Understanding Your Child’s Sensory Needs: A Guide to Sensory Assessment

Our world is full of sensory experiences. Think of the gentle morning sun, birdsong, and a cozy aroma, or the harsh afternoon sun, blaring traffic, loud pedestrian signals, and that unpleasant mix of sewage and sweat. Every individual, both children and adults, processes these sensory experiences differently from one another, some find it good and others bad. Processing sensory experiences greatly impacts one’s daily routine, social-emotional wellbeing and overall development.

Some children may experience challenges in sensory processing that can impact their daily lives and development if not addressed early. Many parents aren’t aware of these challenges and often misinterpret these signs of sensory processing issues as behavioral challenges. These signs frequently get labeled as stubborn and naughty, and their reactions are seen as just another tantrum. This misunderstanding often leads to delays in getting the right support and sometimes leads to misguided diagnosis.

As a parent, it’s crucial for you to understand how your child processes and responds to these sensory experiences, what occupational therapists call sensory stimuli. A SIPT (Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests) or ASI (Ayres Sensory Integration) certified occupational therapist will be able to gain deeper insight to your child’s sensory profile through a specialized assessment. In this article, we’ll discuss what a child’s sensory needs can be and how they could benefit from occupational therapy sensory assessments to understand their profile, acknowledge challenges and turn these sensory challenges into stepping stones of success.

Understanding Sensory Processing

At its most basic, sensory processing is “how the brain receives, interprets, and reacts to sensory information in your surroundings.” Beyond our five basic senses (sight, smell, touch, hearing, and taste), occupational therapists also consider movement and balance. Depending on how a child processes these senses, some might be over-responsive to certain stimuli, while others might be under-responsive. In occupational therapy, hypersensitivity (being over-responsive) and hyposensitivity (being under-responsive) to sensory input are a result of a child’s neurological threshold of response.

These sensitivities can be linked to behaviors that help manage and cope with the intensity of, or lack of, stimulus. This is called self-regulation. On one side, there’s a passive strategy to sensory stimuli. For example, a child might stay in a place with a lot of bothersome sensory input, feeling uncomfortable and reacting with frustration. On the other side is an active strategy to sensory stimuli, such as a child adjusting their position or moving to a different spot to manage the amount of sensory input they’re receiving.

When we combine these sensory thresholds (hypersensitive and hyposensitive) with self-regulation strategies (passive and active), they form the four patterns of sensory processing recognized by occupational therapists: low registration, sensory seeking, sensory sensitivity, and sensory avoiding. It’s important to note that these are not psychological disorders. However, the way a person processes sensory stimuli significantly affects how they experience the world, consequently impacting their emotions, focus, behavior, and daily routines.

When to Consider Sensory Assessment for Your Child?

As experienced occupational therapists in Singapore, we often encounter parents who have difficulty understanding and navigating their children’s behavior patterns. While occasional tantrums are quite common during childhood, if your child has consistently been displaying challenging signs, it would be prudent to obtain an occupational therapy sensory assessment for better insight into their sensory needs.

1. Low Registration (low engagement to sensory stimuli)
   • does not seem to feel when he/she is hurt
   • needs help to find objects that are obvious to others
   • requires repeated calls for attention
   • does not startle to sudden loud noises
   • does not seem to know hands or face is messy
   • slouches a lot or does not maintain sitting or standing upright
   • loses balance unexpectedly on uneven surfaces
   • seems accident prone (clumsy)

2. Sensory Seeking (excessively looking for sensory stimuli)
   • putting non-food items in their mouth
   • strong preference to certain tastes
   • shows a strong liking to strong scents and odors
   • likes listening to strange noises or makes noises for fun
   • excessive humming, shouting, or singing
   • excessively touches people or objects and textures
   • excessive fidgeting in seat
   • excessive running and climbing
   • very little regard for own safety while climbing
   • appears to enjoy falling

3. Sensory Sensitivity (easily overwhelmed by sensory stimuli)
   • becoming scared by loud noises and/or bright lights
   • sensitivity to scents and/or odours
   • easily distracted by noise in the background
   • becoming scared or distressed during grooming (haircutting, nailcutting, face washing, etc)
   • hesitates stepping up or downs steps or curbs
   • limited preferences in tastes and/or textures of food
   • tends to look away from tasks to look around the room or watches other people walk around the room

4. Sensory Avoiding (avoids sensory stimuli)
   • refusing to hold soft mushy things, or maybe rough textured things, or any new textured things
   • refusing hugs or being held
   • refusing or preferring certain clothing
   • covering of ears even when it’s not that noisy
   • shows emotional or aggressive response to being touched
   • can be very stubborn or uncooperative to activities
   • has definite, predictable fears
   • has strong emotional outburst when unable to complete a task
   • stares intensively at people
   • prefers to interact in groups with others younger than him/her

What Causes Sensory Issues in Kids?

The exact cause of sensory issues has not yet been definitively established or fully understood. While genetics are sometimes seen to play a contributing role, external factors in everyday life can also negatively impact a child’s sensory development. For instance, children who are not exposed to a variety of developmental opportunities may develop sensory processing issues.

Is Your Child an iPad Kid?

Many parents find using an iPad a convenient “babysitter” to keep their kids occupied while they attend to other needs, such as household chores, errands, or Zoom meetings. However, many of these same parents then dread the moment they have to take the gadget away, especially after a child has spent a large portion of the day in front of a digital screen, which can become problematic.

While educational and entertainment programs offer benefits for a child’s brain development, prolonged exposure to screens can have negative effects, particularly when the stimuli involve striking, vibrant colors and loud volume levels. Currently, there isn’t a universally agreed-upon answer to “How much screen time is too much?” Generally, medical professionals advise that children below six years of age should have less than an hour of screen time daily. It’s also recommended that instead of using screen time to keep children busy, parents offer more physically and mentally engaging activities, such as coloring books, play-dough, and learning toys.

What is an Occupational Therapy Sensory Assessment?

Sensory assessments are a series evaluation strategies conducted by an occupational therapist to gain an in-depth view as to how your child processes sensory information. They typically involve:

1. Parent Consultation: The therapist discusses concerns with parents. This often involves a standardized questionnaire that helps the therapist gather specific information such as parent observed signs, behaviors, and preferences of the child.  
2. Observation and Play-Based Assessment: In this stage, the therapist observes the child in different settings, more often during play, to assess their response to a variety of sensory stimuli. 
3. Functional Skill Evaluation: The therapist evaluates how the specific sensory challenges of the child can affect their daily activities, learning, and social interaction skills. 
4. Diagnosis and Treatment: Based on the insights gained from the assessment, the therapist will develop a personalized occupational therapy intervention plan involving both the child and the parents.

Conditions that can be Detected Through Sensory Assessment 

Although not always the case, occupational therapy sensory assessments can help detect conditions. Often, sensory issues may go hand-in-hand with other diagnosed conditions such as:

• Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD): Difficulty interpreting and responding to sensory input.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Often involves sensory sensitivities showing difficulty with social interaction skills and engagement to activities.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Can include but not limited to sensory-seeking behaviors and difficulty with attention and concentration on given activities. 
• Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder): Impacts motor skills and spatial awareness that may affect play and social interaction.
• Learning Difficulties: Sensory challenges may contribute to difficulties in reading, writing, or attention demanding activities.

We know that these diagnoses can be overwhelming and daunting for parents to digest all at once. However, as professionals, we understand that most of these conditions are manageable. We are capable and ready to support both parents and their children on the journey of addressing them through occupational therapy.

Things we can do to Help Kids with Sensory Processing Difficulties

Once a child’s sensory needs have been identified, a sensory profile is made to help develop strategies in supporting the child to cope and thrive. Common strategies are:

• Sensory Integration Therapy: Engages children in structured activities that help them process sensory input more effectively.
• Therapeutic Play: Encourages social and motor skill development through guided play.
• Environmental Modifications: Adjustments at home and school, such as noise-canceling headphones or textured seating, to help children increase attention and engagement to activities.
• Routine Adjustments: Establishing predictable routines to reduce sensory-related anxiety.
• Parental Guidance & Training: Educating parents on strategies and activities to support their child at home.

Intervene Early and Empower Your Child with Occupational Therapy

As professionals, we always encourage parents to come to us as soon as they notice concerns in their child’s behavior. By addressing sensory needs early, children are better equipped to develop important skills that help them navigate school, social settings, and daily activities with greater ease. This also empowers parents to feel more confident in supporting their child’s growth in meaningful ways.

As a trusted early intervention center in Singapore, KidzOTC helps children experiencing sensory processing challenges through sensory assessments, occupational therapy, and parental guidance. If your parental instincts suggest your child may need extra support, contact us right away at +65 68875090. By being proactive, you can ensure your family and your child receive the guidance necessary to thrive in all aspects of life as an independent individual.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and guidance specific to your child’s needs.

Written by: Jonalee P. Sarmiento, OTRP

References:

Dunn, Winnie PhD, OTR, FAOTA. Supporting Children to Participate Successfully in Everyday Life by Using Sensory Processing Knowledge. Infants & Young Children 20(2):p 84-101, April 2007. | DOI: 10.1097/01.IYC.0000264477.05076.5d

Dunn, W. (2014). Sensory Profile 2: Parent report [Questionnaire]. Pearson Assessments

Heffler KF, Acharya B, Subedi K, Bennett DS. Early-Life Digital Media Experiences and Development of Atypical Sensory Processing. JAMA Pediatr. 2024;178(3):266–273. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.5923

Johnson, A. (2022, March 9). Screen time recommendations by age. All About Vision. https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/myopia/screen-time-by-age/

Galiana-Simal, A., Vela-Romero, M., Romero-Vela, V. M., Oliver-Tercero, N., García-Olmo, V., Benito-Castellanos, P. J., … Beato-Fernandez, L. (2020). Sensory processing disorder: Key points of a frequent alteration in neurodevelopmental disorders. Cogent Medicine, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331205X.2020.1736829