Sensory seeking* is a term often used in the context of sensory processing to describe behaviors in individuals, especially children, who actively seek out sensory experiences.
Some children may have a high threshold for sensory input, meaning they need more intense or frequent sensory stimulation to feel satisfied.
Sensory seeking can manifest in various ways, depending on which senses the child is craving stimulation for.
Here are some examples of sensory-seeking behaviors across different sensory systems:
1. Tactile (Touch) Seeking:
- Frequently touching objects, people, or textures.
- Enjoying rough-and-tumble play or being in contact with soft, smooth, or interesting textures.
- Constantly fiddling with objects, like playing with slime or fidget toys.
2. Vestibular (Movement) Seeking:
- Enjoying spinning, swinging, or rocking activities.
- Constantly moving, such as running, jumping, or climbing.
- Seeking out activities that involve a lot of physical motion, like roller coasters or bouncing on trampolines.
3. Proprioceptive (Body Awareness) Seeking:
- Engaging in activities that provide deep pressure, like tight hugs or squeezing into small spaces.
- Enjoying activities that involve heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling.
- Craving roughhousing or wrestling.
4. Auditory (Sound) Seeking:
- Listening to loud music or making repetitive sounds.
- Enjoying environments with a lot of background noise.
- Frequently humming, singing, or making noises.
5. Visual Seeking:
- Enjoying bright lights, flashing lights, or visually stimulating environments.
- Frequently watching fast-moving objects or patterns.
- Seeking out screens or other sources of bright or colorful visuals.
6. Oral Sensory Seeking:
- Frequently chewing on objects, like pens, clothes, or fingers.
- Enjoying eating foods with strong flavors or crunchiness.
- Constantly mouthing objects or seeking oral input through sucking or chewing.
Why Does Sensory Seeking Happen?
Sensory seeking is thought to occur because the brain is not registering or processing sensory input in a typical way, leading the individual to crave more input to reach a comfortable or satisfying level of sensory experience.
Sensory seeking can be seen in conditions like Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but it can also be present in individuals without these diagnoses.
Managing Sensory Seeking:
For those who exhibit sensory-seeking behaviours, especially if these behaviours interfere with daily functioning or social interactions, strategies can be developed to help meet these sensory needs in a safe and appropriate way.
This might involve providing sensory-friendly activities, creating sensory-rich environments, or using tools like weighted blankets, fidget toys, or sensory rooms.
At Moo, we cover lots of activities to reach all sensory seeking developmental needs throughout our classes or at The Secret Garden
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