Sensory Seeking vs. Sensory Avoiding in Children

Understanding Sensory Seeking and Sensory Avoiding

When it comes to sensory processing in children, understanding the concepts of sensory seeking and sensory avoiding is crucial. These terms refer to two different ways in which children respond to sensory input. Let's explore what sensory seeking and sensory avoiding mean and how sensory processing differs in children.

What is Sensory Seeking?

Sensory seeking refers to a behavior where children actively seek out sensory stimulation. These children are constantly in search of sensory experiences that provide them with input and stimulation. They may engage in activities that involve movement, touch, sound, taste, or smell, seeking sensory input to satisfy their sensory cravings.

Children who are sensory seekers often exhibit behaviors such as running, jumping, spinning, seeking deep pressure, touching objects excessively, or seeking out loud or intense sensory experiences. These behaviors help them regulate their sensory systems and meet their sensory needs.

What is Sensory Avoiding?

In contrast, sensory avoiding is a behavior where children actively avoid or withdraw from sensory input that overwhelms or distresses them. These children may find certain sensory experiences uncomfortable, stressful, or even painful. They may become anxious, agitated, or irritable in response to specific sensory stimuli.

Children who are sensory avoiders often display behaviors such as covering their ears, avoiding bright lights, avoiding certain textures or fabrics, or being selective about the foods they eat. These behaviors help them manage sensory overload and protect themselves from overwhelming sensory input.

How Sensory Processing Differs in Children

Sensory processing refers to how the nervous system receives, interprets, and responds to sensory information from the environment. While all children have unique sensory preferences and sensitivities, those who are sensory seekers and sensory avoiders have distinct patterns of sensory processing.

Children who are sensory seekers tend to have a higher threshold for sensory input. They actively seek out sensory experiences to feel more alert and engaged. On the other hand, children who are sensory avoiders have a lower threshold for sensory input. They may become easily overwhelmed by sensory stimuli and prefer to avoid or minimize exposure to such input.

Understanding the differences between sensory seeking and sensory avoiding behaviors is essential in recognizing and addressing the sensory needs of children. By identifying whether a child seeks or avoids sensory input, parents, caregivers, and educators can provide appropriate support and create a sensory-friendly environment that promotes the child's well-being and development.

Signs of Sensory Seeking

Understanding sensory seeking behavior in children is crucial for recognizing and supporting their unique sensory needs. Sensory seeking refers to a child's tendency to actively seek out sensory input in order to satisfy their sensory cravings. Here are some common characteristics and behaviors associated with sensory seeking:

Characteristics of Sensory Seeking Behavior

Characteristic Description

• High Activity Level: Children who are sensory seekers often display a higher level of energy and activity compared to their peers. They may constantly be on the move and seek out physical activities.
• Sensation Seeking: Sensory seekers are often drawn to intense sensory experiences. They may seek out activities that provide deep pressure, movement, or strong sensory input, such as jumping, spinning, or crashing.
• Poor Sensory Registration: Children with sensory seeking behavior may have difficulty registering or recognizing sensory input. They may require more intense or prolonged sensory stimuli to achieve the desired sensory experience.
• Impulsivity: Sensory seekers may exhibit impulsive behaviors and have difficulty inhibiting their responses. They may act quickly without considering potential consequences, driven by their need for sensory input.

Common Sensory Seeking Behaviors in Children

Behavior Description

Children with sensory seeking behavior may exhibit a strong desire for sensory input in different ways. Some of these ways include:

• Seeking Movement: Sensory seekers often have a strong need for movement. They may engage in activities such as running, jumping, swinging, or spinning to fulfill their need for vestibular input.
• Seeking Tactile Stimulation: Children may actively seek out tactile sensations. They may enjoy touching various textures, rubbing objects, or seeking deep pressure through activities like squeezing or hugging.
• Seeking Auditory Input: Sensory seekers may seek out auditory stimulation. They may enjoy loud noises, music, or repetitive sounds. They might also have a tendency to make noise themselves, such as humming or vocalizing.
• Seeking Visual Stimulation: Some sensory seekers are drawn to visual input. They may seek out bright lights, fast-paced visual stimuli, or visually stimulating toys or objects.
• Seeking Oral Stimulation: Sensory seekers may have a strong need for oral input. They may chew on objects, bite their nails, or engage in activities that provide oral stimulation, such as sucking on ice or using chewable toys.

Recognizing these signs of sensory seeking behavior is essential for parents, caregivers, and educators to better understand and support children with sensory processing differences. By providing appropriate sensory activities and strategies, we can help children regulate their sensory needs and thrive in their daily lives.

Signs of Sensory Avoiding

Children who exhibit sensory avoiding behavior often demonstrate certain characteristics and engage in specific behaviors that help them cope with and avoid sensory stimuli that they find overwhelming or uncomfortable. Understanding these signs can aid in identifying sensory avoiding behavior in children.

Characteristics of Sensory Avoiding Behavior

Children with sensory avoiding behavior may display the following characteristics:

• Hypersensitivity to certain sensory inputs, such as loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells.
• Avoidance of certain textures, tastes, or smells.
• Preference for familiar environments and routines to minimize exposure to new or unpredictable sensory experiences.
• Tendency to withdraw or become anxious in sensory-rich or overstimulating situations.
• Difficulty transitioning between activities or environments due to sensory discomfort.
• Reluctance to engage in activities that involve sensory stimuli they find aversive.

Common Sensory Avoiding Behaviors in Children

Children with sensory avoiding behavior may exhibit various behaviors to cope with overwhelming sensory stimuli. Some common sensory avoiding behaviors include:

• Covering ears or eyes in response to loud noises or bright lights.
• Avoiding certain foods due to their textures, tastes, or smells.
• Disliking or avoiding certain types of clothing due to their textures or tightness.
• Becoming upset or anxious in crowded or noisy environments.
• Preferring solitary activities or seeking out quiet spaces to avoid sensory overload.
• Displaying resistance or refusal to participate in activities that involve unfamiliar or uncomfortable sensory experiences.

Recognizing these signs and behaviors can help parents, caregivers, and educators better understand and support children who experience sensory avoiding behavior. By creating a sensory-friendly environment and implementing appropriate strategies, it is possible to help these children navigate their daily lives more comfortably and confidently.

Impact on Daily Life

Understanding the impact of sensory seeking and sensory avoiding behavior on children's daily lives is essential for providing appropriate support and intervention. Both types of sensory processing differences present unique challenges for children, affecting various aspects of their daily routines and interactions.

Challenges Faced by Children with Sensory Seeking Behavior

Children who exhibit sensory seeking behavior may face several challenges in their daily lives. These challenges can manifest in different ways, depending on their specific sensory preferences and needs. Some common challenges include:

• Difficulty staying focused: Children with sensory seeking behavior may struggle to maintain attention and concentration, as they constantly seek sensory input to satisfy their sensory cravings.
• Impulsivity and risk-taking behavior: Sensory seekers may engage in impulsive and risk-taking behaviors in their pursuit of sensory stimulation. This can lead to safety concerns and potential accidents.
• Disrupted social interactions: The sensory seeking behavior can be overwhelming for peers, leading to challenges in social interactions. Children may struggle to understand personal space boundaries and engage in sensory-seeking actions that may be perceived as disruptive or intrusive.
• Academic difficulties: The constant need for sensory input can interfere with a child's ability to engage in learning activities and concentrate on academic tasks. This can result in challenges in school performance and educational progress.

Challenges Faced by Children with Sensory Avoiding Behavior

Children who exhibit sensory avoiding behavior also encounter specific challenges that impact their daily lives. These challenges arise from their sensitivity to certain sensory stimuli and their efforts to avoid overwhelming sensory experiences. Common challenges include:

• Overwhelm and distress: Children with sensory avoiding behavior may become easily overwhelmed by sensory input, leading to feelings of distress and anxiety. They may actively avoid environments or situations that trigger sensory discomfort.
• Difficulty with transitions: Transitions between activities or environments can be particularly challenging for children with sensory avoiding behavior. The change in sensory stimuli can be overwhelming, causing anxiety and resistance to transitions.
• Limited participation in activities: Children may avoid certain activities or environments that involve sensory stimuli they find aversive. This can restrict their participation in recreational activities, social events, and even everyday routines.
• Sensory sensitivities impacting relationships: Sensory avoiding behavior can affect children's ability to engage in social interactions and form relationships. They may struggle with sensory sensitivities that make it challenging to tolerate touch, noise, or other sensory experiences associated with social interactions.

Understanding the challenges faced by children with sensory seeking and sensory avoiding behavior is crucial for implementing effective strategies and interventions. By creating sensory-friendly environments and providing individualized support, we can help these children navigate their daily lives with greater ease and comfort.

Strategies for Supporting Children

Understanding the unique sensory needs of children who experience sensory seeking or sensory avoiding behavior is essential in providing appropriate support. Here are some strategies that can help create a supportive environment for these children:

Creating a Sensory-Friendly Environment

Creating a sensory-friendly environment at home, school, and other settings can greatly benefit children with sensory processing differences. Here are some considerations for creating such an environment:

• Sensory Diet: Develop a sensory diet in collaboration with an occupational therapist. This involves incorporating activities that provide the right amount of sensory input throughout the day to help regulate the child's sensory system.
• Structured Routine: Establish a predictable routine to help children feel secure and reduce anxiety related to uncertain sensory experiences.
• Sensory Break Areas: Designate specific areas where children can take sensory breaks when they feel overwhelmed. These areas should be quiet, comfortable, and equipped with sensory tools like weighted blankets, fidget toys, or noise-canceling headphones.
• Visual Supports: Use visual schedules, timers, and cues to help children anticipate and prepare for sensory-rich activities or transitions.
• Flexible Seating: Provide options for flexible seating, such as bean bags, stability balls, or wobble cushions, to accommodate children's sensory needs and promote better focus and engagement.

Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration

Occupational therapy (OT) plays a crucial role in supporting children with sensory seeking or sensory avoiding behaviors. OT practitioners specializing in sensory integration can provide individualized therapy sessions to help children develop better sensory processing skills. Here's how occupational therapy can support children:

• Assessment: Occupational therapists conduct comprehensive assessments to evaluate a child's sensory processing patterns and identify specific sensory challenges.
• Sensory Integration Therapy: Through a play-based approach, occupational therapists use various sensory activities to help children regulate their responses to sensory input and improve their ability to participate in daily activities.
• Adaptive Strategies: Occupational therapists teach children and their caregivers practical strategies to manage sensory challenges in various settings, such as home, school, or community.
• Collaboration: Occupational therapists work closely with parents, teachers, and other professionals to ensure consistent support and understanding of the child's sensory needs.

Individualized Sensory Strategies

Each child's sensory needs are unique, and it's essential to develop individualized strategies to support them effectively. Here are some examples of individualized sensory strategies:

Sensory Seeking Behaviors

• Providing sensory-rich activities like jumping on a trampoline or using a therapy swing to fulfill the need for movement.
• Incorporating deep pressure activities, such as using weighted blankets or engaging in activities that involve squeezing or pushing against resistance.
• Offering opportunities for tactile exploration through activities like playing with sensory bins filled with textured materials like rice, sand, or slime.

Sensory Avoiding Behaviors

• Offering quiet spaces with dimmed lighting and soft music to create a calming environment.
• Allowing the child to wear noise-canceling headphones or providing ear defenders to reduce auditory sensitivity.
• Using visual supports like social stories or visual schedules to help the child understand and prepare for new or challenging situations.

By implementing these strategies, parents, teachers, and caregivers can provide the necessary support for children with sensory seeking or sensory avoiding behavior. It's important to remember that every child is unique, and a multi-faceted approach that incorporates a combination of strategies will be most effective in helping children thrive in their daily lives.

Seeking Professional Help

When dealing with sensory seeking or sensory avoiding behaviors in children, it is important to recognize when it may be necessary to seek professional help. Consulting a healthcare professional can provide valuable guidance and support in understanding and addressing these sensory processing challenges.

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional if you observe persistent and significant sensory seeking or sensory avoiding behaviors in your child that impact their daily life, development, or overall well-being. Some signs that may indicate the need for professional help include:

• Intense and frequent sensory seeking or sensory avoiding behaviors that interfere with the child's ability to participate in daily activities, school, or social interactions.
• Challenges in self-regulation, emotional regulation, or behavior management related to sensory processing difficulties.
• Delayed development or difficulties in areas such as motor skills, language, or social communication that may be linked to sensory processing issues.
• Concerns or questions about your child's sensory processing that are causing stress or uncertainty for you as a caregiver.

By seeking professional help, you can gain a better understanding of your child's sensory processing patterns and receive appropriate guidance and interventions to support their unique needs.

Evaluation and Diagnosis Process

The evaluation and diagnosis process for sensory seeking or sensory avoiding behaviors typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, with healthcare professionals specializing in areas such as occupational therapy, psychology, or developmental pediatrics. Here are some steps commonly involved in the evaluation and diagnosis process:

1. Initial Assessment: The healthcare professional will conduct an initial assessment, which may include interviews with parents or caregivers, behavioral observations, and questionnaires to gather information about the child's sensory behaviors and challenges.
2. Comprehensive Evaluation: A comprehensive evaluation may follow, involving standardized assessments and specific tests to evaluate sensory processing patterns, motor skills, language development, and other relevant areas. These assessments help identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas of concern.
3. Collaboration and Information Gathering: The healthcare professional may collaborate with other professionals involved in the child's care, such as teachers, therapists, or healthcare providers, to gather a comprehensive understanding of the child's sensory processing challenges across different settings.
4. Diagnosis and Recommendations: Based on the evaluation results, the healthcare professional will provide a diagnosis, if appropriate, and recommend interventions and strategies tailored to the child's specific sensory needs. These may include individualized therapy, environmental modifications, and sensory strategies to help the child better navigate their daily life.

Remember, each child is unique, and the evaluation and diagnosis process may vary depending on the healthcare professional and the specific needs of the child. Seeking professional help is a crucial step in supporting children with sensory seeking or sensory avoiding behaviors, as it can provide valuable insights and interventions to help them thrive.

‍Sources

Sensory Seeking vs. Sensory Avoiding in Children

What is Sensory Seeking and Sensory Avoiding?

Sensory seeking and sensory avoiding