Sensory Seeking and Sensory Avoiding: What You Need to Know

Demystifying sensory seeking and sensory avoiding: Understand the impact, coping strategies, and when to seek help. Unveil the mystery today!

By Arms Wide Open ABA

June 20, 2024

Sensory Seeking and Sensory Avoiding: What You Need to Know

Understanding Sensory Processing

Sensory processing refers to how our nervous system receives and interprets sensory information from the environment. It involves the way we perceive and respond to various stimuli, such as touch, sound, taste, smell, and visual cues. Sensory processing plays a crucial role in our daily lives, affecting how we interact with and navigate through the world around us.

What is Sensory Processing?

Sensory processing is the brain's ability to organize and make sense of the sensory input it receives. It allows us to filter, prioritize, and respond to sensory information appropriately. When our sensory processing is functioning optimally, we can effectively process and integrate the sensory stimuli we encounter.

The Role of Sensory Seeking and Sensory Avoiding

Within the realm of sensory processing, individuals may exhibit different patterns of sensory seeking and sensory avoiding. These patterns describe how individuals actively seek or avoid certain sensory experiences.

Sensory seeking refers to a tendency to actively seek out and engage in sensory stimulation. Individuals who are sensory seekers may enjoy activities that provide intense sensory input, such as spinning, jumping, or seeking tactile sensations. They may seek out loud environments, strong flavors, or bright lights to fulfill their sensory needs.

On the other hand, sensory avoiding refers to a tendency to actively avoid or withdraw from sensory stimuli that are overwhelming or uncomfortable. Individuals who are sensory avoiders may be sensitive to certain textures, sounds, or smells. They may find crowded places, bright lights, or certain food textures overwhelming and may prefer calm and quiet environments.

Understanding sensory seeking and sensory avoiding can help individuals and those around them recognize and accommodate their unique sensory preferences. By identifying these patterns, individuals can develop strategies to optimize their sensory experiences and enhance their overall well-being.

In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the characteristics and behaviors associated with sensory seeking and sensory avoiding, as well as explore the impact of sensory processing on daily life and strategies for coping with sensory processing issues.

Sensory Seeking

Sensory seeking is a term used to describe a sensory processing pattern where individuals actively seek out sensory input to regulate their sensory system. These individuals are often motivated to engage in activities that provide intense sensory stimulation. Understanding the characteristics and behaviors associated with sensory seekers can help shed light on this aspect of sensory processing.

Characteristics of Sensory Seekers

Sensory seekers often exhibit certain characteristics that distinguish them from individuals with other sensory processing patterns. Some common characteristics of sensory seekers include:

High activity level: Sensory seekers tend to be highly active and constantly on the move. They may have difficulty sitting still or remaining focused for extended periods.
Craving for sensory input: Sensory seekers have a strong desire for sensory stimulation. They actively seek out activities that provide intense sensory experiences to fulfill this craving.
High tolerance for sensory input: Unlike sensory avoiders who may be sensitive to certain sensory stimuli, sensory seekers have a higher tolerance for sensory input. They may enjoy activities with loud noises, bright lights, or strong flavors.
Need for movement: Sensory seekers often engage in repetitive or rhythmic movements to regulate their sensory system. This can include activities such as rocking, spinning, or bouncing.

Behaviors Associated with Sensory Seeking

The behaviors exhibited by sensory seekers are driven by their need for sensory input. These behaviors can vary depending on individual preferences and the type of sensory input sought. Some common behaviors associated with sensory seeking include:

Craving physical contact: Sensory seekers may seek out hugs, cuddles, or physical contact as a way to fulfill their need for deep pressure input.
Preference for intense sensory experiences: Sensory seekers may actively seek out activities that provide intense sensory input. This can include engaging in activities such as swinging, jumping on trampolines, or participating in high-energy sports.
Engaging in repetitive movements: Sensory seekers may engage in repetitive movements such as hand-flapping, spinning, or pacing. These movements help provide the sensory input needed to regulate their sensory system.
Seeking out tactile sensations: Sensory seekers may enjoy activities that provide tactile stimulation, such as playing with textured materials, touching different objects, or engaging in messy play.

Understanding the characteristics and behaviors associated with sensory seekers is essential for recognizing and supporting individuals with sensory processing differences. By providing appropriate sensory experiences and outlets for sensory seeking behaviors, individuals with sensory seeking patterns can better regulate their sensory system and thrive in their daily lives.

Sensory Avoiding

Sensory avoiding is a term used to describe individuals who have a tendency to avoid or minimize exposure to certain sensory stimuli. These individuals may feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable when confronted with particular sensory experiences. Understanding the characteristics and behaviors associated with sensory avoiding can provide valuable insights into this aspect of sensory processing.

Characteristics of Sensory Avoiders

Individuals who engage in sensory avoiding exhibit certain characteristics that distinguish them from those who do not have sensory processing issues. Some common characteristics of sensory avoiders include:

Hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli: Sensory avoiders may have heightened sensitivity to certain sensory inputs, such as loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, or certain textures. These stimuli can be perceived as overwhelming or even painful, leading to a desire to avoid them.
Preference for familiar environments: Sensory avoiders often feel more comfortable in familiar and predictable environments where they have greater control over the sensory inputs. New or unfamiliar situations may trigger anxiety or discomfort.
Need for routine and predictability: Establishing and following routines can help sensory avoiders create a sense of stability and reduce anxiety associated with unexpected or unpredictable sensory experiences.
Tendency to withdraw or seek solitude: In order to minimize exposure to overwhelming sensory stimuli, sensory avoiders may withdraw from social situations or seek solitude in quieter and less stimulating environments.
Sensitivity to temperature changes: Some sensory avoiders may be particularly sensitive to changes in temperature, either feeling too hot or too cold more intensely than others.

Behaviors Associated with Sensory Avoiding

Sensory avoiders may exhibit a range of behaviors as they seek to minimize exposure to sensory stimuli that they find challenging or overwhelming. These behaviors can include:

Covering ears or eyes: Sensory avoiders may cover their ears or eyes when confronted with loud noises or bright lights to reduce the intensity of the sensory input.
Avoiding crowded or noisy places: Sensory avoiders may choose to avoid crowded or noisy places, such as parties or concerts, to minimize the sensory overload that can occur in these environments.
Preferring certain clothing materials: Sensory avoiders may have strong preferences for specific clothing materials that feel more comfortable against their skin, avoiding materials that they find irritating or itchy.
Limiting exposure to certain foods: Some individuals with sensory avoiding tendencies may have aversions to specific tastes, textures, or smells, leading to a limited range of preferred foods.
Seeking quiet or low-stimulus activities: Sensory avoiders often gravitate towards activities that provide a calm and quiet environment, such as reading, drawing, or engaging in solitary hobbies.

Understanding the characteristics and behaviors associated with sensory avoiding can help individuals, their families, and professionals better support and accommodate their sensory needs. By recognizing and respecting these sensory preferences, it becomes possible to create environments that are more comfortable and conducive to their overall well-being.

Impact on Daily Life

Individuals with sensory processing issues, whether they lean towards sensory seeking or sensory avoiding, often experience significant impacts on their daily activities and overall well-being. Understanding how sensory processing affects daily life and the challenges faced by these individuals is crucial for providing appropriate support and accommodations.

How Sensory Processing Impacts Daily Activities

Sensory processing issues can affect various aspects of daily life, including:

Self-care routines: Individuals with sensory processing difficulties may struggle with activities such as dressing, grooming, or brushing their teeth, as these tasks involve different sensory stimuli that can be overwhelming or uncomfortable.
Social interactions: Sensory processing challenges can impact social interactions, as individuals may have difficulty processing and responding to social cues. This can lead to misunderstandings, difficulties in forming relationships, or feelings of isolation.
Academic performance: In a school setting, sensory processing issues can interfere with concentration, attention, and learning. Sensory stimuli in classrooms, such as bright lights, loud noises, or uncomfortable seating, can be distracting and overwhelming for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
Workplace productivity: Sensory processing challenges can also affect individuals in their professional lives. Uncomfortable work environments, noisy or crowded office spaces, or the need for frequent breaks to regulate sensory input can impact productivity and job performance.

Challenges Faced by Individuals with Sensory Seeking or Avoiding

Individuals with sensory seeking tendencies may face the following challenges:

Sensory Seeking Challenges

Difficulty staying focused or sitting still

Impulsivity and risk-taking behaviors

Seeking out intense sensory experiences that may not always be safe or appropriate

Seeking constant movement or touch, which can disrupt daily activities or social interactions

On the other hand, individuals with sensory avoiding tendencies may encounter the following challenges:

Sensory Avoiding Challenges

Overwhelm or discomfort in sensory-rich environments

Avoidance of certain textures, sounds, or smells

Difficulty adapting to changes and new situations

Social withdrawal or avoidance of social activities due to sensory sensitivities

Understanding the unique challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing issues can help in creating supportive environments and implementing effective coping strategies. It is important to remember that each person's experience may vary, and tailored approaches are necessary to address their specific needs and preferences.

Strategies for Coping

Living with sensory seeking or sensory avoiding tendencies can present challenges in daily life. However, there are various coping mechanisms that individuals can employ to navigate their sensory experiences effectively. Let's explore coping strategies for both sensory seeking and sensory avoiding individuals.

Coping Mechanisms for Sensory Seeking Individuals

Sensory seeking individuals often have a high need for sensory input and stimulation. To cope with this, they may engage in activities that provide the desired sensory experiences. Here are some coping mechanisms commonly used by sensory seekers:

Engage in physical activities: Participating in sports, dance, yoga, or other physical activities can help sensory seekers fulfill their need for movement and physical sensations.
Use sensory tools and toys: Sensory seekers may find comfort in using sensory tools such as fidget spinners, stress balls, or textured objects to satisfy their need for tactile stimulation.
Explore sensory-rich environments: Visiting places like sensory gardens, nature trails, or playgrounds with various textures and sensory elements can provide sensory seekers with the stimulation they desire.
Utilize deep pressure: Applying deep pressure to the body through activities like hugging, using weighted blankets, or receiving massages can help sensory seekers regulate their sensory input.

Coping Mechanisms for Sensory Avoiding Individuals

On the other hand, sensory avoiding individuals may feel overwhelmed by certain sensory stimuli and seek strategies to minimize their exposure. Here are some coping mechanisms commonly used by sensory avoiders:

Create a calm and organized environment: Structuring the physical environment with minimal clutter, soothing colors, and calming lighting can help sensory avoiders create a peaceful atmosphere that minimizes sensory overload.
Practice relaxation techniques: Engaging in activities like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or listening to calming music can help sensory avoiders reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Use noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs: Sensory avoiders often find relief by blocking out excessive auditory stimuli using noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs.
Establish routines and predictability: Having consistent daily routines and clear expectations can provide a sense of predictability and stability, which can be comforting for sensory avoiders.

By implementing these coping strategies, individuals with sensory seeking or sensory avoiding tendencies can better manage their sensory experiences and navigate the challenges they may face in their daily lives. It's important to remember that the effectiveness of coping mechanisms may vary for each individual, and seeking professional guidance from occupational therapists or sensory specialists can provide personalized strategies tailored to specific needs.

Seeking Professional Help

When it comes to sensory processing issues, seeking professional help can provide valuable guidance and support. If you or someone you know is experiencing challenges related to sensory seeking or sensory avoiding, it may be beneficial to consider a professional evaluation. Additionally, there are various types of therapies available that can assist in addressing sensory processing issues.

When to Seek Professional Evaluation

It is important to seek professional evaluation if sensory processing issues significantly impact daily life or interfere with an individual's ability to participate in everyday activities. Some signs that may indicate the need for professional evaluation include:

Persistent difficulty in regulating sensory input
Intense emotional reactions to sensory stimuli
Difficulty with attention or focus
Challenges with social interactions due to sensory issues
Impairment in motor skills or coordination related to sensory processing

A qualified healthcare professional, such as an occupational therapist or developmental pediatrician, can assess and diagnose sensory processing issues. They will consider the individual's symptoms, behavior patterns, and medical history to determine an accurate diagnosis.

Types of Therapies Available for Sensory Processing Issues

There are several types of therapies available to address sensory processing issues in individuals. These therapies aim to help individuals develop effective strategies for managing sensory input and improving their overall daily functioning. Some common therapies used for sensory processing issues include:

These therapies are tailored to the specific needs of each individual and are often implemented as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. The choice of therapy depends on the severity of the sensory processing issues and the individual's specific challenges.

By seeking professional evaluation and exploring the available therapies, individuals with sensory processing issues can receive the necessary support to improve their daily functioning and quality of life.