How to recognize your child's sensory needs
How to recognize your child's sensory needs
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Common Signs
Crying
Terror
Overwhelm
Hiding
Escaping to a "safe" space
Stress
Anxiety
Self-stimulation
Covering eyes or ears
Meltdowns (more than a regular tantrum)
Wild and dangerous behavior
Extreme high or low energy
Ignoring
Inattention
Refusing to or unable to talk/respond
Aggression
The child often knows what they need so, listen to what they are saying, read their body language and movements. If your child is having a meltdown and they are closing their eyes tightly, maybe the lights are too bright. If your child is crying and covering their ears, maybe there is too much noise. Signs can be different for each child and understanding your child's signs will help you to help them manage their sensory needs. Dysregulation often looks like your child is "just being bad", but it is important to remember that this isn't the case and they just need some help to get their senses straightened out.
Sensory Overload Experience
This video is a peak into what it feels like to have sensory overload. Try opening this video, counting to 5, then open it again in another tab, count to 5 and open it in another. Keep going. In reality, the sounds don't end like they do in the video rather they overlap and keep going. This is what it is like to have a true sensory overload experience.
Common ways we get sensory input
Common ways we get sensory input
We get our sensory input from a lot of common places. These include many things that, to most of us, are just in the background. Lights, people, clothing, machines, temperature, and food are just a few of the things that provide us with sensory input in our everyday lives. Often times we don't notice these things but someone with sensory modulation difficulties will. When helping your child manage their sensory input, be aware of the normal, because to them the normal may be what is actually the problem. Some examples that may have caused your child to become dysregulated include:
The room is too loud
The lights are very bright and they are making a buzzing sound
They need to move but can't
There is a tag on the back of their shirt
Important
No child is the same and each situation is different. A solution that worked for someone else, or even for your child the last time they became dysregulated, might not work for you. As you take the time to learn about the sensory systems and your child, you'll be able to better help them to manage their sensory needs.
When going to the store for the first time, your child covers their ears and has a meltdown. The next time you go, you bring earmuffs and are able to complete the task. After this, you go to another store and use the earmuffs again, but your child still has a meltdown while closing their eyes tight. Next time you bring the earmuffs and sunglasses to help. - There is no instant and permanent fix so be prepared to use multiple techniques to help your child.
Sensory "Red Flags" Checklist
A pattern of these indicators could show sensory challenges. This is in no way a diagnostic list but just a guide to help you help your child. This list also shows what sense is may be the culprit.
Avoids movement (swinging, climbing, or any fast movement) - Vestibular
Never gets dizzy - Vestibular
Gagging at the immediate sight, taste, and smell of foods - Gustatory
Frequently walking on toes - Proprioceptive
Clumsy - Proprioceptive
Always moving - Proprioceptive
Hides from social participation or avoids it - Auditory
Prefers tight clothing - Tactile
Strong preference for bright, fast-paced videos - Visual
Bites toys or people - Tactile/Proprioceptive
Frequently doesn't seem to notice when being talked to - Auditory
Has meltdowns often - All
Poor posture or seems "floppy" - Proprioceptive
Doesn't like being on their back or leaning back - Vestibular
Won't walk barefoot outside - Tactile
Particular about their clothing - Tactile
Has to have everything in their own certain way - All
Squeezes in tight spaces - Proprioceptive
Difficulty transitioning between activities - All
Pushes people or objects often - Proprioceptive
If you are unsure if your child has sensory modulation difficulty here is a helpful screening that can give you an idea of actions that puts your child at risk. This is not a diagnostic instrument rather a guide to seek further assistance. While the M-CHAT-R/F is listed as an Autism screening, it can also aid in recognizing sensory needs.
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