You’ve noticed. The quirks. The unique traits in your kid’s behavior that make you pause. Crayon colors are arranged meticulously. The refusal to touch doughy play clay. The overwhelm at noisy birthday parties. Do these signs point towards something more than just individual preferences? Do they indicate sensory issues? That’s what we’re here to help you figure out. And hey, we’ve got a sensory issue quiz lined up further ahead to aid in this discovery. Hang on tight!
Table of Contents
Decoding Sensory Issues
Firstly, let’s define what we mean by ‘sensory issues.’ It’s a broad term referencing how an individual perceives and responds to sensory information—touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound. For example, kids with sensory issues might be over-responsive, feeling things more intensely, or under-responsive, seeming indifferent and distant to sensory experiences.
Spotting the Signs
Sensory sensitivities are a spectrum, and we all have quirks. So, let’s delve into some common signs to look for if you suspect your kid might have sensory issues. Here’s a list to assist your understanding:
- Sensory seeking: Kids might seek sensory experiences, such as ignoring personal space, touching everything, or even chewing on things.
- Sensory sensitivity: It can be manifested through discomfort with bright lights, loud noises, or even the tags on their shirts.
- Sensory avoidance: These children might feel overwhelmed and would try to avoid sensory experiences like refusing to participate in messy play or reluctance to be touched.
- Sensory underresponsiveness: Some kids might appear to be “out of it,” showing slow or incomplete responses to sensory inputs.
Subsequently, if your child shows these signs, it might be beneficial to seek help from a skilled pediatric therapist.
Read more: What are the Signs of Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory Issues and Neurodiversity
Sensory issues often overlap with conditions like Autism, ADHD, and others, making neurodivergent kids more likely to face these challenges. That is to say, understanding your child’s uniqueness and providing the right support can make a difference.
Strategies to Try at Home
While professional help is invaluable, there are several strategies that you could incorporate at home. Firstly, creating a sensory-friendly environment that caters to your child’s specific needs can be beneficial. Secondly, encouraging activities that are soothing for them can be helpful. For instance, some children may find deep pressure soothing, while others could benefit from specific types of movements like swinging or spinning.
Read more: The 2023 Parent’s Guide to Sensory Friendly Clothing for Kids
Goally | Apps That Build Behavior & Life Skills for Kids
Want to keep your child motivated while building essential behavior and life skills? Goally’s skill-building tablet is designed to celebrate small wins and help your child grow.
Our Behavior Tracker helps you reward your kiddo for specific skills, like “being kind” or “flushing the toilet.”
By setting clear expectations and rewarding their efforts, you foster a positive environment for your child to flourish in their behavioral skills journey.
Your child’s sensory quirks might leave you puzzled. However, these could very well be their personal ‘superpowers,’ and understanding them can help you guide your child towards thriving in their unique way. In the vast world of parenthood, you’re not alone—we’re here for you. Remember, each child is unique, and what works for one might not work for another.
Hennah is an experienced writer and researcher, helping children with autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions. As a blog contributor for Goally, she combines her deep understanding of neurodiversity with practical advice, offering valuable insights to parents and educators.
