My Little Explorer
This was me a few years ago, worried and anxious, wondering what was wrong. I would stare at my daughter and question why everything felt like a battle. If you feel you’re in the same boat and can relate to the same struggle, let me answer your questions regarding what sensory processing difficulty is.
Sara, my eight year old daughter, was a riddle I couldn’t quite figure out. She was always on the go, touching everything he could get his hands on. I was honestly a little overwhelmed and quite perplexed.
Then I began researching symptoms of sensory processing difficulty . My mommy radar sensed something, it raised many questions in my head. I remember asking myself if this is how toddlers behave, or there’s something I am unaware of. Looking back, I wish I had identified toddler sensory processing difficulty symptoms earlier. You’re not alone if you suspect your child could be going through something similar. Let’s explore my journey and what I know now about sensory issues in kids.
Identifying the Early Warning Signs
Sara was an active baby, and a way more energetic toddler. She was always looking for something to occupy her hands with. We are talking about continuous motion. She would constantly be touching everything in sight, and occasionally putting objects in her mouth. I would find her jumping on cushions, whirling in circles till she became lightheaded, and climbing furniture. I would tell myself she is just a super active girl. But I had an inkling that there’s more to this. Research helped answer some of my questions and I had begun to notice the symptoms.
Signs of sensory processing difficulty in toddlers may be either subtle or more obvious and here’s what I observed:
Tactile Sensibility
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- She hated messy hands. Playdough? A nightmare! Sand play? Forget about it.
- Certain fabrics and tags on clothing caused ongoing misery.
- She would respond strongly to unexpected touches.
Vestibular seeking
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- She seemed to be always full of energy.
- From the time she woke up till the time she went to bed, she was continuously moving.
- She wanted to spin, swing, and jump.
- She sought out strong movements.
Proprioceptive seeking
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- Deep pressure appealed to her, tight hugs are still her favourite.
- She seemed to need continual input to know where her body was in space.
- She would regularly crash into furniture or people.
Auditory Sensitivity
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- Strong noises would easily overwhelm her.
- She would occasionally cover his ears in a crowd.
- She could be quite sensitive to some sounds that didn’t bother others.
Beyond Toddlerhood: Understanding Sensory Issues in Kids
The signs of Sara’s sensory processing difficulty persisted as she developed. She still yearned for motion, but now it was more about flipping and climbing trees. She still possessed tactile sensitivity, but now it was more about avoiding particular food textures.
It’s important to understand that sensory processing difficulty is not a one-size-fits-all experience.
The following are some more general indicators of sensory processing impairment that I have learned. More precisely breaking down those sensory processing pathways will help you understand your child’s development.
Over Responsiveness:
What is it?
Over responsiveness is sensitivity to sensory data. Strong reactions of the nervous system even for everyday experiences. It’s like having a sensory alarm system that goes off at the slightest trigger.
Characteristics: Strong emotional or physical reactions can result from even little sensory events. Children may consciously avoid circumstances or objects they know would overwhelm them. Children with SOR may show anxiety, panic, or aggression—a ‘fight or flight’ response, when confronted with sensory overload.
For Example, the sound of a hair dryer makes them uncomfortable. They are averse to some fabrics, they can’t wear certain clothes because of their feel. Having a flash-attack in a packed, noisy environment.
Under-Responsiveness
What is it?
Sensory under-responsiveness is the state in which one has less sensitivity to sensory information. The nervous system needs much more sensory data to be able to register events than it ought to. It’s like having a sensory ‘filter’ that blocks out too much information.
Characteristics:
Children may seem unaware of their environment or their own body. They may not pay attention to discomfort or injury. Their reaction to sensory inputs could be delayed.
For instance, not realizing when their face is unclean. Walking into things without seeming to notice. Showing indifference to strong noises.
Sensory seeking
What is it?
Sometimes known as sensory craving, it is the continual urge for sensory input. The neurological system needs stimulants. It is like having to cover a sensory void.
Characteristics
Sensory seekers fidget, climb, leap, or spin. They require constant movement. They may touch everything they come across. They may bite on objects or place items in their mouths.
For instance, always looking for physical play or rough housing. Spinning in circles until they get lightheaded. Chewing on their clothes or pencils.
Sensory Sensitivity
What is it?
Sensory sensitivity generally leans towards high responsiveness. In a broader context, sensory sensitivity refers to both over- and under-responsiveness. It describes either an enhanced or exceptional sensitivity to sensory input.
Characteristics
They may have a strong liking for specific food textures or flavors. Tags, seams, or some fabrics may irritate them. They find variations in surroundings or practice taxing. Sensory overload causes emotional dysregulation, that is, anxiety, irritability, or meltdowns.
For Example: Only consuming a small range of ‘safe’ foods. Feeling great discomfort wearing socks with seams. Getting somewhat irate when their daily schedule is disturbed.
Understanding these traits will enable you to identify and assist children with sensory processing difficulties.
My Journey into Understanding the World of SPD: Seeking Help and Finding Solutions
I spoke to Sara’s pediatrician when I realized she might have sensory processing difficulties. I looked up sensory processing difficulty resources for toddlers and finally hired an occupational therapist (OT).
The OT was a game changer. She guided me in developing plans to assist Sara and understanding her sensory demands. She recommended sensory diets which involved offering specific sensory stimulation throughout the day. We also discovered sensory tools such as fidget toys and weighted blankets.
These are a few of the techniques that were useful for us:
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- We reduced clutter and noise at home, to create a sensory-friendly environment. We set aside a peaceful area with blankets and comfortable pillows and included sensory bins with varying textures.
- We offered her sensory input, which included wall push-ups and heavy job tasks like pulling a weighted cart. We planned activities which included swinging and trampoline jumping to encourage mobility. We provided weighted vests or close hugs for deep pressure.
- We let her select her clothes and progressively added new textures during playtime to address tactile sensitivities. We generated tactile input with a gentle brush.
- Establishing routines helps lower anxiety by means of predictable behavior. Visual schedules really come in handy. It was very important to prepare her for transitions.
You’re not alone: Finding Hope and Support
If you find this article relatable and you feel your child has the same struggles, know that you are not alone. If you’re in the same boat you need to:
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- Speak with your pediatrician; they can recommend experts.
- See an occupational therapist to evaluate your child’s sensory demands. Work with them to create a treatment plan.
- Connect with other parents. Join support groups and internet communities that offer priceless tools and encouragement.
- Educate yourself on the subject. You need to first understand what sensory processing difficulty is. Then only you will be able to support your child.
Sara is doing great now. She is still an occupied child, but now she has developed control over his sensory requirements. We’ve improved our communication skills and set our house up according to her needs. I must say it has been a daunting journey but the outcome has been worth the efforts we put in.
Remember each child is different. If you have questions, follow your instincts and see a specialist. You can be your child’s guide if you are properly equipped. Their sensory world is just waiting to be understood.