When should I talk with a specialist (occupational therapist) about sensory issues?

It's time to reach out if any of these apply: (1) picky eating or difficulty with sound or touch is disrupting daily life (can't go out, extremely few foods they can eat, etc.); (2) their daycare or school points out difficulties with group activities; (3) there's self-injury or strong panic. Child development support services or hospital occupational therapy (OT) are the points of contact. It's never too early to reach out, even at the "maybe I'm overthinking it" stage.