Referring a Child with Suspected Sensory Processing Differences

A parent's worry about a sensory-sensitive child often lands on your desk first — here is when that observation should become a referral.

In short

Refer for developmental therapy when sensory differences are functionally impairing — that is, when atypical responses to sensory input (over- or under-reactivity, sensory seeking, or poor sensory discrimination) consistently disrupt feeding, sleep, dressing, play, peer participation or classroom function — rather than being an occasional preference that the child self-regulates. Persistence beyond a few weeks, escalation, or distress that derails daily routines warrants assessment. There is no need to wait for a co-occurring diagnosis (e.g. autism, ADHD) to refer; functional impact alone justifies it.

Referral decision points for the clinician

Consider onward referral to occupational therapy / developmental therapy when you observe a pattern of:

• Feeding and self-care disruption — extreme food selectivity by texture/smell, gagging on textures, or distress with grooming, dressing, haircuts, nail-cutting.
• Regulation breakdown — meltdowns or shutdowns reliably triggered by noise, crowds, light, touch or transitions; prolonged time to settle.
• Motor and praxis signals — clumsiness, avoidance of playground equipment, poor body awareness, difficulty with multi-step motor tasks for age.
• Sensory seeking that impedes participation — constant movement, crashing, mouthing or spinning that interrupts learning or safety.
• Functional spillover — the differences are affecting peer relationships, nursery/school participation or family routines.

Note that Sensory Processing Differences is not a standalone ICD-11 diagnostic category; under WHO ICD-11 such presentations are coded within the related developmental or co-occurring condition. So frame the referral as functional assessment of sensory-based participation, and screen for hearing, vision and co-occurring neurodevelopmental conditions in parallel. Earlier referral is preferable — sensory strategies integrate best while routines are still forming.

The Pinnacle way

A clinical AbilityScore® baseline and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care — never from an online form or checklist. Our occupational therapists evaluate sensory modulation, discrimination and praxis against the child's own functional baseline, then build a sensory-informed plan delivered through occupational therapy. The goal is participation — eating, dressing, playing and learning — not a label.

Trusted sources

WHO ICD-11 (sensory presentations coded within related developmental conditions); CDC — Learn the Signs. Act Early. milestone guidance; Indian Academy of Pediatrics developmental surveillance; American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org).

Next step — When sensory differences are impairing daily function, refer early. Book a functional sensory assessment with a Pinnacle occupational therapist.

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