Navigating Sensory Processing Disorder: Recognising Signs and Seeking Support

What is sensory processing disorder?

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition where the brain has difficulty processing and interpreting information received through the senses. This includes sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. SPD can affect all your senses, or just one.

Typically, individuals with SPD may experience hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness) or hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness) to sensory stimuli, or they may have difficulty organising sensory input effectively.

How can we support you?

The EYES (Early Years Engagement Support) team support children and families across the children’s services to help identify concerns with children’s learning and development.

We also assist educators and families in developing strategies and tools to support children at home and in the early learning environment and help families navigate their way around the early intervention system and/or connecting them to the right support pathways.

The EYES program, an initiative of the Y Whittlesea, aims to bridge the gap accessing timely information and guidance for early intervention support.

At the Y, we believe in the power of inspired young people. We want to ensure that all children attending our early learning centres and kindergartens are included and given the opportunities to achieve their best.

Do You Recognise These Behaviours in Your Child?

If your child displays behaviours such as auditory processing difficulties, hypersensitivity to touch, or signs of sensory overload, it may be crucial to seek support. Some common signs include:

Auditory processing:

• Frequently asks others to be quiet or stop talking

• Holds hands over ears

• Easily afraid when loud sounds are heard

• Startles to the sounds of hand dryers and flushing toilets

• Doesn’t like being in loud spaces

• Easily distracted by background noise

• Has difficulty paying attention

• Struggles to listen and look at the same time

• Reading can be challenging

• Becomes upset with the sudden sounds and noises

• Slow to follow instructions

• Struggles to participate in group discussion

• Dislikes sirens, fire alarms or fireworks 

Oral HYPER-sensitive (Gustatory)

• Sensitive to hot and cold foods

• Gags on food textures often

• Doesn’t like the taste of toothpaste

• Prefers bland plain foods without spices and flavour

• Anxious to go to the dentist

• Picky about different brands of foods

• Avoids foods with certain textures

• Picky or selective eater

• Dislikes brushing teeth

• Doesn’t want to try new foods

• Sometimes chokes on food or afraid they will choke

• Has a utensil preference (certain fork or spoon)

• Prefers to eat at home

• Dislikes different textures of food mixed together

• Has difficulty chewing

• Prefers pureed food

HYPER-responsiveness smells (Olfactory)

• Dislikes smells that others don’t notice

• Tells others how bad they smell

• Won’t eat several foods because of their smell

• Does not like the smell of other peoples homes

• Complains over perfume smells

• Pinches nostrils to avoid smelling the environment

• Nauseated by certain scents

• Very sensitive to the smell of what someone is cooking

• Avoids places due to their smell

• Rejects others because of their smell

HYPO-responsiveness (Proprioception)

• Often fidgets

• Always in constant motion

• Falls often and clumsy

• Has a heavy foot and stomps fast

• Jumps on bed and furniture

• Appears to be aggressive

• Frequently grinds teeth

• Pushes or hits other children

• Known to play rough

• Struggles with fine motor skills

• Prefers being wrapped up in heavy blankets

• Bumps and crashes into things

• Walks on toes

• Purposely flops down on the floor

• Poor handwriting skills

• Enjoys tight hugs and being squishes under cushions

Signs of sensory overload

• Anxiety and panic

• Reduced eye contact

• Self harming behaviours

• Increased stimming

• Meltdowns and angry outburst

• Fidgeting and hyperactivity

• Increased chewing objects

• Distracted and difficulty focusing

• Emotionally withdrawn

• Unwilling to participate

• Running away or hiding

• Increased sensitivity to clothing

• Socially withdrawn

• Fast breathing

• Crying and yelling

• Covering ears or eyes

• Muscle tension

• Avoiding places or situations

• Doesn’t want to be touched

• High levels of excitement

HYPER sensitive to touch (tactile defensiveness)

• Difficulty getting hair cuts

• Avoids being touched or sitting too close to others

• Resists wearing shoes, jeans, underwear, or socks

• Doesn’t like nails being cut

• Dislikes taking a shower or a bath

• Gets angry or surprised by unexpected touch

• Dislikes being kissed or hugged

• Avoids messy play

• Refuses to eat different food textures

• Avoids going barefoot in the grass

• Doesn’t like to wash or brush hair

• Extremely ticklish

• Bothered by clothing seams and fabrics

• Gets upset when hands are dirty

HYPER-responsiveness (Visual)

• Covers eyes to bright lights

• Gets headaches from lights

• Squints eyes

• Has poor eye contact

• Likes to play in the dark

• Sensitive to bright colours and lights

• Difficulty adjusting to sudden colour changes

• Doesn’t like fluorescent lights

• Flashing lights hurt their eyes

• Distracted by decorations in a room

• Complains about colourful lighting

• Doesn’t like to be in a brightly lit room

• Prefers dimmer colours to brighter colours

• Uncomfortable around too much clutter

If you recognise these signs in your child, we encourage you to reach out to the EYES team for support. Contact us at 📧eyes@yinclusion.org.au to discuss how we can assist you and your child on your journey.

Interested in similar content? Check out our related articles:

ORAL SENSORY SEEKING: Why is my child still putting things in their mouth?

Embracing Inclusivity: A Closer Look at Our Early Learning Centres