How to Recognize Sensory Seeking vs Sensory Avoiding Traits in Kids

Our senses are always sending data to our brains. The majority of people can easily process that knowledge. That stream of data is hard for kids who need help processing sensory information, though.

Some kids are "sensory seekers" (engaging in sensory seeking vs sensory avoiding behaviors). When they sense something, they either don't react enough or need more of it to work. Some people tend to be "sensory avoiders". They respond to what they sense, which makes them hyperactive and overwhelmed.

What Does Sensory Seeking and Sensory Avoiding Signify in A Child?

If a child is engaging in sensory seeking vs sensory avoiding behaviors, their sensory threshold is likely to be high or low, respectively. It is common for kids to have a mixed threshold, which means they may exhibit both sensory-seeking and avoiding tendencies. Someone who doesn't always react in the same way to sensory information is said to have a mixed sensory seeker vs sensory avoider threshold.

There is also a chance that your child has different limits for the same sensory system. Take the tactile/touch system as an example. A child may be sensitive to how clothes or socks feel but also loves getting dirty and playing with slime and other messy things. Even though all of that is touch feedback, they may react differently to each one.

What is the Difference Between Sensory Seeking and Avoiding?

Being sensory sensitive means that too much sensory input overwhelms a person, while sensory wanting, also known as sensory seeking vs sensory avoiding, means that a person wants more sensory input. It can come from hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, or touching. A lot of people don't even know there's a difference.

This type of person needs to be stimulated. For these kids to feel calm and focused, they might look for things to move, touch, hear, and see. Maybe they can't sit still or keep their hands to themselves. The kid can look for things in any of these ways.

Children who are sensory avoiding are not seekers. They can't handle too much excitement, so they stay away from loud noises, bright lights, and rough play. You might notice that these sensory avoidant kids are quiet or shy and may be having a tough time. They might like doing things that are quieter and can't handle loud noises or busy places.

Can You Be Sensory Seeking and Sensory Avoiding?

Yes, you can be both a seeker and an avoider. Sometimes, these kids may want sensory information, and they may want to avoid it. A tire swing at the park might be fun for some kids, but they might not want to go to a busy store because of all the noise.

Remember that each child is unique. For example, some kids may mostly act like seekers, while others may be more sensitive. And some kids might be in the middle.

Misconceptions About Sensory Avoidings vs. Sensory Seeking

A common misunderstanding is that if a child engages in sensory seeking vs sensory avoiding behaviors for some types of sensory information, they will do the same for all of them. It is not true at all. A kid might not want to be touched or heard, but they might want to be touched or heard in other contexts. They might avoid or want different things that use the same sense system.

Your child might have sensory avoidant behaviors by not liking clothes tags or the seams in their socks or shirts. In some cases, they may want to wear a tight shirt, a weighted vest, or a lycra body sock. Your kid might be afraid of heights but loves to spin or hang upside down. This is all because of the vestibular system.

Is It Possible that Sensory Seekers Are Autistic?

This question has more than one answer. Not all kids who are sensory seekers are autistic. Autistic people have problems with their brains that affect how they see and connect with the world. If you think your child might have autism or another developmental problem, please talk to a doctor or therapist so they can make a correct diagnosis.

Kids who are very interested in different things might not all have ADHD, but some of them do. ADHD is a brain disease that makes it hard for people to concentrate and control their impulses.

How to Help Children with Sensory Processing Disorders

Some kids have trouble understanding sensory information, which can make it hard for them to do normal things like getting dressed, eating, or going to school, leading to challenges related to sensory seeking vs sensory avoiding behaviors. For kids who have trouble understanding sensory information, you can do a few things as a parent or caretaker to help.

Make a Sensory-Friendly Environment

Making your home and school more sensory-friendly can help kids feel more at ease and interested in what they are doing. For example, you could use soft lighting, walls, and furniture painted in soothing colors, and less stuff lying around. Make sure there are different textures for the kids to play with, like sand or playdough.

Provide Sensory Breaks

When kids have trouble processing sensory information, too much sensory feedback can be too much for them. They can stay focused and control their feelings better if given regular breaks to do things that calm them down, like deep breathing, listening to music, or going for a walk outside.

Provide Sensory Tools

Sensory tools like noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, and fidget toys can help kids manage their senses and feel better in their settings. When the child is doing something that might be too much for them, like going to the store or a birthday party, these tools can help.

Consult an Occupational Therapist

Working with an occupational therapist who focuses on these issues can be very helpful for parents and other adults who care for kids with sensory processing issues. An occupational therapist can help you come up with ways to meet the child's specific needs and plan how to handle any problems they might have at school or home.

Conclusion

Kids engaging in sensory seeking vs sensory avoiding experiences often have temper tantrums or emotional breakdowns. People often have hard feelings when they go from a setting that makes them feel calm or stable to one that makes them feel overwhelmed. Giving kids the sensory information they want or that makes them feel good can help them feel safer and calmer.

There are many sensory tools, also called sensory toys, that can help people who seek sensory experiences and try to avoid them. Some of these are fidget toys, items that support the mouth, heavy items, auditory and visual, and many more. Visit Loomini Learning and grab the perfect sensory tool for your child's sensory needs today!