Children who have inadequate sensory integration may have these observable
signs:
• Hyper-sensitivity, hypo-sensitivity, or mixed sensitivities to
sensory stimulation.
• Avoiding sensory input (e.g. doesn’t want to wear socks
and shoes, very picky eater, doesn’t like playground equipment)
• Seeking sensory input (e.g. wants to rock, fidget, twirl, chews
toys and clothing, likes strong tasting foods)
• Unsure of body position (e.g. bumps into people, furniture, trips
over own feet, falls off chair, cannot point to certain body parts when
eyes are closed)
• Poor motor planning (trouble with creating an idea, getting body
ready for action, initiating the action, sequencing the action, adjusting
body and materials as needed, stopping the action)
• Poor coordination, inconsistent motor performance, difficulty
learning new skills (e.g. knows a few “splinter skills” well
such as throwing a ball or running or playing with legos but cannot catch
well or ride bike well or learn a group game or sport)
• Easily distracted, limited attending skills
• Over-aroused, high activity level, hyper-vigilant, impulsive
• Under-aroused, low activity level, self-absorbed, passive
• Delays in speech, language, motor skills, and academic achievement
• Poor self-concept
Catherine Whiting has many books, pamphlets, and videos for loan to learn more detailed information. “The Out-of-Sync Child” and the “Out of Sync Child Has Fun” by Carol Kranowitz are two popular, readily available books.