| Dimensions | Typical Behavioral Indicator | The Adult... | The Child... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activity Level refers to the general level of motor activity when one is awake or asleep. Motor activity involves large and small muscle movement like running, jumping, rolling over, holding a crayon, picking up toys, etc. | High Activity | has difficulty sitting still. | is squirmy and active. |
| Low Activity | sits back quietly and prefers sedentary activities. | prefers less noise and movement. | |
| Distractibility is the ease with which one can be distracted; or conversely, his level of concentration or focus. | High Distractibility | has difficulty concentrating, paying attention when engaged in an activity, and is easily distracted by sounds or sights during activities. | is very distracted by discomfort, noticing even small signals such as hunger, being sleepy, etc. |
| Low Distractibility | has a high degree of concentration, pays attention when engaged in an activity, and is not easily distracted by sounds or sights during activities. | can handle discomfort, does not seem very bothered at all. | |
| Intensity refers to the energy level of one’s emotional response, both positive and negative. | High Intensity | has strong or intense positive and negative reactions. | |
| Low Intensity | has muted emotional reactions. | ||
| Regularity relates to the predictability of biological functions such as eating, sleeping, etc. | Highly Regular | has predictable appetite, sleep, and elimination patterns. | |
| Irregular | has unpredictable appetite, sleep, and elimination patterns. | ||
| Sensitivity describes how responsive one is to physical stimuli such as light, sound, and textures. | High Sensitivity | is sensitive to physical stimuli, including sounds, tastes, touch, and temperature changes; is a picky eater; and has difficulty sleeping in a strange bed. | |
| Low Sensitivity | is not sensitive to physical stimuli, including sounds, tastes, touch, and temperature changes; can fall asleep anywhere; and tries new foods easily. | ||
| Approachability is one’s initial response to new places, situations, or things. | High Approaching | eagerly approaches new situations or people. | |
| Low Approaching | is hesitant and resistant when faced with new situations, people, or things. | ||
| Adaptability describes how easily one adjusts to changes and transitions. | High Adaptability | transitions easily to new activities and situations. | requires very small amount of time to feel ok in new situations. |
| Low Adaptability | needs more time for transitioning to new activities or situations. | may cry or stay close to a caregiver before approaching a new situation. | |
| Persistence relates to the length of time one continues in activities in the face of obstacles. | High Persistence | continues with a task or activity in the face of obstacles and does not get easily frustrated. | |
| Low Persistence | moves on to a new task or activity when faced with obstacles and gets frustrated easily. | ||
| Mood is one’s tendency to react to the world primarily in a positive or negative way. | Positive Mood | reacts to the world in a positive way and is generally cheerful. | |
| Serious Mood | reacts in an observant, sometimes more serious way and tends to be thoughtful about new situations. | ||
Last Updated: June 3, 2024