Table 2.

Examples of parent reports of child behaviors in response to sensory stimuli

Sensory component dominates response: Pleasant: Child enjoys a favorite song or dances along to music. Unpleasant: Child has extreme reaction as if in pain to a loud sound or experiences a “melt down” at sight, smell, and/or texture of food.

Sensory component is embedded in a situation: Pleasant: Child participates in parent/child hugging or snuggling routine involving touch or enjoys a birthday party at a fast food restaurant. Unpleasant: Child resists going for a haircut because of the buzz of the clippers, or “loses it” during a school event with lots of stimulation.