Tactile issues in 5 year old - Evaluate or not?

[Pennsylvania Mom]

Dear Dr. Kennedy,

Paige,5,has always exhibited some symptoms of sensory issues related to touch. I

[meikman]

What's up with the noise?  My son when younger could not stand noise.  I couldn't listen to the radio in the car or he would scream.  He said it hurt his ears.  He also couldn't stand to get his hands dirty.  He would simply freak out if anything got on his hands-dirt, food, paints it didn't matter.

[baby4Staci]

My little sister was like that when she was younger mainly with the clothes.. She would lay on the floor pulling at her pant leg going TO TIIIIIIGHT she couldnt have her shoe laces tight or anything around her neck etc.  To me, it sounds like an anxiety problem expecially if she is ok around people she knows.  She is your daughter and has been in your care this whole time??  No traumatic experiences??? Also, my 6 year old niece hates loud noises and covers her ears.. I took her to the circus and she sat there with her fingers in her ears the whole time.  Good luck and i hope she can grow out of this..

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Definitely arrange an evaluation by an Occupational Therapist. The major reason for this is that services can be designed to help her right from the outset, and the therapist can advise her teacher about interventions for the classroom environment. The evaluation can be arranged under the auspices of your local public school system, and it is likely that the OT services can be provided right at the school (vs having to take her somewhere).