Sensory integration disorder is a neurological condition that arises when the brain is unable to properly process sensory information received from the body. The brain processes input from our senses—such as sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch, and movement—and allows us to respond appropriately to our environment based on this information. When there is a disruption in this process, various problems related to behavior, development, and learning can be observed in children. This process is known as "sensory integration."


CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS

Sensory Integration Disorder is usually noticed in early childhood. Children naturally learn to adapt to environmental stimuli and develop motor skills through everyday experiences. However, in some children, this process does not proceed in a healthy way. In such cases, the child may struggle to respond to sensory stimuli from the environment in an appropriate, automatic, and organized manner.

These difficulties can sometimes manifest through primitive responses like “fight, flight, or freeze.” Such reactions are often excessive and inappropriate for the situation.

The disorder can manifest in three different ways:

1. The brain is unable to receive sensory messages at all.

2. The messages are received but cannot be integrated properly with other sensory inputs.

3. The messages arrive regularly, but the brain cannot organize and interpret them effectively.

As a result, the child may experience challenges related to motor skills, language development, and emotional regulation.

MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS

• Extreme sensitivity to touch, sound, light, or movement

• Inadequate response to sensory stimuli

• Distractibility

• Social and emotional difficulties

• Hyperactivity or, conversely, very low activity level

• Clumsiness and carelessness

• Difficulty with self-regulation

• Trouble transitioning between activities (e.g., difficulty switching from one game to another)

• Inability to calm down

• Poor self-esteem

• Delayed speech and motor development

• Academic underachievement

SYMPTOMS BY AGE GROUP

0–6 Months

• Resistance to being held

• Discomfort with touch

• Difficulty sucking and feeding

• Lack of eye contact

• Sensitivity to light

• Crying when moved

• Disinterest in toys

• Sleep disturbances

• Strong reaction to diaper changes or bathing

• Lack of oral exploration of toys

6–12 Months

• Difficulty swallowing and chewing

• Resistance to new foods

• Gagging and vomiting

• No discomfort with dirty diapers

• Easily overstimulated by surroundings

• Inability to tolerate changes

• Low muscle tone, physical developmental delay

• Delays in sitting and movement

2–4 Years

• Dislikes hugs, sensitive to touch

• Overreaction to situations like haircutting or face washing

• Short attention span

• Avoids playgrounds and dislikes swinging or bouncing

• Balance problems, frequent falling

• Sensitivity to certain foods

• Tendency to chew hard objects

• Delayed responses

• Difficulty with fine motor skills (e.g., holding a pencil, using a spoon)

• Trouble dressing and undressing

School-Age Children

General Symptoms

• Difficulty focusing and learning

• Issues with handwriting and manual tasks

• Avoidance of physical activities

• Inability to sit upright due to weak muscles

• Tendency to walk on tiptoes

• Shyness in social settings

• Lack of self-confidence

• Difficulty integrating into group activities

• Balance issues and quick fatigue

SYMPTOMS FOR CHILDREN AGED 2–17, BY AGE GROUP

Ages 2–4

• Dislikes hugging, touch sensitivity

• Overreaction to haircuts, nail trimming, face washing

• Difficulty focusing in messy play environments

• Avoids playgrounds, dislikes swinging or jumping

• Walking into things, frequent falls and clumsiness

• Avoids certain foods or desires to chew non-food items

• Delayed responses when name is called

• Trouble using objects like pencils or spoons

• Clumsiness in daily tasks like dressing

Ages 5–7 (School Entry Age)

• Trouble concentrating

• Difficulty learning new information

• Poor handwriting and drawing skills; either presses too hard or writes too faintly

• Avoids games or group activities

• Slouching when sitting, posture problems

• Shyness in social situations

• Tendency to walk on tiptoes

• Lack of confidence, trouble expressing oneself

Ages 8–12 (Primary to Middle School)

• Fluctuating academic performance

• Difficulty participating in groups

• Trouble making friends, introversion

• Struggles with complex tasks (both physical and mental)

• Slow fine motor skills; avoids writing, cutting, pasting

• Either overly active or extremely low energy

• Difficulty calming down, quick emotional outbursts

• Poor body awareness: balance issues, tires easily

Ages 13–17 (Adolescence)

• Difficulty organizing and planning daily tasks

• Avoids physical activities like sports or PE

• Postural issues, fatigue due to weak muscles

• Feelings of loneliness or withdrawal from social environments

• Noticeable problems with handwriting, illegibility

• Anger management issues

• Low self-esteem and negative self-perception