Sensory processing disorder (SPD) makes it hard for the brain to handle messages from the senses. This can show up as meltdowns from sensory overload, seeking lots of stimulation, or being confused and clumsy with everyday tasks. Could SPD be behind your child's challenging behavior? Take this symptom checker test—but remember, this is not a diagnosis. Use it to see if you should explore this more with your doctor and share the results with them. Adapted from the SPD checklist from the STAR Institute for Sensory Processing Disorder. An occupational therapist trained in sensory integration is the best professional to make an accurate diagnosis through clinical evaluation.
Symptom Checker
My child spits out foods like cooked peas or banana pieces if they’re the slightest bit mushy.
- Very Often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
My child loves salsa (the hotter the better) and drinks pickle juice right out of the jar.
- Very Often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
My child prefers to go on one ride at the carnival, like the merry-go-round, over and over.
- Very Often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
My child refuses to change for gym class, saying the locker room is too stinky.
- Very Often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
My child is bothered by anything slimy or sticky on their fingers, like paint.
- Very Often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
My child complains about being barefoot in the sand when at the beach.
- Very Often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
I have to buy tagless, itchless clothes for my child – the looser the better.
- Very Often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
My child gets in trouble in gym class for tackling during flag football.
- Very Often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
My child loves amusement park rides but can’t tolerate the long lines and crowds.
- Very Often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
My child has too much trouble fastening buttons and tying laces and prefers to wear "easier" items like zip-up sweatshirts and Velcro sneakers.
- Very Often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
Thunderstorms terrify my child. The loud booms and cracks send them cowering under the blankets.
- Very Often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
I have to use unscented detergent. Washing my child's sheets with any scent leads to a meltdown.
- Very Often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
Bath time can be difficult. My child hates being sprayed with water and having their hair combed before bed, which leads to tantrums.
- Very Often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
School picture day sends my child home in tears every year. The camera flashes hurt their sensitive eyes.
- Very Often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
My child gags when trying to swallow a pill. They prefer liquid antibiotics and chewable vitamins.
- Very Often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
My child dislikes buying lunch at school and complains about being grossed out. Even seeing apple sauce on their tray as dessert gives them the heeby-jeebies.
- Very Often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
My child has poor balance and coordination and tends to trip over their own feet. Keeping up with other kids in games like jumping rope and climbing trees can be difficult.
- Very Often
- Often
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
If you answered, "Very Often" or "Often" to at least 4 of these questions, you may want to explore this more with a medical professional.
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