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Sensory avoiding is when someone avoids things that bother their senses, like loud noises or strong smells. This can make it hard for them to focus or enjoy something. It might be because of a sensory processing disorder, and there are ways to help.
How can sensory avoidance be diagnosed?
Sensory avoiding is often diagnosed as a part of a larger diagnosis of sensory processing disorder. A professional, such as an occupational therapist, can evaluate a child’s sensory processing skills and determine if they have sensory-avoiding behaviors.
How can sensory avoidance be treated?
Treatment for sensory avoidance can include sensory integration therapy, occupational therapy, and other therapies that help the individual regulate their sensory input. Strategies like creating a sensory-friendly environment or using sensory tools can also be effective.
Can sensory avoidance be outgrown?
While sensory processing disorder cannot be outgrown, individuals with the disorder can learn to cope with their sensory-avoiding behaviors and improve their sensory processing skills over time through therapy and other interventions.
Sensory avoidance is when someone tries to avoid certain things that they see, hear, touch, taste, or smell because those things bother them. Some people might not like loud noises, bright lights, strong odors, or rough textures. They might cover their ears or eyes, avoid touching certain things, or refuse to eat certain foods. Sensory avoidance can make it hard for people to focus, learn, or enjoy things others like. It can also make them feel anxious, overwhelmed, or frustrated. Some people with sensory avoidance might have a condition called sensory processing disorder, which means their brains have trouble processing and responding to sensory information. There are different ways to help people with sensory avoidance, such as using calming techniques, providing sensory-friendly environments, or working with occupational therapists.
Sensory avoidance can be observed in various conditions where individuals experience challenges in processing sensory information. Here are some conditions that are commonly associated with sensory avoidance:
Recognizing these associations can help parents understand the underlying causes and implement appropriate strategies to support individuals with sensory avoidance in their daily lives. Goally, our tablet, helps kids with sensory avoidance through fun apps like digital visual schedules, AAC, gamified learning, and skills training videos for emotional regulation, executive functioning, bedtime routines, and social skills.
This post was originally published on Feb. 15, 2023. It was updated on July 20, 2023.
