Some children find it hard to get enough from their bodies or the world around them to stay calm and focused. They might look tired, "zoned out" or seem like they’re daydreaming. Sometimes, they don’t notice when someone says their name, even if they’re nearby. These children may not react much to things around them.
Other children might seem very alert and sensitive. Sounds might hurt their ears, clothes might feel itchy, or being touched might upset them. These children feel too much from their senses. When they’re stressed or worried, their senses can get even stronger, which makes them feel worse. They might feel so overwhelmed that their body shuts down.
Many children are a mix of both. Some senses might be too strong, while others might not be strong enough. What they need can change during the day, depending on what they’re doing, who they’re with, where they are, or how they feel.
Children often try to help themselves feel better by doing things that change how their body feels. If they don’t feel enough, they might move around a lot or make loud or silly noises. If they feel too much, they might do things that help them feel calm, like chewing or getting a big hug (they like the deep pressure this brings).