Is 21 m/o DS especially sensitive, or is this common?

[oolongtea]

DS is 21 months next week.  I've been wondering lately if he is especially sensitive to certain things, or are his reactions common toddler behavior?  Here are some examples:

He stopped sitting in the bath 6 months ago, would only stand.  Now he won't even get in.

Lately he won't play at the sink, saying he doesn't want to get wet.

He wants to leave anywhere he says is too loud, a music class, the circus, etc.

He won't sleep in the stroller or the car.

He accepts wearing one pair of shoes, and he had to get used to them when we first introduced them.  If I try to put on different shoes (snow boots, rain boots, slippers), he gets upset and wants them off.

Sometimes when visitors come over (adults), he says "no no no" and tells them to leave. 

I wouldn't let it bother me, but I am just wondering because out in the world, I NEVER see toddlers like this.  They don't even blink when the tamborines come out at the end of story time, and mine is the only one running from the room exclaiming, "Loud!"  None of my friends' babies are like this either.  So if my DS is especially sensitive, I want to know so I can take it into account when I plan our days.

[crunchy_mommy]

My DS is like this but I suspect he has sensory issues. (Not implying your DS does though!!)

I don't remember the last time he sat in the bath, he always stands. If we bring him somewhere noisy, no matter how 'fun' it is, he insists on being in my arms. He won't walk or play if it's too loud & if there's any sudden noise (a truck driving in the distance) he runs to me in a panic. He's funny about shoes -- he doesn't mind wearing them & actually loves putting them on, walking around the house in his show boots, etc. but he will not wear socks alone (even if he's on no-slip surfaces like carpet). He's funny about a lot of things, many of which I'm sure are typical toddler behaviors but some of which do concern me. But noise seems to be his biggest sensitivity, he was hypersensitive to sound even while I was pregnant with him!!

[redvlagrl]

DD is a bit like this. If things aren't totally 'right' she gets a bit upset. I don't think she has any sensory or other issues though.

She is also quite sensitive to noise and says "too loud" (usually yells this, LOL) and especially hates the static sound when the radio is not on a station and the loud flushing of a public toilet (refuses to go if she sees that it is the metal handle type).

[newmum35]

I would look into "sensory processing disorder"... Sounds similar to a case I read in a book a few years ago..  Was he ok 6 months ago and this is a recent development? (if so just curious whether there might have been a trigger) 

[pbjmama]

I've seen similar in many children, including my ds. As long as it isn't interfering with your day to day life, I would say go with it. It might change next week, next month, or never!