Most people explore the world with a variety of system-based senses which include the five basic ones (sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste), in addition to interoception (sensing pain, thirst, hunger, and temperature), the vestibular system, and the proprioception system (which help us balance, move around, and understand our body’s orientation in space). While using our senses comes naturally to many, for others with sensory processing difficulties, it can be more challenging. Parents who learn to recognize early signs of issues with sensory processing in infants and toddlers can adjust their parental responses and seek professional assistance to help support healthy development in their children.
What Is Sensory Processing?
Sensory processing is a neurological process that enables a person to receive, interpret, and respond to environmental information.
Sensory processing issues occur when an individual’s brain struggles to adequately organize and respond to information coming in from the senses. Sensory issues are often referred to as sensory processing disorder (SPD), but it’s important to note that SPD is not an officially recognized disorder.
When this neurological system struggles, it can result in either:
- Hypersensitivity – Over-responsivity to sensory input
- Hyposensitivity – Under-responsivity to sensory input
Each of a child’s eight sensory systems develops at a different pace, so the sensory-related behaviors that are considered normal or abnormal correspond with a child’s various developmental processes and milestones.
Sensory processing issues are most commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) because they are a common symptom of ASD. However, sensory issues are also commonly found in children with obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other types of developmental issues. Sometimes, sensory processing issues occur on their own, with no additional diagnosis.
Early Signs of Sensory Processing Issues in Infants and Toddlers
Sensory processing issues can be present in infants, and they are most commonly noticed as a result of infants becoming fussy, agitated, or distressed as a result of loud noises, bright lights, scratchy clothing labels, or being around lots of people. They can also be detected when an infant doesn’t respond properly to temperature changes (warm water) or a pain stimulus (getting bumped). Infants with sensory issues often struggle with low muscle tone, in addition to feeding and sleep issues.
Most often, parents first recognize signs of potential sensory processing issues in their children during the toddler years. While children often exhibit different signs of sensory processing issues depending on whether they are hypersensitive or hyposensitive, some children experience both types.
Signs of Hypersensitvity
These toddlers and infants are highly reactive to sensory stimulation, so they often find it overwhelming and avoid it to feel better balanced and soothed.
- Screaming when they get wet
- Having tantrums when you try to dress them
- Refuse to wear clothing because it’s uncomfortable
- Unusually low pain threshold
- Inability to tolerate loud noises and bright lights (screaming or entering fight or flight mode)
- Easily distracted by background noises that others don’t notice
- Fearful or avoidant of touch
- Fearful or avoidant of playground equipment
- Clumsy or often bump into things
- Have difficulty sensing the amount of force they use
Signs of Hyposensitivity
These toddlers and infants have low sensitivity, which results in them seeking more sensory stimulation to feel better balanced and soothed.
- Like being tossed in the air
- Seeking water
- Putting inedible things into their mouths
- Constantly touching people or different textures
- Fidgety and can’t be still
- Enjoy rough play (fast spinning, jumping, crashing, and bouncing)
- Unusually high pain tolerance
- Enjoy enthusiastic touch (like bear hugs)
- Clumsy and often bump into things
- Do not understand their strength
Simple Home Strategies for Sensory Processing Issues
At home, parents can help their children find a balance between learning to challenge (and train) their sensory processing systems and learning how to soothe their nervous systems.
Parents can provide infants with calming sensory input with skin-to-skin contact, swaddling, tummy time, gentle movement, and tight cuddles.
Parents can help support toddlers by allowing them to safely engage in stimulating activities like jumping on a trampoline, pushing or pulling a wagon filled with heavy items, playing with tactile materials in sensory bins, and eating crunchy snacks.
Parents can help soothe their children by offering noise-canceling headphones, minimizing visual clutter, and using visual tools (like clocks and timers) to assist with transitions. A calm, quiet, and cozy sensory corner at home offers a child a place where they can retreat and feel safe.
When to Seek a Sensory Processing Evaluation for an Infant or Toddler
When parents notice any potential signs of sensory processing issues in their infant or toddler, we encourage them to seek a professional evaluation with a pediatrician as soon as possible. Our pediatricians can evaluate your infant with respect to their developmental stage and provide you with actionable recommendations to practice at home to help encourage the development of your child’s sensory integration. Additionally, we can help you determine if and when professional treatment with an occupational therapist will be beneficial to your child’s healthy development.
If you have any questions or concerns about sensory processing in infants and toddlers, please contact Children’s Wellness Center today.
