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Sensory Red Flags for Child Development

The document lists 21 sensory red flags that may indicate sensory processing issues in children. It notes that no single red flag should be used for diagnosis and that many could be caused by other issues. However, seeing multiple red flags, especially those in blue, may suggest sensory processing differences. The document encourages parents to use the list to understand their child's behaviors better and to contact an occupational therapist for further evaluation if needed.

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Tânia Dias
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61 views1 page

Sensory Red Flags for Child Development

The document lists 21 sensory red flags that may indicate sensory processing issues in children. It notes that no single red flag should be used for diagnosis and that many could be caused by other issues. However, seeing multiple red flags, especially those in blue, may suggest sensory processing differences. The document encourages parents to use the list to understand their child's behaviors better and to contact an occupational therapist for further evaluation if needed.

Uploaded by

Tânia Dias
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

 

 
21 Sensory Red Flags 
 
 
 
Please use this list as a guide, NOT a diagnostic tool. While the list below does include some of the most 
overlooked and popular sensory red flags, it should not be used to determine if your child has any 
particular diagnosis. Instead, I encourage you to use this checklist to start to understand why your child 
may be displaying some of these behaviors that can often be confusing!  
 
Keep in mind that the majority of these red flags could be indicative of other behavioral or physical 
challenges. You can feel more confident that sensory is a factor for your child IF you see a pattern of 
multiple behaviors or red flags in this list. However, all the red flags highlighted in blue tend to almost 
solely be a result of a child’s sensory processing. 
 
❏ 1​. ​Avoids movement​ – (swinging, climbing, or any fast movements) 
❏ 2. ​Gagging at the immediate sight, taste, and smell of foods  
❏ 3. ​Frequently walking on toes​ – (several reasons kids do this, most common is sensory) 
❏ 4. ​Clumsy​ – (a variety of reasons of clumsiness, consider this sensory if you see other red   
flags in this list) 
❏ 5. ​Hides at parties or avoids them  
❏ 6. ​Prefers tight clothing  
❏ 7. ​Wild child​– (extremely active, climbs, jumps, runs with no fear of getting hurt)  
❏ 8. ​Strong preference for bright, fast paced TV shows  
❏ 9. ​Bites toys or people when unprovoked  
❏ 10. ​Frequently doesn’t seem to notice when being talked to or needs directions repeated 
❏ 11.​Has a meltdown in the store. Every. Time.​ – (may be sensitive to fluorescent lights or   
sound in these environments) 
❏ 12. ​Never seems to get dizzy​ ​– (strong indicator of sensory processing differences) 
❏ 13. ​Slouches all the time and seems sort of floppy​ – (poor core strength) 
❏ 14. ​Freaks out when laid on back for diaper changes or washing hair​ – (may seem scared) 
❏ 15. ​Won’t walk barefoot outside  
❏ 16. ​Particular about clothes​ – (refuses or seems uncomfortable wearing some types) 
❏ 17. ​Has to have everything a certain way​ – (commonly associated with other challenges too) 
❏ 18. ​Pushes people and objects all the time  
❏ 19. ​Leans up against the washer or stereo speakers  
❏ 20. ​Squeezes in tight spots​ ​– (under or behind furniture)  
❏ 21. ​Frequently​ ​has a hard time transitioning in between activities  
 
If you feel you need more help for your child’s sensory processing, contact your child’s doctor or seek out 
an evaluation on your own from an occupational therapist (available in state early intervention programs 
for children under 3 or 5, private clinics, children’s hospitals, and possibly your school district). 

Alisha Grogan MOT, OTR/L [Link]

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