Signs of Sensory Processing Disorder: A Guide for Parents

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) occurs when a child has trouble processing and organising sensory information from the outside world. It can affect daily life and development, so noticing it early matters for diagnosis and intervention. Here are the signs parents should watch for:

1. Sensory Over-Responsiveness

Children with SPD often overreact to stimuli such as touch, sound, light or smell.

• Touch: clothing labels, fabric textures or being touched may bother the child; they may avoid tight clothes or shoes.
• Sound: loud noises such as a vacuum cleaner or siren may cause the child to cover their ears.
• Light and smell: bright or fluorescent lights and certain smells may be avoided.

2. Sensory Under-Responsiveness

Some children respond less to stimuli and need more input, so they may be very active.

• High need for activity: constantly moving, climbing or hitting objects hard.
• High pain threshold: the child may barely react to small injuries or falls.

3. Motor Coordination Problems

SPD can affect both fine motor skills (handwriting, buttoning) and gross motor skills (running, jumping).

• Poor balance and coordination: frequently losing balance, struggling on balance beams or in sports.
• Fine motor issues: difficulty holding a pencil or grasping small objects.

4. Withdrawal or Avoidance

When overstimulated, children with SPD may avoid social settings.

• Avoiding social interaction: becoming restless in crowded, noisy, bright places such as malls or parks.
• Withdrawing: turning inward or reacting very emotionally when overstimulated.

5. Sensory Seeking

Some children constantly seek more sensory experiences.

• Need to spin and jump: strong interest in spinning chairs or trampolines.
• Rough play: preferring physical contact, pushing and pulling.

6. Sensory Avoidance

The child may avoid stimuli to protect themselves from overload.

• Avoidance behaviours: refusing foods of different textures or toys with certain textures.

7. Sleep and Eating Problems

Children with SPD often have trouble falling or staying asleep and may be picky eaters.

• Picky eating: avoiding certain textures or eating a very limited range of foods.
• Sleep problems: difficulty falling asleep or frequent waking due to overstimulation.

8. Behavioural Signs

Processing difficulties can also lead to behavioural problems.

• Irritability: strong emotional reactions even to a light touch.
• Attention problems: difficulty focusing at school or at home, constant movement.

SPD can affect a child's daily life and relationships, so early recognition is very important. If you notice some of these signs, consult a child development specialist, occupational therapist or child psychologist. Early intervention can make a big difference.