Some signs of sensory integration dysfunction are:

• Over and/or under reaction to touch, movement, sights, or sounds

• Easily distracted

• Social and/or emotional problems

• Activity level that is unusually high or low

• Physical clumsiness or apparent carelessness

• Impulsive, lacking in self-control

• Difficulty making transitions from one situation to another

• Inability to unwind or calm self

• Poor self-esteem

• Delays in speech, language, or motor skills

• Delays in academic achievement

Occupational therapy may help infants and children improve:

• Behavioral state, organization, and self-regulation 

• Fine and gross motor skills

• Visual motor/visual perceptual skills

• Eye/hand coordination

• Daily living skills (dressing, grooming, etc.)

• Sensory processing skills

• Attention span/following directions

• Body awareness/position in space

• Handwriting/scissor skills

• Social interaction with peers

• Developmental skills and play behaviors

How do I know if my infant/toddler needs occupational therapy services?

If your young child is experiencing three or more problems listed below, occupational therapy intervention may be helpful.  Please feel free to contact us to set up an evaluation.      

• Easily startled (birth to 3 months)

• Poor muscle tone

• Difficulty consoling self, unusually fussy

• Unable to bring hands together and bang toys

• Slow to roll over, creep, sit, or stand

• Difficulty babbling

• Failure to explore

• Inability to build tower with blocks

• Frequent fisting of hands after six months

• Difficult tolerating a prone (on stomach) position

• Dislikes baths

• Becomes tense when held

• Resists being held; dislikes being cuddled

• Sucking difficulties

• Unable to settle down; sleep difficulties

How do I know if my school-age child needs occupational therapy services?

If your child is experiencing three or more problems listed below, occupational therapy intervention may be helpful. Please feel free to contact us to set up an evaluation.

• Difficulty focusing attention, or over-focused and unable to shift to the next task

• Low muscle tone; tends to lean on arms or slumps at desk

• Needs more practice than other children to learn new skills

• Reverses such letters as b and d; can't space letters on the lines

• Breaks pencils frequently or writes with heavy pressure

• Does not enjoy jumping, swings, or having feet off ground

• Dislikes handwriting; tires quickly during written class work

• Difficulty pay attention or following instructions

• Overly active, unable to slow down

• Poor self-esteem; lack of confidence

• Dislikes swimming, bathing, hugs, and/or hair cuts

• Overreacts to touch, taste, sounds, and/or odors

• Avoids physical education

• Finds it difficult to make friends with children of the same age; prefers to play with adults or younger children rather than peers