Is My Child a Sensory Seeker?
Does your child constantly crave movement and seek out various sensory experiences? They may also have limited body awareness or concept of personal space. These behaviors might seem overwhelming at first, but they could be signs of a sensory-seeking child. There is nothing wrong with being a sensory seeking child! However, parents and caregivers may want to proactively offer sensory input in order to help the child regulate their emotions.
In this blog post, we'll dive into the world of sensory seeking behavior, exploring what it means, how to recognize it, and most importantly, how to support children who exhibit these tendencies.
What is Sensory Seeking?
Sensory seeking behavior is a term used to describe children who actively seek out intense sensory input. They crave lots of movement, contact with people or things, touching various textures or materials, and other sensory experiences to a greater extent than their peers.
Examples of Sensory Seeking Behavior
Identifying sensory seeking behavior involves recognizing common tendencies or activities. These may include constant movement, fidgeting, touching people or objects, and enjoying excessive sensory input. Here are some additional examples of what sensory seeking behavior in children looks like.
Difficulty Sitting Still: Sensory seekers may find it challenging to sit still for extended periods and may feel restless when sensory input is limited.
Crashing or Jumping: Children may enjoy jumping, crashing onto soft surfaces, or engaging in activities that provide deep pressure input.
Spinning: They may loves spinning in circles and the sensation of feeling dizzy. They may also enjoy swinging and hanging (either upright or upside down), which stimulates the vestibular and proprioceptive senses.
Engaging in Risky Behaviors: Some individuals with sensory seeking tendencies may engage in risky behaviors to fulfill their need for intense sensations, such as climbing heights or balancing on narrow objects.
Chewing or Mouthing Objects: Some children may have a constant need to chew on objects or put things in their mouths to satisfy their oral sensory needs.
Touching: Children may enjoy contact and touch from other people, touching and fiddling with objects, tight or soft clothing, and certain textures or surfaces.
Understanding the Needs of Sensory Seeking Children
Sensory seeking behavior can have an impact on a child's daily life, affecting their social interactions, emotional regulation, and participation in activities.
Supporting sensory seekers involves creating sensory-friendly environments, implementing personalized strategies for regulation, and providing opportunities for sensory breaks to help them thrive.
For example, you can provide calming activities like deep pressure exercises, jumping on a trampoline, or using sensory toys.
Strategies for Supporting Sensory Seeking Children
In general, there is nothing wrong with sensory seeking behavior, but if it gets to the point where it prevents your child from participating in daily activities or you're worried they may hurt themselves or others, you may consider professional support. By discussing concerns with your child's pediatrician and obtaining referrals for occupational therapy evaluation, you can access the necessary support and come up with a plan for your child's sensory needs.
Understanding and supporting children with sensory seeking behavior requires patience, empathy, and potentially proactive intervention. By recognizing the signs and implementing personalized strategies for support, parents and caregivers can help their children thrive!
Click here to download the PDF guide!
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