Every child experiences the world through their senses in unique ways. Some children crave more sensory input to feel regulated and focused, while others may find certain sensations overwhelming and seek to avoid them. These differences are often described as sensory seeking (hyposensitivity) and sensory avoiding (hypersensitivity). Understanding these sensory profiles is vital for supporting healthy child development and wellbeing.
What Are Sensory Seekers and Sensory Avoiders?
- Sensory Seekers (Hyposensitive) have a higher threshold for sensory input. They may need more intense or frequent sensations to register and respond appropriately to their environment. For example, a sensory seeker might constantly move, touch objects, or seek loud noises and bright lights to feel engaged or calm.
- Sensory Avoiders (Hypersensitive) have a lower threshold and can become easily overwhelmed by sensory input that others might find tolerable. These children may react strongly to loud sounds, bright lights, certain textures, or even specific smells, often trying to escape or avoid these sensations.
The Different Senses Involved
Children’s sensory experiences come through several systems:
- Tactile (Touch): Sensitivity to textures, pressure, temperature, or pain.
- Seeker: Likes rough textures or deep pressure (e.g., tight hugs).
- Avoider: Dislikes certain clothing tags, seams, or messy hands.
- Proprioceptive (Body Awareness): Feedback from muscles and joints about body position and movement.
- Seeker: Craves jumping, crashing, or heavy work activities.
- Avoider: May avoid climbing or activities requiring balance.
- Vestibular (Balance and Movement): Sensitivity to movement and spatial orientation.
- Seeker: Enjoys spinning, swinging, or rocking.
- Avoider: Feels dizzy or anxious with movement or heights.
- Auditory (Hearing): Sensitivity to sounds and volume.
- Seeker: Enjoys loud music or makes noises.
- Avoider: Covers ears or becomes distressed by everyday sounds.
- Visual (Sight): Sensitivity to light, colour, and visual stimuli.
- Seeker: Attracted to bright lights or flickering objects.
- Avoider: Shields eyes or avoids crowded visually busy environments.
- Olfactory and Gustatory (Smell and Taste): Sensitivity to smells and food textures/flavours.
- Seeker: May explore strong tastes or smells.
- Avoider: Avoids certain foods or environments due to smell.
- Interoceptive (Internal Body Awareness): Sensitivity to internal sensations like hunger, thirst, pain, or the need to use the bathroom.
- Seeker: May seek strong sensations like tight clothing or pressure to become more aware of their body.
- Avoider: May have difficulty recognising internal cues or find certain bodily sensations uncomfortable.
Why Recognising These Sensory Profiles Matters
Children process sensory information differently, and recognising whether a child is a sensory seeker or avoider is essential to:
- Support Regulation: Sensory input helps children regulate emotions and behaviours. Without the right type or amount, children may become anxious, distracted, or dysregulated.
- Promote Learning: A child overwhelmed by sensory input or not receiving enough stimulation may struggle to focus, engage, or participate in daily activities.
- Enhance Wellbeing: Sensory differences impact social participation, sleep, feeding, and overall comfort.
What is a Sensory Diet?
A sensory diet is a personalised plan of sensory activities designed to meet a child’s specific sensory needs throughout the day. It includes a balanced mix of sensory experiences that help regulate the nervous system and improve attention and behaviour.
- For sensory seekers, a sensory diet might include jumping on a trampoline, squeezing therapy putty, or using weighted blankets.
- For sensory avoiders, it might involve calm, slow movements, soft textures, noise-cancelling headphones, or quiet spaces.
The goal is to provide the “just right” amount of sensory input to help children stay alert, calm, and ready to learn.
Supporting Your Child’s Sensory Needs
- Observe: Notice how your child reacts to different sensations and environments.
- Adapt: Modify daily routines and environments to reduce overwhelming stimuli or provide needed sensory input.
- Collaborate: Work with occupational therapists or allied health professionals who can assess sensory profiles and recommend tailored sensory diets and strategies.
- Communicate: Share your child’s sensory preferences and needs with educators, caregivers, and family members to ensure consistent support.
Final Thoughts
Every child’s sensory world is unique. By understanding whether your child is a sensory seeker or avoider and responding with thoughtful strategies like a sensory diet, you can help them feel safe, regulated, and ready to explore and learn.
If you’d like guidance on identifying your child’s sensory profile or developing a sensory diet, reach out to our team at The Whole Child Connection — we’re here to help you support your child’s journey with confidence.
