Why Your Kid Hates Socks (and Other Sensory Mysteries)
Tuesday, December 17, 2024. This is for Monkey Boy.
If your child has ever treated bath time like a medieval torture session, refused to wear clothes that aren’t just right, or gagged at the mere sight of mashed potatoes, you’re not alone.
Many children have intense reactions to everyday sensations—sounds, textures, clothes, or even someone innocently touching their arm.
It’s easy to assume they’re being dramatic, spoiled, or difficult, but the truth might surprise you: Their brains could be struggling to process sensory information.
It’s Not Drama; It’s Sensory Processing
Children who react strongly to sensory experiences may be dealing with sensory processing issues.
Think of their emerging little brains like an overburdened traffic intersection: signals come zooming in from all directions, and sometimes there’s a full-on sensory gridlock.
This is where sensory modulation comes into play—it’s how the nervous system decides which sensations to pay attention to and which to ignore.
When that system struggles, we see big (and often confusing) reactions to everyday experiences. It’s not about misbehavior; it’s about miscommunication—between the senses and the brain.
The 8 Senses (Yes, There Are 8!)
We all know the Big Five: touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound. But did you know there are three more senses working behind the scenes? Let’s meet the unsung heroes of sensory processing:
Vestibular (Balance and Head Movement): The sense that tells us where our head is in space. It’s why spinning in circles can feel fun or make you nauseous.
Proprioception (Body Awareness): This sense helps us know where our arms and legs are without looking. It’s what lets you close your eyes and still touch your nose (go ahead, try it!).
Interoception (Internal Body Signals): Hunger, thirst, tiredness, and even needing to pee? That’s interoception at work.
These eight senses constantly flood our brains with information—everything from itchy tags to the hum of the fridge to the growl of an empty stomach.
Most of us filter it seamlessly, but for kids with sensory processing issues, it’s like being stuck in Times Square during rush hour. Sensory chaos ensues.
When Sensory Modulation Breaks Down: Hyper, Hypo, and Seeking
Some kids have difficulty regulating their sensory input. It’s called Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD), and it shows up in three main ways:
Hyperresponsiveness (Sensory Overload): “It’s too much!”
A toothbrush feels like sandpaper.
The hum of fluorescent lights is unbearable.
A tag in a shirt? Send help.
Hyporesponsiveness (Underreacting): “Wait, there’s food on my face?”
These kids don’t notice dirt on their hands or loud noises around them.
They might seem oblivious to pain or clumsy, unaware of where their body is in space.
Sensation Seeking (Craving More): “More, please!”
Constantly jumping, spinning, or climbing.
Chewing on sleeves, toys, or fingers.
Making every couch cushion into a trampoline.
It’s important to note that every kid hates itchy clothes or refuses broccoli now and then. SMD is only diagnosed when these sensory challenges disrupt daily life—think dressing, eating, playing, or learning—across multiple areas.
From Theory to Real Life: Dr. A. Jean Ayres and the Traffic Jam
The concept of sensory processing disorder isn’t new.
Occupational therapist and researcher Dr. A. Jean Ayres first introduced these ideas in the 1970s.
She likened sensory issues to a traffic jam in the brain—signals pile up, slow down, or get misdirected, leaving kids overwhelmed, inattentive, or seeking relief through specific sensory behaviors.
Research continues to back this up. Sensory challenges don’t just affect bath time or birthday parties; they impact key areas of a child’s life, including:
Daily Routines: Brushing teeth, getting dressed, or mealtime battles.
Play: Avoiding the sandbox or obsessively swinging for hours.
School: Difficulty sitting still, focusing, or holding a pencil correctly.
Social Participation: Overwhelm in loud environments or difficulty joining in play.
What Can Parents and Caregivers Do?
If you’re raising a child with sensory processing challenges, you’re probably more than a little exhausted—and you’re not alone. Studies show that families navigating sensory issues often experience higher stress levels. After all, when something as simple as socks can derail your morning, it’s hard to feel on top of things.
But here’s the good news: Help is out there.
Start with Understanding: Not all movement-craving kids are hyperactive, and not every clothing war means a child is “spoiled.” Sensory processing challenges are real, and learning about them is step one.
Seek an Occupational Therapist: OT specialists can evaluate your child’s sensory patterns and develop strategies to make life smoother. They may suggest:
Sensory Diets: Tailored activities that help regulate sensory input.
Environmental Changes: Think softer clothes, quieter spaces, or chewable toys for oral seekers.
Daily Tools: Compression clothing, weighted blankets, or fidget toys to help kids feel calm and grounded.
Be Kind to Yourself: Parenting a child with sensory challenges is no walk in the park (especially if the grass bothers their feet). Celebrate small wins, ask for help when you need it, and know that progress—no matter how slow—is still progress.
Final thoughts
Your child’s aversion to socks or love of spinning in circles isn’t about defiance; it might be about how their brain processes the world.
Sensory Modulation Disorder can make everyday experiences feel overwhelming or unsatisfying, but with understanding and support, kids can learn to navigate their sensory landscape—and so can you.
If you suspect sensory issues, don’t hesitate to consult a qualified occupational therapist.
They’ll help you decode your child’s behaviors and find solutions that make life easier (and hopefully a little less dramatic). After all, childhood should be about exploring the world—not dreading itchy socks.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.