How to recognize symptoms of sensory disorders in a child?

Sensory disorders are an increasingly common problem that can make it difficult for a child to function in their daily lives and affect their emotional, social, and cognitive development. Children with sensory processing disorders may have difficulty receiving stimuli from their environment, which manifests itself through unusual reactions to touch, sounds, smells, movement, or light. Below are the most common symptoms of sensory disorders and tips on what to look out for and how to support your child.

What are sensory disorders?

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a difficulty in properly receiving, processing, and responding to sensory stimuli from the environment or from within the body. Children with SPD may be oversensitive (hypersensitive) or undersensitive (hyposensitive) to various stimuli, which affects their behavior and ability to adapt to everyday situations.

Symptoms of sensory disorders

Symptoms of sensory disorders can vary and depend on which senses are affected and whether the child is over- or under-responsive to stimuli.

1. Sensory hypersensitivity

A child who is hypersensitive to stimuli may react very strongly to ordinary sensations that most people do not have a problem with. They may avoid certain stimuli and be extremely sensitive to their environment.

Typical symptoms of sensory hypersensitivity:

• Touch : the child avoids touch, e.g. does not like cuddling, being carried in the arms, avoids certain materials and textures, may feel discomfort when putting on clothes.
• Sounds : the baby is easily startled, does not like loud sounds, covers ears in noisy environments, avoids places with a lot of noise.
• Light : your child may be extremely sensitive to bright light, squinting often, and avoiding sunny places or lighted rooms.
• Taste and smell : the child has a strong aversion to certain tastes or smells, may be picky when eating, rejecting foods with intense smells.
• Movement : may avoid games that require movement, such as swinging, spinning, running – is afraid of sudden movements or changes in body position.

2. Sensory hyposensitivity

A child who is undersensitive to stimuli often seeks out more intense sensory experiences because standard stimuli are not stimulating enough for them.

Typical symptoms of sensory hyposensitivity:

• Touch : the child likes intense touch, often touches objects, seeks stronger stimuli, e.g. likes biting, squeezing, may have difficulty feeling pain.
• Sounds : your baby seems indifferent to loud noises, does not respond to his or her name, or is inattentive to sounds in the environment.
• Light : the child intensively seeks visual stimuli, e.g. is fascinated by flashing lights, looks at light sources.
• Taste and smell : your baby likes strong tasting foods, may bite objects, put things in his mouth to get additional taste sensations.
• Movement : the child seeks intense movement, e.g. likes to spin, jump, run, has difficulty sitting in one place, is constantly in motion.

3. Proprioception disorders (deep sensation)

Proprioception is the sense responsible for deep sensation, or feeling the position of one's own body in space. Children with proprioception disorders have difficulty with motor coordination and appropriately feeling their body.

Typical symptoms of proprioception disorders:

• The child has difficulties with motor coordination, e.g. often falls, stumbles, has problems maintaining balance.
• Likes intense tactile sensations, e.g. strong hugging, pressing on the body, wrestling.
• The child has difficulty making precise movements, e.g. fastening buttons, drawing, using school supplies.

4. Vestibular disorders (balance and movement)

The vestibular system is responsible for balance and orientation in space. Disturbances in this system can cause difficulty maintaining balance and responding to head and body movements.

Typical symptoms of vestibular disorders:

• The child is afraid of swings and slides, and avoids activities that require rocking or turning.
• Has problems with balance, is clumsy in movements, stumbles or loses balance.
• Seeks intense vestibular experiences, e.g. likes to turn, spin, and climb high.

When should you consult a therapist?

If you notice the above symptoms in your child and they persist for a longer period of time, it is worth considering consulting an occupational therapist specializing in sensory integration. Early diagnosis and therapy can help your child function better in everyday life and develop harmoniously.

Signs that it is worth making an appointment:

• The child’s behaviour negatively affects his/her functioning in kindergarten, school or home.
• The child avoids or excessively seeks out specific stimuli in a way that disrupts daily life.
• The toddler has difficulty adapting to new situations, places and surroundings.
• Sensory problems affect a child's relationships with others or his or her self-esteem.

How to support a child with sensory disorders?

Supporting a child with sensory issues requires patience, understanding, and consistency. Here are some methods that can help:

1. Adjust the environment – ​​Avoid stimuli that overstimulate the child, such as too bright lights or loud noises. Create a quiet place where the little one can rest and calm down.

2. Use sensory integration techniques – If your child is using sensory therapy, the therapist may recommend specific exercises to do at home. These may include movement activities, proprioceptive exercises, or tactile stimulation techniques.

3. Establish routine and predictability – Children with sensory issues often function better in a predictable environment. A consistent routine gives them a sense of security.

4. Use relaxation techniques – Calming techniques such as breathing exercises, massage, or relaxing music can help your child calm down and regulate their emotions.

5. Use appropriate sensory aids – There are various tools that can help children process stimuli, such as weighted vests, rubber balls