Possible Indicators Of Sensory Processing AUDITORY Bothered by ordinary household sounds (vacuum cleaner, toilet flushing) Responds negatively to loud noises (crying, holding hands over ears) Easily distracted by background noises Does not appear to hear what you are saying or respond to name Likes certain sounds repeatedly VISUAL Bothered by bright lights (sun) or florescent lights Difficulty finding objects in competing backgrounds Demonstrates poor eye contact Difficulty catching a ball and copying words from the board Enjoys watching objects move and spin TACTILE Avoids messy play Dislikes standing in line next to others Prefers to touch instead of being touched Dislikes teeth brushing, nail clipping, hair brushing Picky eating (textures) High tolerance for pain VESTIBULAR Wiggles around during seated activities Craves spinning/swinging/rocking Likes being upside down Is afraid of movement Avoids playground equipment Fears having head tilted backward Is afraid to sit on a toilet Experiences car sickness Demonstrates poor balance PROPRIOCEPTIVE Seeks activities such as pushing, pulling, dragging, lifting, and jumping Difficulty grading force exerted (holding pencil too tightly or loose, slamming doors) Bumps or pushes other children Seems unsure of how far to raise or lower body during movement activities Appears to have decreased coordination AROUSAL & ATTENTION Hyperactive and difficult to calm Difficulty modulating emotional response Startles easily Difficult to arouse and does not react to loud sounds, bright lights, etc. Difficulty completing tasks Difficulty transitioning from one task to another OLFACTORY Complains of things “smelling bad” Notices how people smell Reacts violently to smells Smells objects constantly Prefers highly spiced or totally bland foods Chooses very limited repertoire of foods (e.g., prefers smooth vs. textured)
