Sensory Integration Dysfunction

Symptoms of Sensory Integration Dysfunction

Auditory
• Responds negatively to unexpected or loud noises
• Holds hands over ears
• Cannot walk with background noise
• Seems oblivious within an active environment

Visual
• Prefers to be in the dark
• Hesitates going up and down steps
• Avoids bright lights
• Stares intensely at people or objects
• Avoids eye contact

Taste/Smell
• Avoids certain tastes/smells that are typically part of children's diets
• Routinely smells nonfood objects
• Seeks out certain tastes or smells
• Does not seem to smell strong odors

Body Position
• Continually seeks out all kinds of movement activities
• Hangs on other people, furniture, objects, even in familiar situations
• Seems to have weak muscles, tires easily, has poor endurance
• Walks on toes

Movement
• Becomes anxious or distressed when feet leave the ground
• Avoids climbing or jumping
• Avoids playground equipment
• Seeks all kinds of movement and this interferes with daily life
• Takes excessive risks while playing, has no safety awareness

Touch
• Avoids getting messy in glue, sand, finger paint, tape
• Is sensitive to certain fabrics (clothing, bedding)
• Touches people and objects at an irritating level
• Avoids going barefoot, especially in grass or sand
• Has decreased awareness of pain or temperature

Attention, Behavior
And Social
• Jumps from one activity to another interfering with play
• Has difficulty paying attention
• Is overly affectionate with others
• Seems anxious
• Is accident prone
• Has difficulty making friends, does not express emotions