Sensory Observation From 12 to 18 Months

Good Sensory Integration: The toddler…

• Enjoys touching textures; plays with food, textured toys, sand, play-doh, etc.
• Enjoys bath time and accepts touch from washcloth. Accepts clothing moving against skin during diapering and dressing.
• Plays in imaginative and unique ways.
• Spends time exploring the various features of toys (the sights, sounds, texture, etc.)
• Understands simple directions without gestures, listens and looks when spoken to.
• Accepts various clothing textures. Accepts clothing that is appropriate to the weather.

Concerns: The toddler…

• Avoids finger feeding, touching textured toys, messy hands.
• Is excessively upset by dressing and diaper changes or by bathing.
• Is “stuck” in play, continues to mouth, bang or throw toys repeatedly.
• Has short attention to new toys, does not independently explore toys’ properties.
• Has poor eye contact: Makes inconsistent responses (actions) when spoken to.
• Is fussy about clothing textures. Avoids wearing shoes, OR insists on wearing shoes on all textured surfaces such as carpeting or grass. Insists on heavy clothing during hot weather, OR avoids clothing, even in cold weather.
• Noises such as thunder, sirens, vacuum cleaners are frightening.



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