Characteristics of A Sensory Avoidant Child

When the brain has trouble taking in and organizing information from the senses, this is called a sensory processing problem. Even though this has been seen in kids with sensory avoidant issues, it can also happen to adults. Many doctors think having trouble processing sensory information is more often a sign of another illness than its disease.

People deal with sensory knowledge from their surroundings in two ways: they seek it out or ignore it. Sensory information includes sounds, sights, smells, and tastes. Different people avoid sensory information, while others look for it. We can learn more about ourselves and others by understanding these ideas.

What is Sensory Seeking vs. Sensory Avoiding?

Sensory seeker vs sensory avoider describe how people process sensory input from their surroundings. Touch, hearing, smell, taste, and vision are examples of sensory input. Some sensory avoidant people enjoy sensory input, while others do not. Understanding these concepts allows us to understand ourselves and others better when it comes to sensory processing.

What is Sensory Seeking?

People who want to seek out and interact with sensory information are said to be sensory seekers. This can mean looking for touch, loud music, bright lights, and hot foods. Things like roller coasters, bungee jumping, and flying may be fun for people who like to use all their senses. Also, they might like moving things around or tapping their feet to music.

They may need stronger stimuli to feel pleased, which means they are more likely to be sensory seekers. Plus, they can handle more pain or soreness. Often, disorders like ADHD, autism, and sensory processing disorder are linked to sensation-seeking behavior.

What Is Sensory Avoiding?

When someone wants to avoid or limit sensory information, this is called sensory avoidant. Things like loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, and certain textures may need to be avoided. Sensory avoiders might like places that are quiet, have soft lighting, and eat boring foods. Their pain or discomfort may also be stronger.

It's possible that sensory avoiders have a smaller threshold for sensory input, which means they get too much of it. Also, they might not be able to handle pain or soreness. People who suffer from anxiety, sadness, or post-traumatic stress disorder often avoid certain objects or feelings.

Are Sensory Avoiders Autistic?

Sensory avoidant kids are kids who try to avoid sensory stimuli or feel too much of them. Sensory avoiders are likely sensitive to smells, sounds, and textures and get too excited in noisy places. They may also have trouble changing routines and feel uncomfortable or upset in new places.

There are likely a number of factors that lead to sensory seeking and avoidance in children. Sensory processing problems can be passed down through families or be caused by stress or other bad things that happen to kids. Sensory processing problems in kids are also linked to autism spectrum disorder and ADHD.

Can Someone Be Sensory Seeking and Avoiding?

It does not necessarily have to be either way. Some children show both sensory seeking vs sensory avoiding behavior. This is because kids act differently in places they know and places they don't.

It is important to remember that sensory avoiding issues can emerge in a variety of ways and that each child's sensory needs are unique. An occupational therapist can work with families to understand a child's sensory profile and develop tailored solutions to their specific requirements.

Effects of Sensory Disorder on Social Interaction

How someone interacts with others can be affected by their sense-seeking and avoiding behaviors. Sensory seekers, for instance, might seem too loud or active to other people. Someone with this disorder might find it hard to concentrate in chats or meetings, or they might talk over other people while they're talking.

On the other hand, a person who avoids sensory input might have trouble in noisy or busy places. In social settings with a lot of people or a lot of sensory input, they may feel overwhelmed or anxious. So, they might not attend social events, making them feel alone and isolated.

Keep in mind that people have varying requirements for sensory input. Meeting those needs can make social interactions more comfortable and interesting. When people get together or go to an event, sensory avoiders may feel more at ease in quiet areas. Being active in meetings or chats can also help sensation seekers concentrate.

People with different sensory preferences can interact better if they understand and meet each other's needs.

The Anxiety-Sensory Avoidance Relationship

Sensory avoidant and anxiety often go together. Specific sensory feedback can make someone with anxiety feel upset, uncomfortable, or panicked. For instance, being in a place full of people, loud music, and bright lights might be too much for someone with social anxiety. For the same reason, someone with a generalized anxiety disorder might get nervous around strong smells or textures.

To avoid too much stimulation, they may choose places that are quieter. This can help with worry for a short time, but it can also make people feel alone and avoid important social events. For people who suffer from anxiety and sensory avoidance, therapists and mental health workers can help them find healthy ways to deal with their surroundings.

Exposure therapy may be used, which includes a lot of sensory stimulation and relaxation to control symptoms. Knowing the link between sensory avoidance and worry can help people deal with their problems and feel better.

Summary

People interact with sensory information from their surroundings by seeking and avoiding it. Knowing these ideas can help us better understand others and ourselves and make places more welcoming. Giving people a range of physical experiences to a child that is sensory avoidant can help them relax and be more interested.

Stay calm if your child acts like a seeker most of the time or if your child is more sensitive. With the right help, they will still do well. Loomini Learning offers Different sensory tools and equipment for every sensory need.