Some senses may be over-sensitive, and some may be under-sensitive. Not all traits will apply to a person. For example, someone who is over-sensitive to touch may only fit half the bullet points listed. This is normal, and it is still worth getting an evaluation.
Punishing a child with SPD will not magically make them sit still, eat chili without crying, stop finger flicking, et cetera—but it will cause a lot of stress and make them stop trusting you.
Most autistic people have SPD. Autistic people tend to experience passionate interests, confusion in social situations, repetitive movements, and disorganization. Sensory seeking could look similar to hyperactive type ADHD, and sensory sensitivity could look like inattentive type ADHD. (People with ADHD may also have SPD. ) Visual under-sensitivity could be mistaken for dyslexia or other disabilities that impact reading and learning. Auditory under-sensitivity could be mistaken for being hard of hearing.
Expect to fill out a questionnaire about sensory responses. If a child is being evaluated, a parent/guardian will be given a form to answer about the child, and the child will be given one to fill themselves if they are old enough.
Prefers dim lighting Sensitive to bright lights: squints, covers eyes, rubs eyes, gets a headache Can’t handle bright screens in a dark room; may want to turn on a light or dim the screen Eyes get sore after reading or watching TV Avoids eye contact because it is distracting
Covers ears, cries, or runs away when confronted with loud noise Fearful of loud noises (vacuums, hairdryers, sports cars, motorcycles, hand dryers in public bathrooms, etc. ) Distracted by background noise Asks people to be quiet often Hates/avoids loud events: movie theaters, concerts, school assemblies. Dislikes noisy people and areas (cafeterias, busy streets, etc. )
Very picky eater (often averse to strong textures, temperatures, or flavors) Prefers bland foods; dislikes foods that are too spicy, sour, sweet, and/or salty Hates licking envelopes, stamps, or stickers; will ask someone else to do it Only likes certain brands of toothpaste or mouthwash; may use flavors “for kids” into adulthood Afraid of the dentist
Reacts very strongly to odors like cigarette smoke, cut grass, and other things that people don’t notice as much Comments on people’s smells (“You smell like mouthwash/Were you eating salsa?”) Bothered by perfumes or colognes Avoids certain buildings because they smell bad Bothered by cooking smells
Dislikes cuddling, hugging, or being held “Wipes off” wet kisses Sensitive to pain and injury Distressed by sock seams[2] X Research source , brushing hair (may be picky about brushes), dirt on the skin, raindrops, shower water, rough bed sheets, cutting hair/fingernails/toenails, or being barefoot Extremely ticklish Picky eater, hates when different foods touch each other, may avoid hot/cold food, anxious about trying new foods [3] X Research source Cuts tags off clothes, can’t handle certain cloth textures
Dislikes theme park rides, sports, walking on uneven terrain, and other activities involving lots of movement Afraid of elevators, escalators, and heights As a child, physically clings to a trusted person Hates getting tipped backwards or upside down Startles if someone else moves them (such as pushing in their chair) Clumsy, poor balance
Stares at lights, or even the sun May be misdiagnosed with dyslexia: has a hard time telling similar-looking letters and images apart, reverses words when copying (such as copying “no” as “on”) Writes at a slant, and has a hard time with size and spacing Loses place while reading or writing Struggles with puzzles and understanding spatial relationships Clumsy due to difficulty understanding exactly where things are
Doesn’t seem to hear when someone starts talking to them Loves loud noise (music, TV) Noisy, and enjoys the sound Oblivious to some sounds, doesn’t know where some sounds are coming from Asks people to repeat what they said Did not babble much as a baby
Chews on pencils, fingernails, hair, or other objects (may have learned to substitute this with chewing gum) Loves strong flavor; piles on spices and condiments Likes vibrating toothbrushes, and may even enjoy visiting the dentist
Doesn’t notice bad smells, such as garbage, gasoline, or a gas leak Eats or drinks expired/poisonous things, because they never noticed the bad odor Enjoys strong smells
Does not notice when gently touched Enjoys “getting their hands dirty” and messy play Hurts themselves (hitting, biting, pinching) As a child, does not realize that hitting/violence hurts other people May not notice dirty hands, runny nose, an insect on their skin, etc. Not bothered by injuries or getting shots
Thrill seeker: loves theme park rides, doing stunts, and other activities involving fast or sudden movement Runs, skips, jumps instead of walking Likes to spin, jump, climb, go upside down Shakes leg, rocks back and forth, doesn’t sit still
