Children with SID may become overwhelmed by sensory input. Their bodies may be overly responsive to sounds, touch, light, movement and smells. A light touch or sudden movement may send a child with hypersensitivity into a state of anxiety or distress. A child dealing with SID may become fearful or even aggressive if put into a loud room with many noises and distractions. Activities that require working in groups, or standing close to another student, such as waiting in line, may be difficult. Times when noise and movement are not restricted, such as during gym or recess, may also be difficult. A student with SID may refuse to engage in activities that require using glue or chalk because he is sensitive to the sensation of those materials on his hands. Even the light in the classroom may be unbearable for a student with SID.
Hyposensitivity can also be a problem that children with SID face. If the body is under-responsive to touch, sound, movement and light, the child could potentially harm himself or others. Children may be overly sensitive to some sensations and under-sensitive to others. Children with hyposensitivity may unintentionally hurt other children while playing because they do not realize how rough they are being. A child with SID may crave sensation and touch to the point that he hurts himself by hitting, pinching or biting, or he may put himself in danger if he does not recognize sensations of hot, cold or pain. A hyposensitivity to movement may make it difficult for a child to sit still in class and she may need to rock, walk or spin constantly.
Children with SID face physical challenges in school due to poor muscle tone and the inability to plan safe movement. A child with SID may be unable to sit for long periods of time at a desk and may slump over or lie across the desk. The child may also be clumsy, and may bump into children and desks while navigating the classroom. Children with SID symptoms that affect their physical well-being tire easily and have poor motor skills. They will have difficulty with fine motor activities such as writing with a pencil, coloring and using scissors. They can also have difficulty with gross motor skills, making it hard for them to participate in activities that require walking, catching a ball or moving about the classroom.
Children who struggle with Sensory Integration Disorder may seem as if they are acting out in class when they are trying to deal with mixed sensory signals the brain is sending the body. They may engage in behaviors to seek out sensory stimulation. These behaviors include stomping, yelling, knuckle cracking, hitting and constant movement. This can be distracting to others in school and make it difficult for the child to learn. The child may also appear to be inattentive, but in fact may actually have difficulties focusing his eyes due to over-stimulation. A child with SID may cover his ears or his eyes when he is feeling overwhelmed, which can come across as rude and may prevent him from learning in a typical classroom setting. Children with SID may display refusal and avoidance behaviors related to situations that are too stimulating for them.