My child is overwhelmed by noise, lights, or clothing textures
Loud places like shopping malls trigger tears. Clothes with tags or seams get refused. Haircuts, nail cutting, and brushing teeth are daily battles. Your child covers their ears when the blender runs.
What this could mean
These are classic signs of sensory over-responsivity — the nervous system registering everyday input as dangerous or painful. This is common in autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder, but can also exist on its own in an otherwise typically-developing child.
What to do next
Book a sensory profile assessment with a paediatric OT trained in sensory integration. Treatment involves clinic-based sensory integration therapy plus a home sensory diet — a planned routine of activities that help your child regulate.
Related OT services & conditions
Sensory Integration Therapy
Malaysia's #1 dedicated directory for sensory integration therapists. Whether your child seeks or avoids sensory input, find a qualified OT who specialises in sensory processing, across all 13 states and 3 federal territories.
Paediatric Occupational Therapy
Search Malaysia's #1 dedicated paediatric OT directory covering all 13 states and 3 federal territories. Parents match with qualified therapists fast, so your child starts improving sooner.
Sensory Processing Disorder
Your child avoids certain textures, covers their ears in crowds, or melts down over clothing tags. These are not tantrums. Sensory Processing Disorder affects 5–16% of children. Use Malaysia's #1 dedicated OT directory to find a therapist trained in SPD across all 16 states.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (OT)
Your child just got an ASD diagnosis. You need an occupational therapist who gets autism, not a 6-month waiting list. Search Malaysia's #1 dedicated OT directory and find a qualified autism-experienced therapist near you. All 16 states covered.