Sensory seeking is when a person enjoys getting a lot of information from their environment through their senses, like loud noises or strong smells. It can be helpful for some people to focus their attention and regulate their emotions, but for others, it can interfere with their daily life. Understanding and respecting an individual’s sensory preferences and needs are essential.
Is sensory seeking a disorder?
Sensory-seeking behavior is not a disorder, but it can be a symptom of certain conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or sensory processing disorder.
How can you support someone who is sensory seeking?
To support someone who is sensory seeking, it’s important to understand and respect their sensory preferences and needs. You can provide opportunities for sensory input through activities like music, art, and movement, and provide sensory tools like fidget toys or weighted blankets.
When does sensory seeking become a problem?
Sensory seeking can become a problem when it interferes with a person’s daily life, such as making it difficult to focus in school or causing disruptions in social situations. If sensory seeking behaviors are causing problems, it may be helpful to work with a healthcare provider or therapist to develop strategies for managing them.
Sensory seeking is a behavior where a person likes to get sensory information from their environment. They may like loud noises, bright colors, and strong smells. People who are sensory seeking may enjoy activities like jumping, spinning, or bouncing. They might also enjoy touching different textures or tasting new foods. Sensory seeking is a natural behavior, and many people have different levels of sensitivity to sensory input. For some people, sensory seeking can be helpful for them to regulate their emotions and focus their attention. However, some people may have more extreme sensory-seeking behavior, which can interfere with daily life. There are many ways to support sensory-seeking individuals, including providing opportunities for sensory input through activities like music, art, and movement. Understanding and respecting an individual’s sensory preferences and needs are essential.
Sensory seeking involves actively seeking sensory experiences and can manifest in various ways. Here are some examples and explanations:
Understanding these examples can help parents provide appropriate activities and support for sensory seekers. Goally, our tablet, supports sensory-seeking kids with visual schedules, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and social skills through apps and videos.
This post was originally published on Feb. 15, 2023. It was updated on July 20, 2023.
