Which of the following are signs of sensory integration challenges?

• A. Difficulty walking on uneven surfaces.
• B. No sensitivity to sensory input.
• C. Excellent spatial awareness.
• D. Normal tolerance to touch, movement, sights, or sounds.

Answer: (A)

Sensory integration challenges show up when the brain has difficulty organizing and using sensory information from movement, touch, sights, sounds, and other inputs to plan and control actions. Walking on uneven surfaces requires integrating feedback from the feet and legs (proprioception), balance signals from the inner ear (vestibular system), and touch on the skin. If this integration is not efficient, adjusting steps, maintaining balance, and responding to changing ground conditions become harder, which is why difficulty on uneven terrain is a sign.

The other statements don’t align with typical signs of sensory processing challenges. Being completely insensitive to sensory input is not a common or realistic presentation; many individuals with processing differences are hypo- or hyper-responsive rather than without any sensitivity. Having excellent spatial awareness would suggest intact perceptual processing rather than a challenge in integration. Normal tolerance to sensory experiences also indicates typical processing, not a challenge.