Humans are not born with the ability to fully process all of their senses–at least, not in the same way that adults do. Instead, sensory processing develops over time, as the brain grows and matures. While the vast majority of this development occurs between the ages of 2-12, it’s something parents can see the beginning stages of in both infants and toddlers. These very young ages are also when parents may be able to see the first signs of sensory processing issues that may be present.

Parents are encouraged to stay watchful for any early signs of sensory processing issues. Early recognition and diagnosis can lead to timely interventions, improving the comfort, development, and contentment of your child. Therapies, treatments, and changes around the home can help you and your child adjust to the sensory processing issues they experience. Unfortunately, early detection is sometimes challenging, as sensory processing issues can sometimes present as symptoms that are often attributed to picky eating, overactive behavior, and other personality “quirks.”

Sensory processing issues do not always require significant medical intervention. Sometimes simply providing a more hospital and understanding home life can make all the difference needed. But there are cases in which professional help may be better able to help your child find relief from their symptoms. As a parent, knowing the early signs of sensory processing issues can help you better understand what’s happening with your child and what to do about it.

What Are Sensory Processing Issues?

All sensory experiences are processed by the brain. Everything you hear, feel by touch, smell, or see must be interpreted cognitively in order for you to make sense of it. This is true at any age! However, not all brains process stimuli in the same way. 

Sensory processing issues (sometimes referred to as a sensory processing disorder, although this is not recognized as a valid medical diagnosis) occur when the brain experiences challenges in or diverges from the typical ways of interpreting sensory information. These issues can present in a wide variety of different ways. In some cases, sensory processing issues impact only one of the five senses; in other cases, multiple senses may be affected.

In general, sensory processing issues will present in one of two primary ways:

• Hypersensitivities: Being hypersensitive means that small things cause big reactions. For example, a gentle touch could cause pain and discomfort or typical illumination levels may cause eye strain and pain. Those with hypersensitivities will typically attempt to avoid sensory experiences. For example, toddlers may run away when it’s time to get dressed because the sensation of the clothing causes significant discomfort.

• Hyposensitivities: Those with hyposensitivities are not as sensitive to sensory inputs as is typical. This could result in diminished acknowledgement of touch, unawareness of one’s own body, and even a lower awareness of pain. Those with hyposensitivities will often seek out sensory experiences. In babies and toddlers, this may present in surprising and alarming ways, such as episodes of self-harm.

The causes of sensory processing issues are not well understood. In some cases, there may be genetic components; in other cases, life experience may play a role (and, often, it may be a combination of the two). However, it’s important to point out that some brains are just different! And that’s okay! It does not necessarily mean your child is broken or in some way deficient. It does, however, mean that your child may require extra help navigating a world designed almost exclusively for neurotypical individuals.

What Signs Should I Watch for in My Kids?

Because these skills and abilities begin developing in early ages, the first signs of sensory processing issues often present when children are babies and toddlers. It may take a professional to identify sensory processing issues in your child, but parents can be on the lookout for some of the classic early signs of a problem. Some of the most common include the following:

• Sudden mood swings: Toddlers are not famous for being able to control their emotions. But most of that volatility tends to have distinct causes (even if those causes are not necessarily rational to adults). If your toddler or baby experiences sudden, seemingly random mood swings, a sensory processing disorder may be at work.

• The appearance of being clumsy: Most children experience an amount of clumsiness as they learn how their arms and legs work! But if your toddler appears extra clumsy, this may be due to hyposensitivity or other sensory processing issues.

• Avoiding bright lights: Children with sensory processing issues often find light particularly troubling. If you notice your toddler or baby looking away from light sources, shielding their eyes, squinting, or crying when the lights are on, this may suggest a sensory processing issue.

• Avoiding loud noises: Auditory hypersensitivity is also a common form of sensory processing issue. Infants may react to everyday sounds as though they are painfully loud, crying when they occur. Toddlers may avoid toys that make noise or watch cartoons with the volume turned down.

• A dislike of getting messy: Most kids don’t mind getting a little messy. Not every instance of resistance to messes is due to a sensory processing issue, but when considered with other symptoms, this may indicate some hypersensitivity is at work.

• Sensory seeking behavior: A child or infant that engages in sensory-seeking behavior, such as head banging, picking at skin, rubbing eyes, eating too quickly, or generally seeming bored can often be a strong indication of a sensory process issue.

• Sensory avoiding behavior: This can include crying when touched, wiggling out of being held, growing rigid or stiff when encountering stimuli they don’t like, or just running away from things they don’t like. These behaviors often strongly indicate a sensory processing issue of some kind.

• Other unusual behaviors: Every child is unique, and they will all behave in their own ways. But sometimes unusual behaviors can indicate a sensory processing issue of some kind, especially if other symptoms are present.

Sensory processing issues can sometimes indicate the presence of autism or other types of neurodivergence. But this is not always the case, and there are many sensory processing issues that may not necessarily be related to autism or neurodivergence. It’s important to talk to your child’s pediatrician at a child check up appointment, or whenever the issues arise, about their symptoms to get a full view of any issues that may be occurring.

How Sensory Processing Issues Can Affect Development

When sensory processing issues are not identified, they can have significant impacts on social, emotional, and educational development. For example, children who do not receive appropriate support can sometimes find it exceptionally challenging to build social skills and make new friends. For others, self regulation can become especially challenging, especially for those children who exhibit sensory-seeking behavior.

Providing children with a supportive environment can help minimize negative impacts that sensory processing issues may create over the course of their lives.

How to Create a Sensory Friendly Environment at Home

As parents, it’s important to recognize that your child may not be comfortable in the same sensory environment you’re used to. Here are some relatively easy ways you can make your home a little more sensory friendly for children with sensory processing issues:

• Use soft and dim lighting: Many children who are hypersensitive may experience discomfort and pain caused by typical levels of light in a home. You can make your home more comfortable by favoring soft, dim light in areas where your child is.

• Designate quiet areas of your house (or quiet times): These quiet areas and quiet times can help your child recharge from the overstimulation experienced throughout the day. When these quiet areas are reliably enforced, they can provide your child with a welcome respite.

• Fill your home with calming colors: Avoid overly bright and glaring colors. Choose colors that are, instead, calming and soothing.

• Create areas where your child can explore sensory stimulation: These areas can exist indoors or outdoors. The idea is giving your child a place to explore a variety of sensory experiences. (This is particularly good for children who are hyposensitive.)

• Make sure your child has easy access to comforting items: These include favorite comfort items (such as stuffed animals), fidget toys or items that help them stim, and more. 

This list is not exhaustive. Parents and children can work together to develop creative ways to make their homes more sensory friendly throughout. In fact, it’s important to involve your child in the planning of accommodations, where possible. For example, if your child has a hard time sitting in a chair, ask if soft pillows and bean bags might help. If your child needs more stimulation, ask what kind of sensory experiences they’d like to explore.

The best approach will depend significantly on your child and what their sensory needs are. So make sure you talk to them and involve them in as many aspects of creating a sensory-friendly space as you can.

When to Seek Professional Help

Not every sensory processing issue will require seeking professional help. But parents may reach a point where they don’t know how to guide or provide comfort for their child. If you have not been able to provide relief to your child or your child seems like they are not adjusting to a more sensory-friendly environment, it might be time to seek out some professional help. This can include a wide variety of options, including specialized therapy, occupational therapy, and other treatment options.

If you have concerns about your child’s sensory processing health, talk to your child’s pediatrician during their next wellness visit, or make an appointment today. Children’s Healthcare Associates patients can make appointments at our Northbrook or Chicago offices now!