Children with sensory processing challenges often display behaviours that fall into two categories: sensory seeking and sensory avoiding. Understanding these behaviours helps us respond in ways that support regulation rather than unintentionally escalating discomfort.
What Is Sensory Seeking?
Sensory seekers crave intense sensory input. They might:
- Constantly move, jump, or spin
- Touch everything within reach
- Make loud noises or love noisy environments
- Enjoy strong tastes, like spicy or sour foods
These behaviours aren’t simply hyperactivity; they reflect a genuine neurological need for more sensory input to feel regulated. As discussed in Sensory Integration and the Child, sensory seekers are trying to ‘wake up’ their nervous system to feel balanced.
What Is Sensory Avoiding?
Sensory avoiders, on the other hand, are hypersensitive to sensory input. They might:
- Cover their ears in noisy environments
- Refuse certain clothing textures
- Avoid crowded spaces
- Be picky eaters due to texture sensitivities
For these children, everyday sensations can feel overwhelming, triggering fight-or-flight responses. Their behaviours are protective mechanisms to reduce discomfort.
Can a Child Be Both?
Yes! Many children are sensory seekers in some areas and avoiders in others. For example, a child might crave deep pressure (sensory seeking) but be extremely sensitive to certain sounds (sensory avoiding).
How to Support Sensory Seekers:
- Provide frequent opportunities for movement (trampolines, obstacle courses)
- Offer fidget tools for hands-on input
- Use heavy work activities (carrying groceries, pushing heavy objects)
- How to Support Sensory Avoiders:
- Create predictable routines to reduce unexpected sensory input
- Offer noise-cancelling headphones or sunglasses in overwhelming environments
- Introduce new textures gradually through play
Understanding whether a child is seeking or avoiding sensory input allows us to tailor strategies that meet their unique needs. As The Traffic Jam in My Brain highlights, behaviour is a form of communication. By decoding sensory signals, we can respond with empathy, creating environments where children feel safe, understood, and supported.