Recognizing Early Signs of Sensory Processing Challenges - post

Child care providers often see children in moments of #growth, exploration, and challenge. Sometimes, a child’s behavior may hint at more than just a mood or a #developmental spurt — it could reflect #early signs of sensory processing challenges. Understanding these signs can help caregivers respond with #empathy and effective strategies, creating a more supportive environment for all children.

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What Is Sensory Processing?

Sensory processing is how the nervous system receives, organizes, and responds to input from the senses — such as touch, movement, sound, taste, and more. When a child has #sensory processing challenges, their brain may struggle to interpret and respond to sensory information in typical ways.

This doesn’t always mean a diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), but it can impact a child’s behavior, learning, and self-regulation.

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Why Early Recognition Matters

Identifying signs of sensory processing challenges early is important because:

• It helps you tailor your caregiving strategies to support the child’s needs.

• It may prevent small difficulties from turning into bigger behavioral or emotional challenges.

• It allows you to partner with families to make referrals to specialists if needed.

• It promotes a more inclusive, calm, and effective learning environment for all children.

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Common Early Signs to Watch For

Here are some early indicators that a child might be experiencing sensory processing challenges. Not every child will show all of these — and showing a few doesn’t always mean a child has a disorder — but these are important behaviors to notice.

1. Over- or Under-Reactivity to Touch

• Flinches, pushes away, or avoids touch (even gentle hugs)

• Seeks deep pressure — e.g., presses hard into furniture or people

• Has difficulty tolerating certain textures (clothes, food, #play materials)

2. Unusual Responses to Movement

• Overly dislikes being lifted, spun, or swung

• Seeks constant motion — running, jumping, climbing excessively

• Becomes nauseous or dizzy more easily than other children

3. Auditory Sensitivity

• Covers ears or becomes very upset at common sounds (vacuum, hand dryer, loud talk)

• Easily distracted or overwhelmed by background noise

• May not respond to verbal cues when there is noise

4. Visual Sensitivity

• Squints, covers eyes, or avoids brightly lit areas

• Reacts to visual clutter or rapid movement in the room

• Prefers dim or “quiet” visual input

5. Oral Sensitivity or Seeking

• Avoids certain food textures (crunchy, mushy, slimy)

• Drinks or eats excessively just for the sensation (chewing, sucking)

• Puts non-food items in mouth (toys, fabric)

6. Proprioceptive & Vestibular Behavior (“Heavy Work” Seeking)

• Carries or pushes heavy objects constantly

• Leans, bumps into things, or climbs frequently

• Likes jumping, crashing, or being tightly held

7. Self-Regulation Challenges

• Has difficulty calming down after excitement or distress

• Frequent tantrums, meltdowns, or shutdowns

• Struggles with #sleep or transitions (nap time, clean-up, drop-off)

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How These Signs Might Show Up in a Child Care Setting

In a typical day at a child care center or #home-based setting, you might observe:

• A #toddler refusing to join circle time because of the bright lights or music

• A #preschooler who chews on #classroom materials or bites crayons

• A child who bolts off the #playground equipment, always seeking more movement

• A child who flinches or shrinks away when another child offers a high-five

• A child who uses #heavy-work activities (pulling a wagon, pushing toys) before calming down

These behaviors can be clues pointing toward sensory processing differences.

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Responding as a Care Provider

Once you notice possible signs, here are practical strategies to support children:

• Build a sensory-friendly space
  Create quiet corners, use soft lighting, or provide noise-reducing headphones.

• Offer heavy work activities
  Use activities like pushing a loaded wagon, chair push-ups, or crawling to help a child regulate.

• Provide #sensory-play materials
  Use tactile bins (sand, water, kinetic sand), sensory bottles, fidget tools, or soft fabrics. 

• Use predictable routines
  Transitions can be hard for children with sensory sensitivities. Use visual schedules or verbal warnings to help them prepare.

• Communicate with families
  Share observations in a non-judgmental way, describe what you see, and ask questions. Families may already have insights or be working with specialists.

• Seek professional collaboration
  If you see persistent challenges, consider suggesting an evaluation by an occupational therapist.

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Training & Learning More

To deepen your understanding of sensory processing and how it affects children’s behavior, consider taking training through ChildCareEd. For example, the course CDA Infants/Toddlers: Benefits to Observing offers practical strategies for early #educators. 

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Helpful Resources for Providers

Here are some valuable resources from ChildCareEd:

• Calm-Down Kit Checklist — A downloadable PDF to build a kit with sensory calming tools. 

• Seven Key Principles of Self-Regulation for young children - Tips to self regulate for young children 

• DIY Sensory Bottles — Instructions for creating calming bottles filled with glitter, beads, and liquid.