As a parent, you may already feel the weight of deciphering a million different things your child does each day, wondering what’s normal, what’s a phase, and what could be a sign of something more. In my work as an occupational therapist, I’m here to help you peel back the layers on some of these behaviors, particularly when it comes to sensory dysregulation. Because it’s often the seemingly “everyday” behaviors—ones that most would pass off as typical—that can actually indicate sensory dysregulation in children.
When a child’s sensory system is out of sync, managing emotions and behaviors becomes far more challenging for them, and it can affect their daily lives across routines, school, transitions, friendships, play, and beyond. The tricky part is that signs of sensory dysregulation are subtle and easily missed or dismissed. Let’s break down some of these hidden signs to better understand what might be at play.
Why Sensory Regulation Matters
Imagine the sensory world as a finely tuned orchestra, with each instrument representing a different sensory system—sight, sound, touch, taste, and so on. When everything is balanced, they produce a harmonious experience that allows us to go about our day with ease. But when just one instrument is off-tune or too loud, it can throw the entire experience into chaos, creating what we call sensory dysregulation.
For children, who are still developing their sense of the world (through taste, smell, touch, hearing, sight, vestibular senses, proprioceptive senses, and interoception) sensory dysregulation can feel overwhelming. A slight scratchiness in a shirt, an unexpected loud sound, or the smell of lunch in the cafeteria—these can be minor annoyances for some, but for a child with sensory sensitivities, they may be all-consuming. It’s not that they’re acting out for attention or being “difficult”; they’re simply overwhelmed by sensory input they’re struggling to process.
Hidden Signs of Sensory Dysregulation
Some children might react to sensory overload with classic signs like covering their ears, squinting, or crying. But other signs are subtler, hiding in plain sight as behaviors that could easily be brushed off. Here are examples of common “hidden” signs to look out for:
Frequent Meltdowns or Tantrums, Especially During Transitions
Transitions are hard for everyone, but for children with sensory sensitivities, the shift from one activity to another can be especially jarring. A tantrum during these times could mean they’re not just emotionally resistant to the change but are overwhelmed by the sensory experience of transitioning itself. This might happen when moving from indoors to outdoors, switching from school to after-school activities, or even simply transitioning from playtime to dinner.
- Why it happens: Their sensory system is processing a flood of new information, and they need time to recalibrate. When they’re rushed or forced to adapt quickly, it can feel like their senses are spinning out of control.
Refusing to Touch Certain Foods or Textures
Picky eating can be a typical phase, but for some children, it’s about much more than taste preference. A refusal to eat certain textures or handle particular substances, like glue or sand, often signals tactile defensiveness, a sensory sensitivity where certain touch experiences feel uncomfortable, even painful.
- Why it happens: For children with sensory processing issues, certain textures feel wrong or overwhelming. They may find crunchy foods too loud, slimy textures too unpredictable, or fibrous textures too harsh. This isn’t a matter of preference; it’s their body reacting strongly to the sensation.
Inability to Stay Seated or Constantly Fidgeting
We often associate fidgeting or difficulty sitting still with common conditions like ADHD. But, it’s also a hidden sign of sensory dysregulation. When a child’s proprioceptive system (which helps us sense our body’s position) is out of sync, they might fidget, shift, and move frequently because they’re searching for grounding sensations.
- Why it happens: Movement helps them feel their body in space and reorients them to their environment. When sitting, especially for extended periods, they lack that sensory feedback and may appear “wiggly” or unable to sit still.
Aggressive Behaviours Like Hitting, Biting, or Kicking
Aggression can emerge as a response to sensory overwhelm, though it’s often chalked up to “acting out.” In reality, for some children, hitting, biting, or kicking serves as an attempt to communicate their frustration or reclaim a sense of control in an environment that feels chaotic.
- Why it happens: If a child feels bombarded by sensory input, physical actions like hitting or biting provide them with intense sensory feedback, helping them feel grounded in the moment. It’s not about defiance—it’s a sensory coping mechanism.
Chewing on Clothing, Pencils, or Other Objects
Many children exhibit oral sensory seeking, which can look like chewing on anything within reach—clothing, pencils, toys, you name it. This behavior serves a self-soothing function, helping them regulate when they feel anxious or overwhelmed.
- Why it happens: Chewing provides proprioceptive input that’s calming for some children. The pressure and sensation can help them cope with stress or focus in overstimulating environments. It’s not an unusual behavior for children with sensory processing issues, but it’s easily overlooked or misunderstood as a habit.
Lack of Awareness of Surroundings or Constantly Bumping Into Objects or People
If your child seems oblivious to where their body is in space, frequently bumping into furniture or even people, this could signal an issue with their vestibular or proprioceptive systems. These systems work together to help us maintain balance and awareness of our bodies in relation to the environment.
- Why it happens: Children with vestibular or proprioceptive challenges might struggle with spatial awareness, so they may not gauge how close they are to others or objects. This can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, as they might appear clumsy, inattentive, or lacking awareness.
How to Support Your Child Through Sensory Dysregulation
Recognizing these signs is the first step, but what comes next? As an OT, I focus on strategies that empower both parents and children. Here are some ideas to help you address sensory dysregulation at home:
1. Create Predictable Routines
Consistency is incredibly grounding for children experiencing sensory dysregulation. When they know what’s coming next, it reduces the sensory load they have to process during transitions. Develop a predictable daily routine with visuals if necessary, and give your child a heads-up before transitions.
2. Offer a Sensory-Friendly Space
Sometimes, children need a break from sensory input to reset. Design a quiet, comfortable corner or room where they can retreat when things feel overwhelming. Think about adding items that provide soothing sensory input, like a soft blanket, weighted lap pad, noise-canceling headphones, or tactile toys.
3. Explore Movement Breaks
Physical activity can be incredibly beneficial for sensory regulation. Encourage frequent movement breaks throughout the day, whether it’s a few minutes of jumping, stretching, or running around outside. Proprioceptive activities like pushing against a wall or carrying a weighted object can also be very calming.
4. Teach Self-Awareness Skills Early On
Help your child start to identify and recognize their sensory needs and feel empowered to voice them. This is all about interoception or our internal sense! Simple questions like, “Do you need a break?” or “Is it too loud here?” encourage them to tune in to their body’s signals. Gradually, they’ll start learning when they need to step back, self-soothe, or ask for help.
Ultimately, sensory dysregulation isn’t something to “fix” or “cure”; it’s an experience some children have that requires understanding and adaptation. The goal isn’t to erase their sensitivities but to empower them with tools and support to navigate a world that doesn’t always align with their needs. It’s about helping them feel more at ease, more regulated, and more understood in their own skin.
So the next time your child refuses that certain food texture or seems unable to sit still, take a moment to observe. It could be a tiny sign of their sensory system at play, calling for a bit of support and understanding. By tuning in and adjusting accordingly, you’re giving them the invaluable gift of feeling seen, safe, and equipped to thrive in a world full of sensation.
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