Signs Your Child May Have Sensory Processing Disorder

What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) occurs when the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information from the senses. Children with SPD may be oversensitive to stimulation, undersensitive, or may crave specific types of input.

The 7 Warning Signs

1. Extreme sensitivity to soundsYour child covers their ears at everyday sounds like a vacuum cleaner, hand dryer, or crowded places.

2. Refuses certain food texturesBeyond typical picky eating — your child gags at specific textures and has a very limited range of acceptable foods.

3. Avoids messy playRefuses to touch sand, finger paints, playdough, or wet grass. Strong aversion to anything on their hands.

4. Seeks constant movementSpins, crashes into things, seeks pressure, can't sit still — these are signs of sensory-seeking behaviour.

5. Extremely sensitive to touchMeltdowns over clothing tags, certain fabrics, or light touch. Prefers tight hugs over gentle ones.

6. Avoids crowds and busy environmentsBecomes distressed in supermarkets, parties, or school hallways. Needs time to decompress after busy outings.

7. Poor body awarenessTrips often, difficulty judging how much force to use (holds pencil too hard, hugs too tight), awkward movement.

What Should I Do?

If your child shows several of these signs, an occupational therapy evaluation is the right next step. Dr. Prasoon Gupta specialises in sensory processing assessment and can create a personalised sensory diet and therapy plan for your child.

Early intervention makes a significant difference. The brain is most malleable in the early years — the sooner therapy begins, the better the outcomes.