Connecting for Kids - Awareness: Sensory Red Flags

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Awareness: Sensory Red Flags

Sensory processing Red Flags

The following sensory processing red flags are designed to help families identify some of the most common struggles in children with sensory processing issues. If your child shows one or more of the following red flags, you may want to consult an occupational therapist for further evaluation.

A printable version of the sensory processing red flags is also available in PDF format.

*Red flags content created by Christine Chambers, MEd, OTR/L and Teri LaGuardia, OTR/L.

Children with sensory processing issues often seek out or avoid different types of sensory input:

Some children seek...

Ollie the octopus, shown chewing his shirt colar and holding crunchy snacks

Ollie the octopus, playing with four toys at once that all have lights and sound

Ollie the octopus, holding many different objects with varying textures

Ollie the octopus, hitting one of his tenticles with a play hammer but oblivious to the pain

Some children chew on clothing or seek intense foods.

Others avoid specific food textures or refuse to let utensils touch their mouths.

Some children seek out light, sound and commotion.

Others respond emotionally to bright lights or loud noises.

Some children rush to touch everything in sight.

Others struggle even to tolerate clothing.

Some children seem to feel no pain and seek physical input.

Others feel hurt by the lightest touches.

Some children avoid...

Ollie the octopus, making a yuck face and refusing foods

Ollie the octopus, with noise reducing headphones and sunglasses

Ollie the octopus, looking distressed about a sock and a hat with a tag in it

Ollie the octopus, hiding under a blanket and crying because raindrops are hitting his skin and causing pain

Some children seek in one area AND avoid in another!

Sensory issues can look different...

Zoomer, written in cartoon letters

Crasher, written in cartoon letters

Volcano, written in cartoon letters

Lone wolf, written in cartoon letters

“Zoomers” seem like they never stop moving. They zoom through life and don’t stop until they’re exhausted.

“Crashers” crash into everything. From bumping into people in the grocery line to jumping off the sofa — there’s no surface too hard or too soft.

“Volcanoes” are bombarded by sensory input that builds up inside. Then they erupt and have a meltdown.

“Lone Wolves” stick to the edges of the action — avoiding commotion. They can seem shy or withdrawn.

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