Parents often ask for a list of common sensory symptoms to see if they can be related to their child’s behaviors and difficulties. This is a list I created for children starting with infancy (yes, 1-2 months of age included!) and ending around the 4-5 year old age range. This is not an “all inclusive” or definitive list, but it should surely send you on your way to explore the possibility that your child may have sensory processing difficulties. If a group of these symptoms stand out to you, or if even one symptom stands out strongly to you, I recommend taking this list to your pediatrician and talking to him or her about your concerns. You can also contact a local occupational therapist who has additional sensory training and ask them questions, to see if a full evaluation would be warranted. I will continue this list of symptoms next week to include all school-aged children (kindergarten and up). By tuning in to this podcast, you will get more detailed information and explanations of symptoms in this age range!

SENSORY INTEGRATION CHECKLIST PATTERNS TO OBSERVE

ALL CHILDREN EXHIBIT SOME OF THE FOLLOWING BEHAVIORS AT TIMES, IT IS IMPORTANT TO SEPARATE THE OCCASIONAL FROM THE PERSISTENT BEHAVIORS AND NOT WORRY ABOUT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT, WHICH COULD BE TOTALLY INSIGNIFICANT FOR THE CHILD AS A WHOLE.

IN INFANCY:

  • Trouble with nursing and sucking or digesting
  • Resistance to cuddling and body contact
  • Cries with car rides or needs excessive movement to calm or fall asleep
  • Excessive crying and irritability
  • Lack of response to sounds; excessive response to sounds
  • Trouble following movements with eyes
  • Absence of creeping or crawling
  • Delay in sitting, standing or walking
  • Delay in learning to talk

IN PRE-SCHOOL YEARS:

  • Inability to follow directions
  • Impulsive and uncontrolled behavior
  • Can’t sit still in circle time
  • Constant fidgeting, shifting body weight or lying on the floor vs. sitting upright
  • Poor sense of rhythm; uneven walk
  • Fear of swings and slides, or excessive craving for this type of intense movement
  • Plays rough with others; heavy hands vs. gentle hands with people or toys
  • Frequent falls and tendency to bump into things
  • Purposeless hyperactivity
  • Unusual quietness and inactivity
  • Excessive craving for sweets
  • Poor eating habits
  • Constant interruption and persistent talking
  • Excessive repetition in speaking
  • Tendency to be fearless, climbing counters and large playground equipment with no concern for safety

Please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions related to the above symptoms. Our office staff would be happy to assist you in determining the need for an occupational therapy evaluation.

Pediatric Potentials, Inc.

407-322-3962

www.pediatricpotentials.com

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