Notice your child is always on the go, touching every single object they see, and turning up the volume a little too high? There is a very good chance that your child is a sensory seeker. It’s nothing to be concerned about. In fact, many children are naturally sensory seekers – and there are many fun ways to help them express themselves through creativity and energy.
Understanding Sensory Seeking
Defined by occupational therapists, a sensory seeker is an individual who has an increased desire to be stimulated by all of their senses, such as touch, hearing, seeing, movement, etc., than others do. For example, a sensory seeker may feel compelled to jump higher and/or longer to get the same “high” off of the stimulation as others would feel from walking around the block. Sensory seekers are not overly “energetic”, nor are they attempting to behave badly. Rather, their brain is simply wired differently and requires more stimulation to remain organised and regulated.
There are two primary areas of focus within the sensory processing model: processing and seeking. Processing occurs when a child receives and processes sensory information from one or more of the senses (hearing, vision, touch, taste, smell). The term “seeking” refers to when a child actively seeks out additional sensory input, in order to achieve the feelings of being calm, alert and engaged.
Identifying Whether Your Child Is a Sensory Seeker
Many sensory seekers exhibit the following behaviours:
- Jumping, crashing, into objects more often than usual
- Chewing on pens, shirts, fingers, etc.
- Repetitively touching textures like sand, slime, fabrics, etc.
- Engaging in loud play (making loud noises) and/or enjoying loud environments
- Spinning, swinging, climbing, etc., without fear
While these behaviours are not inherently problematic, they can give parents clues as to what strategies will help their child succeed.
Ideas to Support Sensory Seeking
Rather than trying to stop sensory-seeking behaviour, the goal is to guide it in ways that are safe, satisfying and socially acceptable. Below are some ideas broken down by type of sensory input.
Proprioceptive Input (Movement & Pressure)
Engaging in heavy work can be calming. Some examples of heavy work include:
- Pushing a laundry basket or box filled with books
- Building with large foam blocks
- Animal walk activities (crab crawl, bear crawl, etc.)
All of these types of activities help a child feel grounded and in charge.
Tactile Input (Touch)
If your child enjoys exploring with his/her hands:
- Create a sensory bin using rice, pasta, kinetic sand, etc.
- Use textured paints or finger paints
- Provide water beads or putty for them to play with
Provide a variety of tactile materials, and then change them frequently to keep things interesting.
Auditory Input (Sound)
Children who seek auditory input typically enjoy toys that make noise. By choosing toys that produce pleasant, clear sounds and speech, you can create opportunities for your child to engage in social and emotional learning. For example, a friendly talking plush dog that talks and responds with supportive comments can provide auditory input in a way that is both beneficial and socially constructive.
Vestibular Input (Balance & Movement)
Your child may enjoy:
- Swinging at the park
- Using a mini trampoline
- Rolling down hills, or playing on a spinning chair
Please always supervise these fun activities so that you can ensure your child’s safety, but allow your child to experience the freedom of movement.
Embracing Your Child’s Needs
Working with a sensory-seeking child is not about fixing them. It is about understanding them and meeting their needs in a positive way. When sensory-seeking children’s needs are met positively, they tend to be calmer, more focused, and happier. Many sensory-seekers are highly energetic, creative and enthusiastic. With the right activities and support, they can truly shine in their own unique light.
When you understand and accept your child’s sensory world, you provide them with something that is priceless: the knowledge that they are seen, accepted, and supported for who they are.
