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Sensory Processing Development Chart

Sensory Processing is how the brain receives, organizes, and responds to sensory input from the body and environment, helping us react appropriately and consistently.

Note: Each stage builds on the previous one.
How to use this chart: Review the child’s skills up to their current age. If earlier ones are missing, contact us.

Age

Developmental Milestones

Potential impacts of missed milestones

0 - 6 months

  • ⦿ Mother's breast milk scent is recognized
    ⦿ Hearing is fully developed
    ⦿ Objects are tracked visually
    ⦿ Own hands are observed
    ⦿ Sounds and voices are responded to
    ⦿ Nearby objects are reached for
    ⦿ Suck-swallow-breathe sequence is coordinated (tongue cupping, forward rhythmic movements)
    ⦿ 4-10 hour sleep intervals are maintained
    ⦿ Hunger, fear and discomfort are communicated through crying
  • ⦿ Breastfeeding difficulties may be experienced
    ⦿ Sleep settling may be challenging
    ⦿ Frequent crying may occur

6 - 12 months

  • ⦿ Plays with one toy 2-3 minutes
    ⦿ Gestures are imitated
    ⦿ Food is moved around mouth using tongue
    ⦿ Mouth is opened for feeding
    ⦿ 10-12 hours of sleep is achieved with one awakening
    ⦿ Various food textures are tolerated
    ⦿ Drinks from cups
  • ⦿ Different food textures may be refused
    ⦿ Sleep disturbances may persist
    ⦿ Parent interaction may be challenging
    ⦿ Imitation skills may be underdeveloped

1 - 2 years

  • ⦿ Displays discomfort when diaper is soiled
    ⦿ Edible and inedible objects are distinguished
    ⦿ Common dangers are recognized
    ⦿ Messy play is enjoyed
    ⦿ Demonstrates sensitivity to temperature changes
    ⦿ Sounds are copied
    ⦿ Displays awareness of object location despite temporary disapperance
    ⦿ Simple one-step instructions are followed
    ⦿ Problems are solved through trial and error
  • ⦿ Social interaction may be difficult
    ⦿ Learning through imitation may be challenging
    ⦿ Play skills may be delayed
    ⦿ Food texture issues may persist
    ⦿ Sleep difficulties may continue

2 - 3 years

  • ⦿ Toilet use is managed with assistance, and daytime control is established.
    ⦿ Books are independently looked at while sitting.
    ⦿ Attention is maintained for up to 3 minutes.
    ⦿ The ability to take turns begins to emerge.
    ⦿ Surroundings are actively explored.
    ⦿ Matches simple shapes such as circle, square, ovals etc
  • ⦿ Socializing with peers and engaging in joint attention may present challenges.
    ⦿ Copying and learning from others may be difficult due to limited understanding and attention.
    ⦿ Following instructions at home or in child care may not be consistent.
    ⦿ Play skills may appear delayed.
    ⦿ Toilet training might show signs of difficulty.
    ⦿ Different food textures may not be tolerated well (e.g., may be a picky eater).

3 - 4 years​

  • ⦿ Counts 1 to 5 numbers
    ⦿ Most colors are recognized.
    ⦿ A distinction between reality and pretend play is understood.
    ⦿ Turn-taking is managed successfully.
    ⦿ Clothing is managed independently, with help only needed for complex fasteners like buttons and laces.
    ⦿ Eating is done without assistance.
    ⦿ Social scenarios are acted out during playtime.
  • ⦿ Interactions with peers may still be difficult.
    ⦿ Learning through imitation may be hindered by reduced attention and understanding.
    ⦿ Instructions in settings like home, childcare, or pre-school may not always be followed.
    ⦿ Expressing needs, thoughts, and ideas may be challenging.
    ⦿ Foods with varied textures may continue to be refused (e.g., picky eating habits).

4 - 5 years​

  • ⦿ Counting from 1 to 10 is achieved.
    ⦿ Shapes are identified accurately.
    ⦿ Forms friendships
    ⦿ Emotions are expressed clearly.
    ⦿ Rules are followed with increasing consistency.
    ⦿ Sitting and focusing during activities is possible.
  • ⦿ Socializing may still present challenges.
    ⦿ Copying and learning from others may be affected by limited attention and understanding.
    ⦿ Instructions at home or in kindergarten may not always be followed effectively.
    ⦿ Expressing needs, wants, thoughts, and ideas can be difficult.
    ⦿ Sitting still for extended periods may be a challenge.
    ⦿ Different textured foods may still be rejected (e.g., picky eating).

5 - 6 years

  • ⦿ Vision is typically 20/20.
    ⦿ Numbers and letters are written with increasing accuracy.
    ⦿ Writing simple sentences begins to develop.
    ⦿ Perspective-taking skills begin to emerge.
    ⦿ Left and right are understood.
    ⦿ Early reasoning and argument skills develop, using terms like why and because.
    ⦿ Objects are categorized correctly (e.g., toys vs. books).
    ⦿ Time-related concepts like yesterday, today, and tomorrow are understood.
    ⦿ More complex shapes such as a diamond can be copied.
    ⦿ Independent completion of simple classroom tasks while following teacher instructions is possible.
  • ⦿ Peer interaction may remain difficult.
    ⦿ Attention and concentration may be limited.
    ⦿ Instructions at home or in school settings may not always be followed.
    ⦿ Retelling past events may be difficult.
    ⦿ Consistent routine-following can be challenging.
    ⦿ Verbal and written expression of thoughts and ideas may be underdeveloped.
    ⦿ Distraction may occur easily, and sitting still could remain difficult.
    ⦿ Textured foods might still be poorly tolerated (e.g., picky eater).

6 - 7 years

  • ⦿ Numbers and letters are formed correctly.
    ⦿ Perspective-taking is more consistently demonstrated.
    ⦿ Attention span becomes noticeably longer.
    ⦿ A greater willingness to take responsibility (e.g., chores) is observed.
    ⦿ Concepts like space and fractions are understood.
    ⦿ Money-related understanding begins to form.
    ⦿ Telling time becomes a new skill.
    ⦿ Days of the week and months are named in the correct sequence.
    ⦿ Independent book reading is enjoyed.
  • ⦿ Social difficulties may persist.
    ⦿ Attention and focus may still be reduced.
    ⦿ Following instructions both at home and school might remain challenging.
    ⦿ Difficulty in retelling events may continue.
    ⦿ Expressing ideas and thoughts through speech or writing can be difficult.
    ⦿ Responding appropriately to questions may be inconsistent.
    ⦿ A varied food texture may still not be tolerated well (e.g., picky eating).

This chart provides a functional screening of age-based developmental skills, not a formal assessment. It combines decades of multi-source data, clinical experience, and educator input from South Australian schools, adapted to align with practical ACARA curriculum requirements beyond standardized research.

Reference List Entry:
Kid Sense Child Development. (n.d.). Child development charts.

Content adapted and inspired by developmental milestone charts from Kid Sense Child Development (https://childdevelopment.com.au/). Credit to Kid Sense for foundational insights used in creating materials for Aliana Pediatric Therapy.

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