Early Signs and Symptoms
Infants (0–12 Months)
A baby may:
- Be unusually fussy or difficult to soothe
- Startle easily to sounds or movement
- Resist being held or cuddled
- Dislike tummy time
- Have feeding difficulties
- Show delayed motor milestones
- Have poor head or trunk control
- Sleep poorly
- Be unusually sensitive to touch or movement
Toddlers (1–3 Years)
The child may:
- Constantly seek movement (running, jumping, spinning)
- Avoid swings or climbing
- Walk on tiptoes
- Frequently bump into people or objects
- Resist messy play
- Dislike haircuts, bathing, or nail trimming
- Become distressed with loud noises
- Show frequent tantrums during transitions
- Have delayed motor development
- Demonstrate poor body awareness
Preschool Children (3–5 Years)
The child may:
- Be constantly "on the go"
- Have difficulty sitting still
- Fall frequently or appear clumsy
- Avoid playground equipment
- Have poor balance
- Struggle with crayons, scissors, or puzzles
- Become overwhelmed in busy environments
- Have poor attention during activities
- Avoid certain food textures
- Have difficulty participating in classroom routines
School-Age Children (5–12 Years)
The child may:
- Have poor handwriting
- Become easily distracted
- Have difficulty organizing school tasks
- Avoid sports or playground games
- Display emotional outbursts
- Be overly sensitive to sounds, touch, or clothing
- Tire easily during classroom tasks
- Have poor coordination and balance
- Struggle with self-regulation
- Experience difficulty participating in group activities