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.

\u29bf Hearing is fully developed
\u29bf Objects are tracked visually
\u29bf Own hands are observed
\u29bf Sounds and voices are responded to
\u29bf Nearby objects are reached for
\u29bf Suck-swallow-breathe sequence is coordinated (tongue cupping, forward rhythmic movements)
\u29bf 4-10 hour sleep intervals are maintained
\u29bf Hunger, fear and discomfort are communicated through crying
","\u29bf Breastfeeding difficulties may be experienced
\u29bf Sleep settling may be challenging
\u29bf Frequent crying may occur
"],["6 - 12 months","\u29bf Plays with one toy 2-3 minutes
\u29bf Gestures are imitated
\u29bf Food is moved around mouth using tongue
\u29bf Mouth is opened for feeding
\u29bf 10-12 hours of sleep is achieved with one awakening
\u29bf Various food textures are tolerated
\u29bf Drinks from cups
","\u29bf Different food textures may be refused
\u29bf Sleep disturbances may persist
\u29bf Parent interaction may be challenging
\u29bf Imitation skills may be underdeveloped
"],["1 -2 years","\u29bf Displays discomfort when diaper is soiled
\u29bf Edible and inedible objects are distinguished
\u29bf Common dangers are recognized
\u29bf Messy play is enjoyed
\u29bf Demonstrates sensitivity to temperature changes
\u29bf Sounds are copied
\u29bf Displays awareness of object location despite temporary disapperance
\u29bf Simple one-step instructions are followed
\u29bf Problems are solved through trial and error
","\u29bf Social interaction may be difficult
\u29bf Learning through imitation may be challenging
\u29bf Play skills may be delayed
\u29bf Food texture issues may persist
\u29bf Sleep difficulties may continue
"],["2- 3 years","\u29bf Toilet use is managed with assistance, and daytime control is established.
\u29bf Books are independently looked at while sitting.
\u29bf Attention is maintained for up to 3 minutes.
\u29bf The ability to take turns begins to emerge.
\u29bf Surroundings are actively explored.
\u29bf Matches simple shapes such as circle, square, ovals etc
","\u29bf Socializing with peers and engaging in joint attention may present challenges.
\u29bf Copying and learning from others may be difficult due to limited understanding and attention.
\u29bf Following instructions at home or in child care may not be consistent.
\u29bf Play skills may appear delayed.
\u29bf Toilet training might show signs of difficulty.
\u29bf Different food textures may not be tolerated well (e.g., may be a picky eater).
"],["3 - 4 years","\u29bf Counts 1 to 5 numbers
\u29bf Most colors are recognized.
\u29bf A distinction between reality and pretend play is understood.
\u29bf Turn-taking is managed successfully.
\u29bf Clothing is managed independently, with help only needed for complex fasteners like buttons and laces.
\u29bf Eating is done without assistance.
\u29bf Social scenarios are acted out during playtime.
","\u29bf Interactions with peers may still be difficult.
\u29bf Learning through imitation may be hindered by reduced attention and understanding.
\u29bf Instructions in settings like home, childcare, or pre-school may not always be followed.
\u29bf Expressing needs, thoughts, and ideas may be challenging.
\u29bf Foods with varied textures may continue to be refused (e.g., picky eating habits).
"],["4 -5 years","\u29bf Counting from 1 to 10 is achieved.
\u29bf Shapes are identified accurately.
\u29bf Forms friendships
\u29bf Emotions are expressed clearly.
\u29bf Rules are followed with increasing consistency.
\u29bf Sitting and focusing during activities is possible.
","\u29bf Socializing may still present challenges.
\u29bf Copying and learning from others may be affected by limited attention and understanding.
\u29bf Instructions at home or in kindergarten may not always be followed effectively.
\u29bf Expressing needs, wants, thoughts, and ideas can be difficult.
\u29bf Sitting still for extended periods may be a challenge.
\u29bf Different textured foods may still be rejected (e.g., picky eating).
"],["5 - 6 years","\u29bf Vision is typically 20\/20.
\u29bf Numbers and letters are written with increasing accuracy.
\u29bf Writing simple sentences begins to develop.
\u29bf Perspective-taking skills begin to emerge.
\u29bf Left and right are understood.
\u29bf Early reasoning and argument skills develop, using terms like why and because.
\u29bf Objects are categorized correctly (e.g., toys vs. books).
\u29bf Time-related concepts like yesterday, today, and tomorrow are understood.
\u29bf More complex shapes such as a diamond can be copied.
\u29bf Independent completion of simple classroom tasks while following teacher instructions is possible.
","\u29bf Peer interaction may remain difficult.
\u29bf Attention and concentration may be limited.
\u29bf Instructions at home or in school settings may not always be followed.
\u29bf Retelling past events may be difficult.
\u29bf Consistent routine-following can be challenging.
\u29bf Verbal and written expression of thoughts and ideas may be underdeveloped.
\u29bf Distraction may occur easily, and sitting still could remain difficult.
\u29bf Textured foods might still be poorly tolerated (e.g., picky eater).
"],["6 -7 years","\u29bf Numbers and letters are formed correctly.
\u29bf Perspective-taking is more consistently demonstrated.
\u29bf Attention span becomes noticeably longer.
\u29bf A greater willingness to take responsibility (e.g., chores) is observed.
\u29bf Concepts like space and fractions are understood.
\u29bf Money-related understanding begins to form.
\u29bf Telling time becomes a new skill.
\u29bf Days of the week and months are named in the correct sequence.
\u29bf Independent book reading is enjoyed.
","\u29bf Social difficulties may persist.
\u29bf Attention and focus may still be reduced.
\u29bf Following instructions both at home and school might remain challenging.
\u29bf Difficulty in retelling events may continue.
\u29bf Expressing ideas and thoughts through speech or writing can be difficult.
\u29bf Responding appropriately to questions may be inconsistent.
\u29bf A varied food texture may still not be tolerated well (e.g., picky eating).
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The Data is Not Available

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.