Seeking vs. Sensory Avoiding in Children

Discover the differences between sensory seeking and sensory avoiding in children. Explore strategies and support for a balanced sensory experience.

Published on Sep 05, 2024

Seeking vs. Sensory Avoiding in Children

Understanding Sensory Processing

Sensory processing plays a crucial role in how individuals perceive and respond to the world around them. It involves the brain's ability to receive, interpret, and integrate sensory information from various sources. Within the realm of sensory processing, two distinct behaviors are often observed: sensory seeking and sensory avoiding.

Sensory Seeking Behavior

Sensory seeking behavior refers to a behavior where individuals actively seek out sensory experiences to fulfill their sensory needs. These individuals often crave sensory input and may engage in activities that provide intense sensations or stimuli. Examples of sensory seeking behaviors include seeking tactile input by touching different textures, seeking vestibular input through activities like spinning, or seeking auditory input by enjoying loud music or other stimulating sounds.

Sensory seekers often have a high threshold for sensory input, meaning they require more intense stimuli to feel satisfied. Engaging in sensory seeking behaviors can provide these individuals with a sense of pleasure, excitement, or relaxation. However, it is important to note that excessive sensory seeking behaviors can also have negative consequences, such as becoming overwhelmed or disregarding safety precautions.

Sensory Avoiding Behavior

On the other hand, sensory avoiding behavior involves a tendency to avoid or be hypersensitive to certain sensory stimuli. Children who exhibit sensory avoiding behaviors may find certain sensory input overwhelming or uncomfortable, leading them to avoid or withdraw from those stimuli. For example, they may become distressed in response to loud noises, avoid certain textures in clothing, or show aversion to bright lights.

Sensory avoiding behaviors can significantly impact an individual's daily life, affecting personal relationships, educational or work performance, and overall well-being. The avoidance of certain sensory experiences can limit participation in various activities and may lead to feelings of isolation or anxiety.

Understanding the interplay between sensory seeking and sensory avoiding behaviors is essential for identifying and addressing sensory processing challenges in children and individuals of all ages. By recognizing these behaviors, appropriate strategies and interventions can be implemented to support individuals in managing their sensory needs effectively. For further guidance on managing sensory overload and engaging in sensory activities, check out our articles on autism sensory overload & overstimulation and sensory activities for a child with autism.

Impact on Daily Life

Understanding the impact of sensory seeking and sensory avoiding behaviors on daily life is crucial in supporting individuals who experience sensory processing differences. These behaviors can have significant effects on various aspects of life, including relationships and performance, as well as emotional well-being.

Relationships and Performance

Sensory avoiding behavior, as well as sensory seeking behavior, can significantly impact personal relationships and performance in educational or work settings. Individuals who exhibit sensory avoiding behavior may experience aversion or discomfort towards certain sensory stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, or specific textures. This aversion may lead them to actively avoid or withdraw from situations that trigger their sensory sensitivities.

In educational settings, children with sensory processing differences may struggle to concentrate or participate fully in classroom activities due to their sensory sensitivities. For example, bright lights or loud noises may overwhelm them, making it challenging to focus on tasks or engage with peers [2]. These difficulties can impact their academic performance and social interactions, potentially leading to feelings of frustration or isolation.

In work environments, individuals who experience sensory processing differences may find it challenging to cope with sensory stimuli present in the workplace. Sensory avoiding behavior can affect their ability to concentrate on tasks, interact with colleagues, or adapt to changes in their surroundings. By understanding and accommodating these sensory needs, employers can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

Emotional Well-being

The impact of sensory seeking and sensory avoiding behaviors on emotional well-being should not be overlooked. Sensory processing differences can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, or frustration, particularly when individuals are exposed to overwhelming sensory stimuli. This can affect their overall emotional well-being and may contribute to difficulties in self-regulation.

For individuals who exhibit sensory avoiding behavior, the constant need to avoid or withdraw from certain sensory experiences can lead to a sense of isolation or limited participation in activities. They may feel different from their peers and struggle to find a sense of belonging. It is essential to provide support and understanding to help individuals navigate these challenges and develop effective coping strategies.

On the other hand, individuals who engage in sensory seeking behavior may seek intense sensory experiences to regulate their sensory system. This seeking behavior can sometimes be misinterpreted or deemed disruptive in certain environments. By recognizing the underlying sensory needs and providing appropriate outlets for sensory input, individuals can better manage their sensory seeking behavior and experience improved emotional well-being.

By acknowledging the impact of sensory seeking and sensory avoiding behaviors on daily life, we can work towards creating more inclusive environments that support the needs of individuals with sensory processing differences. Understanding the interplay between these behaviors and implementing strategies to address them can contribute to enhanced relationships, improved performance, and better emotional well-being.

Coexistence in Individuals

When it comes to sensory processing differences, individuals can exhibit both sensory seeking and sensory avoiding behaviors, which can coexist simultaneously. This interplay between seeking out certain sensations while avoiding others creates a complex dynamic in how individuals perceive and respond to sensory stimuli [3]. Understanding this coexistence is essential for effectively supporting individuals with sensory processing differences.

Interplay of Behaviors

In individuals with sensory processing differences, sensory seeking behavior refers to actively seeking out sensory input to fulfill sensory needs. These individuals may demonstrate a preference for activities or experiences that provide intense sensory stimulation. On the other hand, sensory avoiding behavior involves actively avoiding or minimizing exposure to sensory stimuli that are overwhelming or uncomfortable [4].

For example, a child with sensory processing differences may seek sensory input by engaging in activities such as spinning, jumping, or touching different textures. At the same time, they may also avoid certain sounds, bright lights, or clothing with specific textures. This simultaneous presence of seeking and avoiding behaviors highlights the complexity of sensory processing differences in individuals.

Challenges in Management

The coexistence of sensory seeking and sensory avoiding behaviors presents unique challenges in identifying and managing the sensory needs of individuals. It requires a comprehensive understanding of each individual's sensory profile, including their specific sensory preferences and sensitivities.

Due to the variability in sensory processing differences, strategies that work for one individual may not be as effective for another. It is essential to tailor interventions and accommodations to each individual's unique sensory needs. This may involve a combination of sensory activities, environmental modifications, and individualized strategies.

Caregivers, educators, and professionals often face the challenge of striking a balance between providing appropriate sensory input to meet the sensory seeking needs while respecting the sensory avoiding preferences. By gaining insights into the individual's sensory preferences and sensitivities, they can create a supportive environment that optimizes the individual's engagement and participation in daily activities.

Understanding the coexistence of sensory seeking and sensory avoiding behaviors in individuals with sensory processing differences is crucial for effective support. By recognizing and addressing these unique sensory needs, caregivers and professionals can help individuals navigate their sensory experiences and promote their overall well-being.

Effective Strategies

When it comes to managing sensory seeking and sensory avoiding behaviors in children, there are several effective strategies that can be implemented. These strategies aim to create a supportive environment and provide individuals with the tools and techniques they need to navigate their sensory experiences. Two key strategies are creating a sensory-friendly environment and implementing a sensory diet.

Creating a Sensory-Friendly Environment

Creating a sensory-friendly environment is essential for individuals with sensory processing difficulties, such as those with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) or on the autism spectrum. A sensory-friendly environment helps individuals feel comfortable, regulate their sensory experiences, and reduce sensory overload [1]. Here are some key elements to consider:

Designing a Calming Space: Dedicate a specific area in the home or classroom as a calming space, a safe retreat where individuals can retreat and reset when feeling overwhelmed. This space should be quiet, low in visual stimuli, and include cozy seating, soft lighting, and calming colors.
Incorporating Sensory Tools and Equipment: Provide sensory tools and equipment that cater to individual preferences and needs. This can include items such as fidget toys, weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, or sensory balls. These tools can help individuals regulate their sensory input and provide a sense of comfort.
Adapting Lighting and Sound: Adjust the lighting in the environment to reduce harsh glare and use natural or soft lighting whenever possible. Consider using curtains or blinds to control natural light. Manage sound levels by minimizing background noise and using sound-absorbing materials, such as carpets or acoustic panels, to create a quieter environment.
Considering Sensory-Friendly Furniture and Materials: Choose furniture and materials that are comfortable and provide tactile stimulation. Opt for soft, textured fabrics, ergonomic seating, and consider the use of flexible seating options like bean bags or floor cushions.

Implementing a Sensory Diet

A sensory diet is a tailored plan of activities and strategies designed to meet an individual's sensory needs. It involves providing a balanced schedule of sensory experiences throughout the day to promote regulation and optimal functioning. The activities included in a sensory diet can vary based on individual preferences and needs. Here are some examples:

Proprioceptive Activities: Engage in activities that provide deep pressure and joint compression, such as jumping on a trampoline, pushing or pulling heavy objects, or engaging in activities that involve resistance, like yoga or martial arts.
Vestibular Activities: Incorporate activities that stimulate the vestibular system, such as swinging, spinning, or rocking. These activities can help individuals regulate their balance and spatial awareness.
Tactile Activities: Provide opportunities for tactile exploration through activities like playing with sensory bins, finger painting, or using different textured materials like sand, rice, or playdough.
Visual and Auditory Activities: Create opportunities for visual and auditory stimulation through activities like listening to calming music, engaging in art or drawing activities, or using visual schedules to provide structure and predictability.

By implementing a sensory diet, individuals can receive the sensory input they need to enhance their regulation and overall well-being. It is important to work with professionals, such as occupational therapists, to develop a customized sensory diet that addresses the specific needs of each individual.

These effective strategies, including creating a sensory-friendly environment and implementing a sensory diet, can greatly support individuals with sensory seeking and sensory avoiding behaviors. By providing the right environment and tools, individuals can navigate their sensory experiences more effectively and improve their overall quality of life.

Professional Support

When it comes to managing sensory seeking and sensory avoiding behaviors in children, professional support is crucial. Occupational therapy plays a significant role in providing comprehensive assessments and developing individualized strategies through sensory integration therapy to help children effectively manage their sensory needs [5].

Occupational Therapy Benefits

Occupational therapists, specializing in sensory integration, can help children with sensory processing difficulties interact with their environment more successfully. By addressing sensory seeking behaviors, occupational therapy focuses on managing sensory processing and improving children's ability to participate in childhood activities [6]. These therapists work closely with children and their families to develop strategies that meet their unique sensory needs.

Individualized Strategies

One of the key advantages of occupational therapy is the development of individualized strategies. Occupational therapists tailor their interventions to address specific sensory needs and challenges faced by each child. Through sensory integration therapy, therapists help children develop sensory regulation skills and enhance their ability to process and respond to sensory input effectively.

In addition to therapy sessions, occupational therapists may collaborate with educators and parents to create a sensory-friendly environment at home and school. This involves designing a calming space and incorporating sensory tools and equipment to provide the necessary support for children with sensory processing difficulties [7].

By seeking professional support, parents and caregivers can gain valuable insights into their child's sensory needs and receive guidance on implementing appropriate strategies. Occupational therapy offers a collaborative approach that empowers families to better understand and support their child's sensory processing challenges.

Remember, sensory seeking and sensory avoiding behaviors are part of the complex interplay of sensory processing. Seeking professional support can provide the necessary tools and techniques to help children manage their sensory needs effectively, leading to improved daily functioning and overall well-being.

Sensory Triggers and Reactions

Understanding the triggers and reactions associated with sensory seeking and sensory avoiding behaviors is crucial in supporting children with sensory processing differences. These triggers can vary among children, with some struggling with visual input, sounds, smells, or other stimuli. It's important for caregivers to identify and minimize these triggers to create a more comfortable environment for the child.

Identification and Minimization

Identifying sensory triggers requires careful observation of a child's body language and behavior, especially when stimuli arise unexpectedly or disrupt their routine. Bright lights, fabric textures, crowds, noises, and transitions are examples of sensory triggers that can lead to sensory overload in children. Even seemingly minor stimuli, such as the ticking of a clock, can trigger a sensory meltdown in sensitive children [8].

Caregivers can play a significant role in minimizing these triggers and creating a more sensory-friendly environment. By observing the child's reactions and patterns, they can identify the specific stimuli that cause distress. For example, if a child becomes overwhelmed in crowded spaces, it may be helpful to plan outings during quieter times or provide them with sensory tools like headphones or sunglasses to mitigate the impact of certain triggers.

Additionally, establishing predictable routines and providing advanced notice before transitions can help reduce anxiety and sensory overload. By understanding a child's individual sensory profile and triggers, caregivers can make informed choices to minimize overwhelming situations and support their overall well-being.

Managing Sensory Overload

Sensory overload occurs when intense sensory stimuli overwhelm an individual's coping abilities, resulting in feelings of intense anxiety, a need to escape, or difficulty in communication. This overload can be triggered by a single event or build up over time due to coping with sensory sensitivities in daily life [9].

When a child experiences sensory overload, it is essential to provide them with a calm and supportive environment. Removing or reducing the triggering stimuli can help alleviate their distress. Creating a quiet and dimly lit space where the child can retreat can be beneficial. Providing comfort items or engaging in calming sensory activities, such as deep pressure input or sensory play, can also assist in regulating their sensory system.

It is important to note that sensory seeking behaviors, such as stimming (repetitive movements, sounds, or fidgeting), can serve as a coping mechanism for individuals with sensory differences. Suppressing these behaviors can be counterproductive and may lead to difficulties in self-regulation, potentially resulting in sensory overload, exhaustion, or burnout [9]. Instead, caregivers should aim to create a safe space where the child can engage in sensory seeking activities that help them stay calm and focused.

By identifying sensory triggers and implementing strategies to minimize their impact, caregivers can support children in managing sensory overload and promoting a more comfortable and inclusive environment for them to thrive.