Introduction to Sensory Processing Patterns

Sensory processing is an integral part of how children interact with and make sense of their surroundings. Children express their sensory needs in various ways, often through behaviors classified as sensory seeking or sensory avoiding. Understanding these behaviors is crucial for parents and caregivers aiming to support children with sensory processing differences, especially those with conditions like autism or ADHD. This guide sheds light on the characteristics and impacts of sensory seeking and avoiding behaviors, offering insights and strategies to help manage these challenges.

Defining Sensory Seeking and Sensory Avoiding

What are Sensory Seeking and Sensory Avoiding?

Sensory seeking and sensory avoiding describe two different ways that children respond to sensory input based on their sensory processing capabilities.

Sensory Seeking refers to behaviors where children actively seek out sensory experiences to satisfy their needs. These children are considered hypo-responsive, meaning they may require more intense sensory input to feel effectively engaged or stimulated. Common behaviors include:

• Jumping or spinning
• Fidgeting
• Craving loud sounds These actions often reflect a desire for heightened sensations or physical activity to help them modulate their sensory experiences.

Sensory Avoiding, on the other hand, involves behaviors where children withdraw from overwhelming sensory experiences, driven by hyper-responsivity to stimuli. This can manifest in:

• Covering ears in response to loud noises
• Avoiding certain fabrics due to texture sensitivities
• Distress in crowded spaces Children with sensory avoiding behaviors may feel discomfort or anxiety when confronted with intense sensory environments.

What is the Difference Between Sensory Seeking and Sensory Avoiding?

The primary difference lies in how each group engages with sensory stimuli.

• Sensory seekers look for more stimulation, while sensory avoiders wish to minimize exposure. Recognizing these differences is vital for caregivers and educators to provide tailored support for effective management of sensory needs.

Examples of Sensory Seeking Behaviors

What are examples of sensory seeking behaviors?

Sensory seeking behaviors encompass a variety of activities that children engage in to fulfill their sensory needs. Common examples include:

• Messy play: Activities such as splashing in puddles, digging in the sand, or playing with slime allow children to experience different textures and sensations.
• Chewing and mouthing: Many children may chew on non-food items like clothing, toys, or even other objects as a way to seek oral sensory input.
• Physical activities: Jumping, crashing into soft surfaces, or swinging on swings provide proprioceptive input, which helps children feel grounded and connected to their bodies.
• Visual stimulation: Some children are drawn to shiny or colorful objects, spending time gazing at them to satisfy their visual sensory cravings.
• Loud noises: Engaging with loud sounds, playing musical instruments, or vocalizing loudly are ways sensory seekers can enjoy auditory input.
• Repetitive movements: Behaviors like hand flapping, rocking, or spinning are common among children looking to manage or boost their sensory experiences.

These behaviors are particularly evident in children with sensory processing disorders, including those on the autism spectrum or with ADHD. Recognizing these patterns is crucial to providing the appropriate support and interventions.

Causes and Manifestations of Sensory Seeking

What causes sensory seeking behaviors?

Sensory seeking behaviors often emerge from sensory processing disorder (SPD), a condition where the brain has difficulty interpreting sensory information. Children exhibiting these behaviors may have a high neurological threshold, prompting them to pursue intense sensory input to feel engaged with their environment. Common signs include constant movement, lack of personal space awareness, and an inclination towards activities that provide strong sensory experiences.

The desire for sensory stimulation can stem from being under-sensitive to typical inputs, leading children to crave more intense sensations, such as loud noises, rough play, or deep pressure activities. Their pursuit of sensory experiences can be a way to connect with their surroundings, gain self-awareness, and facilitate learning.

Impact of sensory seeking on daily life

Sensory seeking behaviors can significantly influence a child's daily routines, social interactions, and academic performance. These children may struggle to sit still, which can make traditional learning environments challenging. They might engage in disruptive behavior, such as fidgeting or making loud noises, that can draw unwanted attention from peers and teachers.

On the social front, their need for intense physical interaction can lead to challenges in forming relationships. While they crave connection through play, they might misinterpret social cues, which can lead to conflicts or feelings of exclusion. To manage these behaviors, occupational therapy and a sensory-rich environment can be beneficial, enabling children to fulfill their sensory needs in constructive ways.

Understanding Sensory Avoidance

Characteristics of sensory avoiding behavior

Sensory avoiding behaviors often manifest in a variety of ways. Children who exhibit these behaviors display hypersensitivity to certain sensory stimuli, which can make everyday environments overwhelming. Common characteristics include:

• Texture Sensitivity: Many children may become very particular about their clothing, refusing certain fabrics or styles that don’t feel comfortable against their skin.
• Movement Avoidance: Activities that involve movement, such as swings or slides, may be avoided altogether, as they often lead to a feeling of discomfort or loss of control.
• Sensitivity to Noises: It's common for sensory avoiders to frequently cover their ears or exhibit distress in response to loud noises. They may also react strongly to sudden or unexpected sounds, making them prone to being startled.
• Light Sensitivity: Children may shy away from brightly lit environments, preferring dim lighting to avoid discomfort.
• Social Anxiety: In crowded spaces, these children might feel anxious and prefer solitude to escape sensory overload.
• Food Aversion: Sensory avoiders often exhibit a strong aversion to certain food textures or smells, which can make mealtime challenging.

Common sensory triggers

Sensory triggers can vary widely among children but generally include:

Understanding these patterns helps caregivers provide tailored support. Awareness of specific triggers enables the creation of sensory-friendly environments, allowing better emotional regulation for children navigating their sensory experiences.

Types of Sensory Processing

What are the types of sensory processing?

Children exhibit various sensory processing patterns that inform their interactions with the world. There are four primary types:

1. Low Registration: These children may not notice or effectively process sensory information, leading them to seem inattentive or uninterested.
2. Sensation Seeking: In this pattern, children actively pursue sensory experiences. This might manifest as hyperactivity or risky behaviors, as they seek out intense stimuli.
3. Sensory Sensitive: These individuals can become quickly overwhelmed by sensory input, showing signs of frustration, yet they do not necessarily avoid such stimuli.
4. Sensation Avoiding: Children exhibiting this behavior take preventative steps to sidestep overwhelming stimuli, such as avoiding noisy environments or specific textures.

How do different patterns impact behaviors?

The interaction between these sensory processing types significantly influences children's behaviors and daily experiences. For example:

• Low Registration: May lead to difficulties in social settings as these children might miss social cues or not respond to sensory feedback, affecting relationships.
• Sensation Seeking: Can result in challenges in structured environments like classrooms, where seeking high stimulation might disrupt learning.
• Sensory Sensitive: They may struggle in bustling environments, leading to frustration or anxiety when faced with conflicting signals.
• Sensation Avoiding: These children might withdraw from activities, leading to isolation or difficulties in social engagement due to their discomfort with sensory experiences.

Understanding these patterns can help caregivers tailor strategies that effectively support children's sensory needs.

Complex Sensory Profiles: The Sensory Dual

Understanding mixed sensory thresholds

Children can demonstrate a fascinating mix of sensory thresholds, commonly referred to as having a "mixed threshold." This is characterized by the ability to respond inconsistently to various sensory inputs. For instance, a child might become overwhelmed by loud noises (a sensory avoiding behavior) while simultaneously seeking out the tactile experience of messy play (a sensory seeking behavior). This variability can pose challenges for both the child and caregivers, making it essential to closely observe behavioral patterns to create a supportive environment.

Impact of both sensory seeking and avoiding behaviors

The coexistence of sensory seeking and sensory avoiding behaviors significantly affects social interactions and emotional regulation. Children displaying these mixed behaviors may find themselves in a constant tug-of-war: they might crave the intense stimulation of jumping or crashing (sensory seeking) but feel overwhelmed and anxious in crowded or noisy settings (sensory avoiding).

Recognizing these patterns allows caregivers to implement tailored strategies to help the child.

Strategies for Support

• Create Regulating Environments: Soft lighting and reduced clutter can help create a calming atmosphere.
• Engage in Heavy Work Activities: Activities such as cuddling or jumping can provide the proprioceptive input that children with mixed thresholds often need.
• Utilize Sensory Tools: Incorporating fidget toys or noise-canceling headphones into daily routines can offer children the regulation they might be seeking.

Understanding and addressing these complexities can lead to improved emotional regulation and social interactions, fostering a more balanced sensory experience for children.

Supporting Sensory Seeking Children

How can parents and caregivers support a sensory seeking child?

Parents and caregivers can effectively support a sensory-seeking child by creating sensory-rich environments tailored to their unique needs. A creative approach is to designate an 'Action Room', a space for engaging in movement activities such as swinging or an obstacle course designed for physical engagement. These areas can be filled with climbing structures or soft mats for safe exploration.

Additionally, establishing a 'Chill Spa' space with soft cushions and calming lighting allows for relaxation and unwinding. This environment can include weighted blankets and soft music that support the calming process.

Implementing sensory breaks is essential. Encourage activities like jumping on a trampoline or provide a 'Break Box' filled with fidget toys. These breaks help with self-regulation and focus, particularly during learning sessions.

To enhance comfort, offering alternative seating options, such as stability balls or bean bags, can foster feelings of security and focus. Visual supports, like schedules or reminders, may also help the child understand transitions and what to expect.

Lastly, collaborating with healthcare professionals is recommended to create a tailored sensory diet, ensuring that the child's specific sensory needs are consistently met, hence fostering balanced development.

Identifying Sensory Seeking in Children

How can you tell if a child is sensory seeking?

To determine if a child is sensory seeking, observe certain behaviors that indicate their need for sensory input. Typical signs include:

• Constant Motion: Children may appear restless, frequently engaging in jumping, running, and climbing high places.
• Rough Play: These kids often enjoy physically intense activities, such as crashing into things or playing games that involve vigorous movements.
• Lack of Danger Awareness: They may not recognize risks, resulting in impulsive behaviors like jumping from heights or roughhousing without caution.
• Messy Exploration: A love for messy play, such as finger painting or jumping in puddles, can signal a strong desire for tactile sensations.
• Difficulty Focusing: Often, sensory seekers struggle with concentration, as their need for movement might distract them from quieter tasks. Clumsiness can also be common due to challenges with proprioception and vestibular input.

Engaging in jump activities, like trampolining or climbing structures, suggests a craving for sensory experiences. If such behaviors disrupt their learning or social interactions, this may indicate the child needs additional support for sensory processing challenges.

When to seek professional help?

If sensory seeking behaviors begin to interfere with a child's daily life, including their education and relationships, it might be time to consult a professional. Occupational therapists can assess sensory processing issues and develop personalized strategies like a sensory diet to help manage their needs effectively. Addressing these challenges early can enhance the child's overall well-being and development.

Conclusion: Embracing Sensory Diversity

Understanding and accepting the diverse sensory processing patterns in children is essential for fostering supportive and inclusive environments. Through awareness and targeted strategies, parents and caregivers can help children navigate the sensory world more confidently, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being and development. Insight into sensory seeking and avoiding behaviors allows for personalized interventions that can make significant differences in children's daily lives and interactions, paving the way for more satisfactory emotional and social outcomes.

References

• When Your Child is Sensory Seeking And Sensory Avoiding -
• Sensory Seeking and Sensory Avoiding: What You Need to Know
• Sensory Seeking vs Avoiding - Lighthouse Autism Center
• Four Patterns of Sensory Processing - ConnectABILITY
• Sensory Processing Sensory Seeker, Sensory Avoider or Both?
• Sensory Seeking vs. Sensory Avoiding In Children
• Sensory Seeking vs. Sensory Avoiding in Children