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Are you wondering about your child’s sensitivity to sensory stimuli like sights, sounds, or textures? Understanding sensory sensitivity can offer valuable insights into your child’s unique needs and preferences. 2

This quick quiz is designed for parents and caregivers to help you identify potential areas of hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity in your child.

Note: This sensory sensitivity test is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a diagnostic tool, and you should consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your child’s sensory sensitivities. 

Instructions

For each statement below, please choose the response that best describes your child’s usual behavior. Base your answers on observations made over the past three months.

Auditory Sensitivity

1. My child is sensitive to loud noises (e.g., sirens, vacuum cleaner).
   • never (0)
   • rarely (1)
   • sometimes (2)
   • often (3)
   • Always (4)
2. My child seeks out specific sounds or types of music and appears calmer when listening to them.
   • always (0)
   • often (1)
   • sometimes (2)
   • rarely (3)
   • never (4)

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Tactile Sensitivity

3. My child is irritated by certain fabrics or tags in clothing.
   • never (0)
   • rarely (1)
   • sometimes (2)
   • often (3)
   • always (4)
4. My child seems indifferent to sensations that are usually painful or to extreme temperatures.
   • always (0)
   • often (1)
   • sometimes (2)
   • rarely (3)
   • never (4)

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Visual Sensitivity

5. My child is sensitive to bright or flashing lights.
   • never (0)
   • rarely (1)
   • sometimes (2)
   • often (3)
   • always (4)
6. My child tends to avoid eye contact.
   • never (0)
   • rarely (1)
   • sometimes (2)
   • often (3)
   • always (4)

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Taste/Smell Sensitivity

7. My child constantly prefers bland foods and rejects foods with strong flavors or spices.
   • never (0)
   • rarely (1)
   • sometimes (2)
   • often (3)
   • always (4)
8. My child seeks out strong or unusual smells, such as sniffing food or objects.
   • always (0)
   • often (1)
   • sometimes (2)
   • rarely (3)
   • never (4)

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Proprioceptive Sensitivity

9. My child prefers tight hugs or being wrapped in a blanket.
   • never (0)
   • rarely (1)
   • sometimes (2)
   • often (3)
   • always (4)
10. My child is unaware of body position in space (e.g., often bumps into things).‍
    • always (0)
    • often (1)
    • sometimes (2)
    • rarely (3)
    • never (4)

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Social Sensitivity

11. My child becomes anxious or distressed in crowded spaces.‍
    • never (0)
    • rarely (1)
    • sometimes (2)
    • often (3)
    • always (4)

12. My child is hesitant or resistant to climbing or balancing activities (e.g., jungle gyms, see-saws).‍
    • never (0)
    • rarely (1)
    • sometimes (2)
    • often (3)
    • always (4)

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Movement Sensitivity

13. My child dislikes fast or spinning movements.‍
    • never (0)
    • rarely (1)
    • sometimes (2)
    • often (3)
    • always (4)

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Vestibular Sensitivity

14. My child gets uneasy or disoriented with changes in head position.‍
    • always (0)
    • often (1)
    • sometimes (2)
    • rarely (3)
    • never (4)

15. My child feels uneasy or disoriented on swings or slides.‍
    • never (0)
    • rarely (1)
    • sometimes (2)
    • often (3)
    • always (4)

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Scoring and Interpretation Guide

How to score:

Tally the points for each of your selected responses to get a comprehensive total score.

Score Interpretation and Recommendations:

0-15: Low Sensory Sensitivity

• Interpretation: Your child exhibits low levels of sensory sensitivity, usually falling within the typical developmental range.
• Recommendation: Generally not a cause for concern. If you have specific worries or notice a sudden change in behavior, consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation.

16-30: Moderate Sensory Sensitivity

• Interpretation: Your child displays moderate sensory sensitivity, which may warrant intervention.
• Recommendation: Consider sensory-friendly activities, sensory sensitive toys, or sensory sensitive clothing like noise-canceling headphones and weighted blankets to improve comfort. If symptoms persist, consult health care professionals.‍

31-45: High Sensory Sensitivity

• Interpretation: Your child has higher than average sensory sensitivity that may interfere with daily functioning.
• Recommendation: Seek a detailed evaluation by health care professionals for sensory integration therapy options and potential environmental modifications.

46-60: Very High Sensory Sensitivity

• Interpretation: Your child demonstrates high levels of sensory sensitivity that could significantly interfere with daily life.
• Recommendation: If your child displays this level of sensory sensitivity, it’s highly recommended that you consult with a health care professional for a multi-disciplinary assessment. You will probably be directed towards early intervention programs and specialized support.

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