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Sensory

Sensory integration refers to the ability to receive input through all of the senses – taste, smell, auditory, visual, touch, movement and body position and the ability to process this sensory information into automatic and appropriate adaptive responses.

Problem signs if a child’s responses are exaggerated, extreme and do not seem typical for the child’s age, consider this a red flag.


Auditory
  • Responds negatively to unexpected or loud noises
  • Is distracted or has trouble functioning if there is a lot of background noise
  • Enjoys strange noises/seeks to make noise for noise sake
  • Seems to be in his/her own world

Visual

  • Children over 3 – trouble staying between the lines when coloring
  • Avoids eye contact
  • Squinting or looking out of the corner of the eye
  • Staring at bright, flashing objects

Taste/Smell

  • Avoids certain tastes/smells that are typically part of a child’s diet
  • Chew/licks non-food objects
  • Gags easily
  • Picky eater, especially regarding textures

Movement and Body Position

  • Continually seeks out all kinds of movement activities (being whirled by adult, playground equipment, moving toys, spinning, rocking)
  • Becomes anxious or distressed when feet leave ground
  • Poor endurance – tires easily; seems to have weak muscles
  • Avoids climbing, jumping, uneven ground or roughhousing
  • Moves stiffly or walks on toes; clumsy or awkward, falls frequently
  • Does not enjoy a variety of playground equipment
  • Enjoys exaggerated positions for long periods (e.g. lies head-upside-down off sofa)

Touch

  • Becomes upset during grooming (hair cutting, face washing)
  • Has difficulty standing in line or close to other people; or stands too close, always touching others
  • Is sensitive to certain fabrics
  • Fails to notice when face or hands are messy or wet
  • Cannot tolerate hair washing, hair cutting, nail clipping, teeth brushing
  • Craves lots of touch: heavy pressure, long-sleeved clothing, hats and certain textures

Activity Level

  • Always on the go; difficulty paying attention
  • Very inactive, under-responsive

Emotional/Social

  • Needs more protection from “life“ than other children
  • Has difficulty with changes in routine
  • Is stubborn or uncooperative; gets frustrated easily
  • Has difficulty making friends
  • Has difficulty understanding body language or facial expressions
  • Does not feel positive about own accomplishments

If there are concerns, advise parent to contact Children’s Therapy & Family Resource Centre at 371-4100.