1. Overreact, e.g. sound, touch, movement:
Self-regulation is the ability to recognize, manage and control one’s emotions and behaviours in any given situation. Individuals may overreact in certain situations due to the presence of a sensory stimulus, such as a loud noise or sudden movement. It is important to be aware of the triggers that can cause an overreaction, in order to better manage emotions and behaviours.
2. Difficulty controlling their behaviour and emotions, e.g. tantrums, anger, need for control, impulsive:
It can be difficult for individuals with sensory processing difficulties to control their behaviours and emotions in certain situations. They may display outbursts of anger or temper tantrums as a result of feeling overwhelmed by the environment or situation. Understanding what triggers these reactions can help individuals develop strategies for better self-regulation when it comes to managing their behaviour and emotions.
3. Behaviours that happen a lot or last a long time:
Certain behaviours may occur frequently or last for a long time, indicating that the individual has difficulty managing the emotion or behaviour. This could be in the form of an aggressive outburst or a meltdown that lasts for a prolonged period of time. It is important to take note of these behaviours and understand what triggers them in order to help the individual develop strategies for better self-regulation when it comes to managing their behaviour and emotions.
4. Poor attention, concentration and easily distracted:
Individuals with sensory processing difficulties may have difficulty paying attention and concentrating on tasks due to being easily distracted by environmental stimuli. It can be helpful to create an environment with minimal distractions so that the individual can focus on the task at hand more effectively.
5. Poor sleep:
Poor sleep is often linked to sensory processing difficulties and can contribute to difficulty managing emotions and behaviours. It is important to establish healthy sleeping habits in order to ensure that the individual gets enough rest, which will help them better regulate their behaviour and emotions.
6. Not noticing certain sensations, e.g. touch, pain, name being called:
Individuals with sensory processing difficulties may not be able to detect or recognize certain sensations due to decreased sensitivity or over-sensitivity in one or more of their senses. For example, they may have difficulty recognizing when someone is calling their name or responding appropriately when touched by another person. It is important for individuals and caregivers alike to be aware of these issues in order to better manage them.
7. Poor balance and coordination:
Individuals with sensory processing difficulties may display poor balance and coordination. This can manifest in a variety of ways, including difficulty walking, running, jumping or performing simple motor tasks. It is important to be aware of these issues so that the individual can receive appropriate help and support when necessary.
8. Frustrated or overly well-behaved:
Individuals with sensory processing difficulties may display either excessive frustration or overly well-behaved behaviours due to a lack of understanding of how best to respond appropriately in certain situations. It is important for individuals and caregivers to be aware of these issues in order to better manage them.
9. Easily distracted, poor attention and concentration.
Individuals with sensory processing difficulties may have difficulty focusing and concentrating on tasks due to being easily distracted by environmental stimuli. It can be helpful to create an environment with minimal distractions so that the individual can focus on the task at hand more effectively.
10. Poor motor skills, e.g. coordination, balance, fine motor skills, handwriting.
Individuals with sensory processing difficulties may have difficulty with motor skills due to a lack of awareness of their body and environment. It can be helpful to provide activities that focus on strengthening motor skills in order to help the individual better understand how to move their body in a coordinated manner. Furthermore, providing strategies for handwriting or other fine motor tasks can help improve overall performance.