Sue Larkey Podcast

Sometimes you need to be a detective to recognise sensory difficulties as the underlying cause of a problem. If possible see an Occupational Therapist as they are great at assessing the child’s sensory processing.

Here is a list that may help you identify children’s underlying sensory difficulties:

  1. Extra sensitive to touch – they don’t like to be touched or can’t be touched enough.
  2. Sensitivity to sounds – they may cover their ears when the same noises don’t bother others.
  3. Picky eaters – they will only eat a limited range of foods and those they are familiar with.
  4. Movement – unusual body posture, seek constant movement or have difficulty with movement.
  5. Hyperactivity – they can’t sit still during the day or get to sleep at night, or calm themselves down.
  6. Fear of crowds – crowded areas bothers them to the point of frequent public meltdowns.
  7. Poor fine or gross motor skills – they have difficulty with handwriting or kicking a ball.
  8. Excessive risk taking – they may be unaware of touch or pain or heights or danger.
  9. Avoidance of sensory stimulation – they won’t put their hands in anything messy such as glue clay or mud. They only wear certain clothes.
  10. Trouble with balance – they may be accident-prone or fall more often than others and have a preference for sedentary activities.
  11. Easily distracted – particularly by noise, movement, and touch.

If you want to read the more in depth blog post on this area please visit the link below.

https://ettzfc6ocef.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Sue-Larkey-Sensory-Processing-Disorder.pdf