience and new experiences, or whether your child actually suffers from sensory processing disorder, which can cause things like serious sensory meltdown and severe interference with daily function?
There are some red flags you can look out for as a parent that indicate your child may have a sensory issue that requires extra attention. Here are 5 of the most common:
1. An unusually low or high pain threshold
Pain thresholds are affected when your child has a sensory processing disorder. This means that your child may scream out and cry in pain if barely touched (if they are hypersensitive), or they don't react at all when getting hurt (if they are hyposensitive).
2. Little understanding of personal space
Children with hyposensitivities tend to constantly touch other people (their friends, you, strangers), even when they've been told it's not appropriate to do so. These children will also touch objects in public and in stores, and are extremely interested in feeling different textures in the world around them.
3. Dislike of new clothing or certain clothing
Kids who are hypersensitive may not be able to stand the feeling of certain clothing on their skin. They may throw a tantrum or have a sensory meltdown when you try to put them in new clothing, or they might need to adjust to new wardrobe items slowly, bit by bit, over time.
4. Constant movement or thrill seeking
It takes a lot for children who are hyposensitive to feel their senses. So they usually move, fidget, and jump around, and they enjoy movement based activities, spinning, chasing, etc. They may also seek thrills that are too dangerous for someone their age (i.e. climbing or jumping off of high surfaces).
5. Aversion to noise or light
Children with sensory processing issues tend to have an aversion to loud noises or bright lights that don't bother other children. Loud noises may be painful. Sensitivity to fluorescents and bright lighting is also common.
If you believe that your child has a sensory processing disorder that interferes with his ability to learn and grow, contact us! For over a decade, we’ve helped over 50,000 individuals improve the critical skills needed to create a brighter path for their future. Our team can help determine why your child struggles, then help equip them to better handle their own challenges, so they can enjoy and thrive in family gatherings, classrooms, social events, and more.
