Sensory Seeking vs. Sensory Avoiding in Children

A Deep Dive into Sensory Processing Patterns

Children experience and respond to sensory stimuli in diverse ways, which can sometimes pose challenges for caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals. Recognizing the difference between sensory seeking and sensory avoiding behaviors is vital in supporting children’s development, emotional well-being, and social participation. This article explores the core characteristics of these behaviors, their causes, manifestations, and effective strategies for management, particularly within the context of autism spectrum disorder and other developmental conditions.

Differentiating Sensory Seeker and Sensory Avoider Behaviors

What is the difference between sensory seeking and sensory avoiding behaviors?

Sensory seeking behaviors are rooted in children who are underresponsive or hyposensitive to sensory input. These children often crave additional stimulation to feel alert and engaged. You might notice them enjoying loud noises, engaging in rough play, or frequently touching objects and people. They may even seek out activities like crashing, jumping, or chewing non-food items to fulfill their sensory needs. These kids tend to have a high sensory threshold, meaning they need more input before they notice or respond to sensory stimuli.

On the other hand, sensory avoiding behaviors are observed in children who are hypersensitive or oversensitive to sensory input. They tend to overreact or become overwhelmed when exposed to stimuli that others might find tolerable. These children often dislike hugs, are startled easily by sounds or bright lights, and prefer quiet, calm environments. They may avoid tactile stimuli like certain textures or vestibular input such as swinging or playground equipment. Typically, these kids have a low sensory threshold, which makes them highly sensitive to sensory overload.

The main difference between the two lies in their responses: seekers actively pursue sensory experiences to meet their needs, while avoiders tend to withdraw or shield themselves from sensory stimuli. Responses can also vary within individual children; some may exhibit mixed behaviors, seeking certain stimuli while avoiding others.

Understanding these behaviors helps caregivers and educators create tailored strategies. For example, incorporating heavy work activities like jumping or deep pressure can calm sensory seekers, whereas providing quiet spaces and gradual exposure to stimuli can help sensory avoiders feel more comfortable. Recognizing the specific sensory profile of each child is crucial for supporting their development and well-being.

The Neurological Foundations of Sensory Behaviors

Understanding sensory thresholds

Children's responses to sensory stimuli are often rooted in their neurological thresholds, which denote how much sensory input a child needs to notice or respond to a stimulus. These thresholds can be high (hypo-responsive) or low (hyper-responsive). A child with a high threshold might not react strongly to sensory input and may actively seek additional sensations to feel more alert and engaged. Conversely, a child with a low threshold is more easily overwhelmed and may go to great lengths to avoid certain stimuli.

Neurophysiological explanations for seeking and avoiding behaviors

Sensory seeking behaviors generally occur because of an imbalance or dysfunction within the nervous system. Kids exhibiting these behaviors typically have a high neurological threshold, meaning their brains do not respond strongly to sensory inputs, prompting them to seek more stimulation to reach an optimal level of arousal. This can be due to issues like nerve injuries, such as subluxations or tension in the upper neck and brainstem, which interfere with how signals are transmitted and processed. These children often crave movement, tactile stimulation, loud noises, or oral-motor activities as a means to self-regulate.

On the other hand, sensory avoiders are usually hypersensitive, with low thresholds that cause them to over-respond to typical environmental stimuli. Their nervous systems react intensely, leading them to avoid certain textures, sounds, or lights to prevent discomfort or overload. Their responses are protective, aiming to shield their nervous system from perceived threats posed by sensory excess.

Role of neural pathways and brain processing

The brain's neural pathways and processing centers play a crucial role in how sensory information is perceived and managed. In children with sensory processing issues, these pathways may be under- or overactive. For example, an underdeveloped or inefficient pathway might contribute to sensory seeking, as the brain does not register sensory input prominently enough. Conversely, overactive pathways can make a child hyper-sensitive, leading to sensory avoidance behaviors.

Understanding how these pathways function helps professionals design tailored interventions. Techniques that stimulate or calm specific neural circuits can assist children in achieving better sensory regulation. For example, incorporating proprioceptive input through heavy work activities can help organize nervous system responses, balancing over- or under-reactivity.

In summary, the neurological underpinnings of sensory behaviors involve the interaction between thresholds, neural pathways, and brain processing centers. These factors determine whether a child seeks more input or avoids stimuli, and understanding them is vital for effective support and intervention.

Manifestations and Impacts of Sensory Behaviors

What are the characteristics and manifestations of sensory seeking and sensory avoiding behaviors in children?

Children with sensory seeking behaviors actively search for more sensory input to feel balanced. They often engage in activities like jumping, crashing into objects, touching everything around them, and making loud noises. These behaviors can sometimes lead to clumsiness or poor coordination because they are seeking intense tactile or movement-based stimuli. Sensory seekers tend to be hyperactive and impulsive, often oblivious to personal boundaries or safety. They enjoy rough play, enjoy tactile sensations like touching objects or people frequently, and may seek loud or bright environments to stimulate their senses.

On the other hand, children who show sensory avoiding behaviors are hypersensitive to sensory input such as bright lights, loud sounds, certain textures, or being touched. They tend to withdraw from overwhelming social settings and prefer quiet, calm environments. These children might be timid, cautious, or exhibit tactile defensiveness, avoiding activities that involve certain textures or movement. They may also show signs of gravitational insecurity, avoiding activities that involve swinging or climbing due to fear of falling.

Both types of sensory behaviors affect children’s daily lives significantly. Sensory seekers may struggle with safety in environments with too much stimulation, while sensory avoiders might find it difficult to participate in typical social or classroom activities due to their sensitivity. Recognizing these behaviors enables caregivers and professionals to offer appropriate sensory interventions, promoting emotional regulation, safety, and better social interactions.

Supporting Children with Sensory Processing Challenges

How can parents support children with sensory processing differences?

Parents play a crucial role in helping children navigate sensory processing issues. One effective approach is creating a consistent sensory diet—an individualized plan of activities designed to meet the child's sensory needs. For sensory seekers, activities like jumping, swinging, or applying deep pressure through hugs can help them feel grounded and calm. Sensory avoiders benefit from environments that minimize overwhelming stimuli, such as quiet spaces and low lighting, along with tools like noise-canceling headphones and soft textures.

Establishing a calming environment at home is vital. This includes reducing clutter, controlling noise levels, and making sensory tools easily accessible. Using weighted blankets, fidget toys, and tactile objects can provide comforting and regulating input. Parents are encouraged to collaborate closely with occupational therapists, who can provide training and coaching on how to incorporate sensory strategies into daily routines.

Occupational therapists often teach parents sensory integration techniques that help children better process and respond to sensory stimuli. This might involve gradual exposure to sensory inputs or specific activities tailored to the child's responses. Consistent routines and narration of activities to the child—desplaining what is happening and why—can also help children understand and anticipate sensory experiences.

Building a sensory-friendly environment and engaging in regular, tailored activities foster emotional stability and participation. Ongoing support from healthcare professionals and participating in coaching sessions empower parents with the confidence to support their child's unique needs. Over time, these strategies contribute to improved behavior, reduced anxiety, and better social engagement for children with sensory processing challenges.

The Broad Context: Sensory Processing in Development and Autism

How common are sensory processing issues in children?

Sensory processing challenges are quite prevalent among children, especially those with developmental differences. Many children experience difficulties in responding to sensory stimuli like sounds, lights, textures, or internal sensations. These issues can manifest in various ways, such as overreacting to loud noises or textures, underreacting and seeking extra stimulation, or displaying mixed responses within the same sensory system.

Is sensory behavior specific to autism?

Sensory processing differences are often associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but they are not exclusive to it. Many children with different diagnoses, including ADHD and developmental delays, also encounter sensory challenges. Some children may show sensory seeking behaviors, such as enjoying loud noises or rough play, while others might avoid sensory input, feeling overwhelmed by bright lights or loud sounds.

How do sensory seeking and avoiding behaviors differ?

Sensory seekers typically have a high sensory threshold, meaning they need more input to feel satisfied. They might enjoy activities like spinning, jumping, or touching various objects frequently. Conversely, sensory avoiders are oversensitive to stimuli and tend to withdraw from environments or activities that they find overwhelming, like crowded places or noisy settings. Some children display a combination, seeking input in certain areas while avoiding others.

Managing sensory challenges

Providing calming activities like deep breathing, gentle lighting, or using sensory tools helps children regulate their responses. Heavy work activities, such as jumping or bear hugs, can be especially soothing for children with mixed or high thresholds. Recognizing individual sensory needs through observation and professional assessment is essential for creating effective support strategies.

Addressing sensory processing issues in support plans

Professionals like occupational therapists emphasize personalized approaches. They help identify triggers and develop intervention plans that include sensory-friendly environments, gradual exposure to stimuli, and sensory tools. These strategies aim to improve a child's ability to participate comfortably in daily activities and reduce distress related to sensory overload.

Conclusion: Embracing Individual Sensory Profiles

Recognizing the diverse ways children experience sensory input underscores the importance of individualized approaches to support. Whether a child is seeking stimulation or avoiding certain stimuli, understanding their unique sensory profile allows caregivers, educators, and clinicians to create nurturing environments that promote learning, socialization, and emotional health. Through tailored interventions, sensory regulation strategies, and professional guidance, children can develop better self-awareness and adaptive skills, enabling them to navigate their sensory worlds more comfortably and confidently.

References

• Sensory seeking and sensory avoiding: What you need to know
• When Your Child is Sensory Seeking And Sensory Avoiding -
• Sensory Seeking vs Avoiding - Lighthouse Autism Center
• Four Patterns of Sensory Processing - ConnectABILITY.ca
• Navigating Sensory Seeking and Sensory Avoiding: Understanding ...
• Sensory Seeking vs Sensory Sensitive
• How To Support Your Children With Their Sensory Challenges