How to Know If Your Child Has Sensory Processing Difficulties Early Signs, Common Behaviours & What You Can Do to Help

How to Know If Your Child Has Sensory Processing Difficulties
Early Signs, Common Behaviours & What You Can Do to Help

For many parents, the signs are there - your child covers their ears at the sound of the vacuum, refuses certain clothes, struggles with brushing their teeth, or melts down in what seems like a "normal" environment. You may be wondering, is this just sensitivity... or is it something more?

Understanding sensory processing difficulties can be life-changing. When a child's brain struggles to receive and respond to sensory information in a typical way, it can affect everything from emotional regulation to daily routines - especially in children and teens who are autistic, have ADHD, anxiety, or no formal diagnosis at all.

If you've ever asked yourself, "Why is everyday life so hard for my child?" - this blog is for you.

💡 What Are Sensory Processing Difficulties?

Sensory processing difficulties happen when the brain has trouble making sense of information coming in from the senses - touch, sound, sight, smell, taste, movement, and body awareness. For some, this means feeling too much; for others, too little.

It's not just about being "fussy." It's about survival, safety, and comfort in a world that often feels too loud, too bright, too fast, or too unpredictable.

👀 Common Signs in Children and Teens

Every child is different - but here are some signs that might indicate sensory challenges:

🧒 In Younger Children (2-10)

Covers ears at loud or unexpected sounds

Melts down during teeth brushing, hair washing, or nail cutting

Avoids messy play, sand, grass, or certain clothing textures

Constantly chews on clothing, toys, or fingers

Has extreme reactions to smells or food textures

Spins, crashes, climbs, or needs constant movement

Finds transitions (leaving the house, getting dressed) very hard

👧 In Preteens, Teens (10+)

Overwhelmed in busy or noisy places (like school corridors or shopping centres)

Sensitive to specific clothing fabrics or tags

Finds grooming routines (showering, deodorant, teeth brushing) distressing

Appears "lazy" or avoids tasks that involve too much sensory input

May withdraw, shut down, or lash out in high-stimulation environments

Struggles with sleep or constantly seeks sensory input (fidgeting, chewing, bouncing legs)

🧭 What You Can Do Next

If these signs feel familiar, you're not alone - and it's not your fault.

Many children with sensory processing challenges go undiagnosed for years. But with the right strategies, tools, and support, life can get easier for both you and your child.

Here's what you can do:

Trust your instincts. You know your child best - keep a log of behaviours and triggers.

Speak to a GP or school SENCO. You don't need a diagnosis to get support.

Connect with an Occupational Therapist (OT). They specialise in sensory processing.

Use sensory-friendly tools. From chewable oral supports to desensitisation brushes, small tools can create big change.

🧴 Real-Life Tools That Help

At Sensory Shine, we're parents too and we know how hard daily routines can be when sensory challenges stand in the way. That's why we offer gentle, sensory-friendly tools designed to reduce overwhelm and build confidence.

Explore some of our most popular solutions:

U-Shaped Electric Toothbrushes - designed for comfort, with interchangeable heads to meet different sensory needs

Nano Brushes - soft, compact, and ideal for neurodivergent children, teens, and adults who find regular brushes overwhelming

📚 More Support You'll Love

Looking for more insight and support? Check out these related blog posts:

Meltdown or Tantrum? Understanding the Difference Can Change Everything

5 Morning Struggles Neurodivergent Children Face, and Simple Solutions That Actually Work

When Everyday Moments Feel Too Big: Supporting Your Autistic Child Through Sensory Overload

💬 You're Not Alone

Sensory processing difficulties are real - and they deserve understanding, not judgment. Whether your child has a diagnosis or not, recognising the signs is the first step toward helping them feel safe, seen, and supported.

If you're ready to learn more, browse our range of sensory-friendly solutions designed with parents, children, and professionals in mind.

👉 Explore Our Tools Now
Let's nurture confidence - one sense at a time.