Warning Signs

The following examples are some of the indicators of sensory integrative dyfunction and a developmental delay. This is a shortened, general list and not all indicators are provided. For more information contact Amy at Children's Therapy Works, Inc. for more information.

Sensory Integration

• Overly sensitive to touch
• Avoids touch
• High or low activity level
• Coordination difficulties
• Behavior problems
• Lack of eye contact
• Does not turn head towards light or sounds
• Dislike of food textures
• Becomes upset with loud or unexpected sounds
• Dislikes bright light
• Difficulty focusing with visual clutter
• Dislikes strong smells
• Becomes sick easily in cars or rides
• Seems oblivious to pain
• Risk taker, unaware of safety hazards
• Exert too much pressure with touch or when writing/coloring
• Dislikes brushing teeth
• Rubs away kisses or places that have been touched
• Dislikes hair brushing
• Dislikes cutting finger and toe nails
• Short attention span
• Difficulty concentrating

Developmental

Up to one year:

• Poor head control
• Lack of eye contact
• Does not play with rattles
• Does not roll over or difficulty with rolling
• Does not reach towards objects and faces
• Does not sit independently
• Does not pick up finger foods
• Does not crawl on hands and knees
• Does not babble

Up to two years:

• Does not walk independently
• Does not say three to five words
• Does not drink from sippy cup
• Does not point to named body parts

Up to five years:

• Does not sing phrases of songs
• Does not play group games
• Does not dress independently
• Does not toilet independently
• Does not eat with utensils

More than 10 years:

• Fatigues with writing
• Slow to complete tasks
• Difficulty with complex tasks
• Frustration or anxiety with complex tasks
• Requires assistance with activities of daily living
• Noticeable cognitive difficulties
• Difficulty writing down homework assignments
• Unable to complete sit ups without compensating
• Unable to complete push ups without compensating