# Early Signs of Sensory Processing Differences in an 18-to-24-Month-Old

Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-sensory-processing-differences-in-a-18-to-24-month-old
Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited

At 18–24 months, Sensory Processing Differences appear as a consistent pattern of over-responding (distress at sounds, textures, clothing), under-responding (not noticing bumps, high pain threshold) or sensory-seeking (constant crashing, spinning, mouthing). One quirk is normal; a pattern across settings is worth a play-based occupational therapy check — only a clinician can assess.

*Every toddler explores the world through touch, sound and movement — but for some, the volume of those sensations feels turned all the way up, or all the way down. Noticing the pattern early is a gift, not a worry.*

## In short
Between 18 and 24 months, [Sensory Processing Differences](/sensory-processing) show as a consistent pattern of over- or under-responding to everyday sensations — covering ears at ordinary sounds, big distress at certain clothing or food textures, or seeming not to notice bumps and falls. These are differences in how the nervous system takes in and organises information, not naughtiness or stubbornness. A single quirk is normal toddler life; it is the *pattern across days and settings* that is worth a friendly check.

## Signs worth watching at 18–24 months
**Over-responsive (sensations feel too much)**
- Covers ears or melts down at everyday sounds — mixers, hand-dryers, vacuum cleaners
- Strong distress at clothing tags, seams, socks, haircuts, nail-cutting or teeth-brushing
- Refuses messy play — sand, paint, food on hands — or gags at certain textures
- Dislikes being held, cuddled or having face washed

**Under-responsive (sensations don't register enough)**
- Seems not to notice falls, bumps or scrapes that would upset most toddlers
- Slow to respond to name even when hearing is fine
- Very high pain threshold; unusually quiet and passive

**Sensory-seeking (craves more input)**
- Constant spinning, crashing, jumping or rough play
- Mouths or chews non-food objects well beyond the usual age
- Loves deep pressure — tight hugs, being squashed under cushions

## The science, simply
Sensory processing is how the brain receives signals from the body and the world and turns them into a calm, organised response. When that filtering develops differently, a child can be flooded or under-fed by ordinary input — affecting sleep, feeding, play and how they settle. Differences often overlap with speech, motor or attention development, which is why a broad developmental view matters. Occupational therapists assess and support sensory development using play-based, evidence-informed approaches.

## The Pinnacle way
Pinnacle Blooms Network supports families through gentle, play-led [occupational therapy](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/best-occupational-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate) that builds a child's comfort with everyday sensations at their own pace. A clinical [AbilityScore®](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated) and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care — never from an online list. With 4.95 lakh+ families served across 70+ centres, we walk this path with you.

## Trusted sources
Aligned with WHO ICD-11, the CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." milestone guidance, the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Pediatrics via HealthyChildren.org.

**Next step —** if these patterns show up most days, book a developmental check on WhatsApp: +91 91001 81181, and we'll guide you warmly from there.

This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

## Sources
- WHO ICD-11: https://icd.who.int/en
- CDC — Learn the Signs. Act Early.: https://www.cdc.gov/child-development
- American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org): https://www.healthychildren.org

## Connected topics and perspectives
- Conditions: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/conditions
- Parent / Family: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/parent
- Toddler-18-24: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/age/toddler-18-24
- Sensory: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/domain/sensory
- Early Signs: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/early_signs
- Screen: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/lifecycle/screen
- Occupational Therapy: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/route/occupational-therapy
- Early Clarity: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/empowerment/early_clarity
- Sensory Processing Differences: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/condition/spd
- English: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/language/en
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/sdg/10
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/sdg/3
- ASHA / PHC / Frontline: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/asha_phc
- Doctor / Pediatrician: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/doctor

## Related question paths

### Understand the subject
- How Sensory Processing Differences affect a child's daily life: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-sensory-processing-differences-affect-a-child-s-daily-life
- Is Sensory Processing Differences considered a disability?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/is-sensory-processing-differences-considered-a-disability
- Is Sensory Processing Differences genetic or hereditary?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/is-sensory-processing-differences-genetic-or-hereditary
- Common Myths About Sensory Processing Differences: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-common-myths-about-sensory-processing-differences
- What are the types or levels of Sensory Processing Differences?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-types-or-levels-of-sensory-processing-differences
- What Causes Sensory Processing Differences in Children?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-causes-sensory-processing-differences-in-children
- What is Sensory Processing Differences?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-sensory-processing-differences
- Conditions That Co-occur With Sensory Processing Differences: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-other-conditions-often-occur-alongside-sensory-processing-differences
- Early Intervention Outcomes for Sensory Processing Differences Under 7: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-current-research-show-about-early-intervention-outcomes-for-sensory-processing-differences-in-children-under-7
- What is Sensory Processing Differences, and its ICD-11 features?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-sensory-processing-differences-and-what-are-its-icd-11-features-in-early-childhood
- What is the ICD-11 classification for Sensory Processing Differences?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-icd-11-classification-for-sensory-processing-differences
- What is the SNOMED CT concept for Sensory Processing Differences?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-snomed-ct-concept-for-sensory-processing-differences

### Recognise signs & concerns
- Early Signs of Sensory Processing Differences in a 12-to-18-Month-Old: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-sensory-processing-differences-in-a-12-to-18-month-old
- What are the early signs of Sensory Processing Differences?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-sensory-processing-differences
- Early Signs of Sensory Processing Differences in a 2-Year-Old: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-sensory-processing-differences-in-a-2-year-old
- Early Signs of Sensory Processing Differences in a 3-Year-Old: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-sensory-processing-differences-in-a-3-year-old
- Early Signs of Sensory Processing Differences in a 9-to-12-Month-Old: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-sensory-processing-differences-in-a-9-to-12-month-old
- Early Signs of Sensory Processing Differences in a 6-to-9-Month-Old: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-sensory-processing-differences-in-a-6-to-9-month-old
- Can Sensory Processing Differences be cured?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-sensory-processing-differences-be-cured
- Can Sensory Processing Differences Be Prevented?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-sensory-processing-differences-be-prevented
- Do boys show sensory processing differences differently?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/do-boys-show-sensory-processing-differences-differently
- Do girls show Sensory Processing Differences differently?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/do-girls-show-sensory-processing-differences-differently
- Early Signs of Sensory Processing Differences in a 1-Year-Old Boy: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-sensory-processing-differences-in-a-1-year-old-boy
- Early Signs of Sensory Processing Differences in a 1-Year-Old Girl: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-early-signs-of-sensory-processing-differences-in-a-1-year-old-girl

### Explore causes & influences
- Are boys more likely to have Sensory Processing Differences?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-boys-more-likely-to-have-sensory-processing-differences
- Are girls more likely to have sensory processing differences?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-girls-more-likely-to-have-sensory-processing-differences
- What Causes Sensory Processing Differences in Young Children?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-causes-sensory-processing-differences-in-young-children
- How early sensory intervention advances UNCRPD and the SDGs: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-early-intervention-for-sensory-processing-differences-advance-un-child-rights-uncrpd-and-the-sdgs
- Contributing Factors for Sensory Processing Differences: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-the-known-contributing-factors-for-sensory-processing-differences-in-early-childhood
- Cost-Effectiveness of Early Therapy for Sensory Processing Differences: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-cost-effectiveness-of-early-therapy-for-sensory-processing-differences-in-young-children
- Prevalence and Public-Health Burden of Sensory Processing Differences in India: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-prevalence-and-public-health-burden-of-sensory-processing-differences-among-young-children-in-india

### Understand assessment
- How does AbilityScore track progress in a child with Sensory Processing Differences?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-abilityscore-track-progress-in-a-child-with-sensory-processing-differences
- How Sensory Processing Differences Are Assessed in a Young Child: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-sensory-processing-differences-assessed-in-a-young-child
- What an AbilityScore of 0–100 Means for Sensory Processing Differences: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-0-100-mean-for-a-child-with-sensory-processing-differences
- What an AbilityScore 100–200 Band Means in Sensory Differences: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-100-200-mean-for-a-child-with-sensory-processing-differences
- What does an AbilityScore of 200–300 mean for a child with Sensory Processing Differences?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-200-300-mean-for-a-child-with-sensory-processing-differences
- AbilityScore 300–400 for Sensory Processing Differences: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-300-400-mean-for-a-child-with-sensory-processing-differences
- What an AbilityScore of 400–500 Means for Sensory Processing Differences: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-400-500-mean-for-a-child-with-sensory-processing-differences
- What an AbilityScore of 500–600 Means for Sensory Processing Differences: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-500-600-mean-for-a-child-with-sensory-processing-differences
- AbilityScore 600–700 in Sensory Processing Differences: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-600-700-mean-for-a-child-with-sensory-processing-differences
- What does an AbilityScore of 700–800 mean for a child with Sensory Processing Differences?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-700-800-mean-for-a-child-with-sensory-processing-differences
- What an AbilityScore® of 800–900 means for Sensory Processing Differences: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-800-900-mean-for-a-child-with-sensory-processing-differences
- What does an AbilityScore of 900–1000 mean for a child with Sensory Processing Differences?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-does-an-abilityscore-of-900-1000-mean-for-a-child-with-sensory-processing-differences

### Explore therapy & support
- Can a child with Sensory Processing Differences attend a mainstream school?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-a-child-with-sensory-processing-differences-attend-a-mainstream-school
- Can a child with SPD attend a regular school?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-a-child-with-sensory-processing-differences-attend-a-regular-school
- Can a Child with Sensory Processing Differences Live Independently?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-a-child-with-sensory-processing-differences-grow-up-to-live-independently
- How to Support Sensory Development in Sensory Processing Differences: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-we-support-sensory-development-in-a-child-with-sensory-processing-differences
- How is Sensory Processing Differences diagnosed in a child?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-sensory-processing-differences-diagnosed-in-a-child
- How is Sensory Processing Differences supported through therapy?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-is-sensory-processing-differences-supported-through-therapy
- AbilityScore 0–100 for Sensory Processing Differences — next steps: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-with-sensory-processing-differences-has-an-abilityscore-of-0-100-what-should-we-do-next
- AbilityScore 100–200 with Sensory Processing Differences — Next Steps: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-with-sensory-processing-differences-has-an-abilityscore-of-100-200-what-should-we-do-next
- SPD AbilityScore 200–300 — your next step: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-with-sensory-processing-differences-has-an-abilityscore-of-200-300-what-should-we-do-next
- AbilityScore 300–400 with Sensory Processing Differences: what to do next: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-with-sensory-processing-differences-has-an-abilityscore-of-300-400-what-should-we-do-next
- AbilityScore 400–500 with Sensory Processing Differences — Next Steps: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-with-sensory-processing-differences-has-an-abilityscore-of-400-500-what-should-we-do-next
- AbilityScore 500–600 with Sensory Processing Differences: what to do next: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/my-child-with-sensory-processing-differences-has-an-abilityscore-of-500-600-what-should-we-do-next