Sensory-seeking behavior in children can be puzzling, even overwhelming, for parents. This behavior often involves actions that seem excessive or concerning, such as constant movement, touching objects, or a need for loud noises. The child may struggle to keep their hands to themselves, and frequent prompts and reminders may not override their impulse to seek the desired stimulation. Sensory seeking behavior can also present with a child being heavy-handed in their actions, while hypersensitive to touch themselves, which can be confusing and frustrating to parents and caregivers. While it can be disruptive, these actions are a way for children to meet critical sensory needs that can provide a sense of calm and comfort, while contributing to overall brain development.
Understanding sensory-seeking behavior is essential for parents to support their child’s well-being and foster healthy development. By recognizing and supporting these actions in constructive ways, parents can help their children thrive emotionally and socially.
Understanding Sensory-Seeking Actions
While often described as sensory-seeking behaviors, using the word behavior implies that a child has a choice in their actions, versus understanding that a physiological need may drive their actions.
To better support a sensory-seeking child, it helps to first understand what sensory-seeking actions really are and why some kids exhibit them. Seeking increased sensory stimulation stems from the way a child processes sensory input, which can differ significantly from what most people might consider typical. The brain constantly takes in and processes vast amounts of sensory information – nearly instantaneously. Processing this information requires fast and efficient connections in the brain, as well as adequate energy to process the information. This is the necessary information to provide context about our environment, to learn, and for social interactions. For this process to be successful, the brain must quickly and accurately synthesize massive amounts of input.
If sensory information is not processed quickly, or accurately, or if the information from different senses is not synthesized together appropriately, it can result in missing or confusing input. Some individuals also require a higher threshold of input for the brain to recognize the information. Sensory-seeking actions occur when a child actively craves additional sensory input. This can include physical sensations like touch, movement, or sound. For some children, these behaviors are closely tied to Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), a condition where the brain struggles to receive and respond to sensory information correctly. Not all sensory-seeking children have SPD, but they may still experience a heightened need for sensory stimulation. This urge can manifest in behaviors such as jumping, climbing, or continuously spinning, as their bodies seek the sensory input their brain may perceive at a dampened level, creating the need for increased input. Children who display sensory-seeking actions may engage in repetitive or intense activities. For example, a child might spin themselves in circles or jump repeatedly to feel motion and movement. Others may touch various surfaces, play loudly, or press against objects to activate their sense of pressure and touch. Some children even seek out strong smells, crave sugary foods, bright lights, or certain textures. These actions vary from child to child, as sensory needs are highly individualized.
It is important to note that for sensory-seeking individuals, the sensory input provides the information their brain may be craving. Information about their body position or movement, or about their environment and what is happening around them. The ability to sense their body can contribute to a feeling of calm and comfort. This can feel counterintuitive to an adult or caregiver who does not crave motion or movement to feel calm. Understanding how you perceive, seek, and avoid sensory input can vary from your child can help provide increased patience and understanding when behaviors present that you may not understand.
The brain processes sensory information through an intricate system that helps individuals understand and interact with the world. In sensory-seeking children, this system may work differently. When the brain doesn’t feel sufficiently stimulated by everyday interactions, it prompts children to seek more intense input to fill that gap. Factors like immaturity in some aspects of development or underlying neurological differences may contribute to increased sensory-seeking actions. Sensory-seeking children can still become overstimulated
Another scenario that can feel confusing to parents and caregivers is when their child, who craves big sensory input, becomes overstimulated and avoids or has a meltdown in sensory-rich environments. Keep in mind that processing sensory input requires energy in the brain, and if the child becomes tired or has run out of the necessary nutrients to provide this energy, the vary input they were seeking may now become too much. This means that sensory seeking and avoidance can fluctuate for the same individual from day to day and even throughout the same day.
Being aware of your child’s level of fatigue and providing consistent and nutritious meals and snacks can help maintain consistent energy levels to process sensory information.
Identifying Sensory-Seeking Patterns
“Recognizing patterns in a child’s behavior can provide valuable insights into their needs, says Dr. Rebecca Jackson, Chief Programs Officer for Brain Balance. “By observing how and when these behaviors occur, parents can gain a clearer understanding of how to prepare proactively and respond effectively in the moment.”
Brain Balance is a holistic brain health program designed to improve attention, cognition, and overall well-being in children and adults. Their integrated approach combines cognitive, physical, and sensory training with nutritional guidance to strengthen and build brain connectivity without the use of medication. This comprehensive program aims to enhance focus, behavior, and social-emotional well-being by fostering the growth of new neural connections and strengthening existing ones. Dr. Jackson explains, ”Multi-sensory stimulation is a critical part of the Brain Balance program as the maturation and integration of our sensory systems contribute to improved brain health, development, and performance at all ages.”
Sensory-seeking cues can take many forms, but ultimately can provide clues to what that child’s brain may be lacking in aspects of development. Paying close attention to a child’s actions can guide how to support them. Examples of actions and possible developmental needs correlated:
- Seeking movement: A child who is immature in their body awareness often seeks movement and input to their joints and body position. This child may love jumping, running, tackling, spinning, and swinging – the higher and faster the better, and may not experience dizziness or a fear of these activities.
- Chewing on non-food items, or putting objects in the mouth: A child that is constantly putting things in their mouth – beyond the toddler years, may be demonstrating a need for their brain to still understand and classify different types of objects, the fuzzy leg of a teddy bear, versus a smooth book cover, or chewing on a shirt or hand. This can also signify a need to mature the sensory and motor development of the face and mouth.
- Rough play or heavy-handedness: A child who is very rough or heavy-handed in play, or when petting the family dog, may have reduced tactile sensitivity and needs stronger input for the brain to register the touch.
- Carving sugar or spicy foods: A child who loves spicy food, or craves sugary foods, may require stronger tastes and smells for their brain to process the information.
- Need to constantly be in physical contact: A child who struggles to understand personal space and boundaries, who may frequently lean on parents and siblings, may struggle to sense their own body, and physical touch can create increased awareness of their body and space. A child might constantly touch objects, spin, or lean against furniture. They may try to climb on unsafe surfaces or seek out noisy environments. Their body language can also reveal sensory needs, such as fidgeting, pacing, or a desire to be physically close to others. These cues provide clues about what type of input the child craves.
While parents can often identify basic sensory-seeking patterns on their own, consulting a professional can offer deeper insights into what is considered age-appropriate behaviors and when the actions may indicate dysregulation or immaturity of sensory processing. Survey tools used by psychologists and occupational therapists can help parents pinpoint areas of concern and the severity of the concern. Assessment provided by programs such as Brain Balance provides objective measurements of development and sensory processing to help pinpoint and address specific areas of developmental immaturity. Other professionals, including occupational therapists, provide specific sensory stimulation strategies to help build comfort, tolerance, and maturity to sensory stimulation. Understanding the developmental indicators and needs can guide the support or intervention strategies to help improve sensory processing to minimize repetitive actions. Professional guidance is particularly helpful in addressing more disruptive or risky behaviors.
Strategies for Addressing Sensory-Seeking Behavior
Once parents recognize sensory-seeking behavior, implementing targeted strategies is the next step. These approaches aim to meet the child’s sensory needs safely and constructively, reducing frustration for both the child and their caregivers.
A sensory-friendly environment can help children feel supported and engaged. Parents can set up a designated sensory corner or bin filled with items like textured toys, weighted blankets, or noise-canceling headphones. This safe space allows children to explore sensory experiences on their own terms. Providing access to these tools reduces the likelihood of them seeking stimulation in unsafe or disruptive ways.
Channeling sensory-seeking behavior into healthy activities benefits both the child and their surroundings. For example, if a child loves movement, trampoline play or yoga could satisfy their need for physical activity. Kids who seek tactile stimulation might enjoy finger painting or sensory sand. These activities fulfill sensory needs while encouraging creativity and exploration.
While meeting sensory needs is important, establishing boundaries prevents behaviors from becoming disruptive. Parents should set clear rules, such as where climbing or loud play is acceptable. Consistent routines help children understand what’s expected and when sensory-friendly activities can take place. Clear boundaries foster a sense of security and reduce misunderstandings.
Adding sensory breaks to a child’s daily routine allows them to regulate their feelings and behaviors effectively. These breaks can include stretching, a brief dance session, or even deep breathing exercises. Scheduled opportunities for sensory input help prevent frustration and reduce instances of unplanned or inappropriate seeking behaviors.
Supporting Your Child’s Development
The need for heightened sensory input can be an indicator of immaturity in aspects of development, and identifying and maturing the brain can help to change or reduce the behaviors. When their developmental sensory needs are met, children are better equipped to thrive across various areas of their development.
When children understand that their sensory needs are valid and supported, they gain confidence in themselves. Meeting these needs reduces frustration, improves their ability to self-regulate, and helps them respond to challenges more calmly. These crucial skills lay the foundation for emotional resilience as they grow older.
A parent who takes time to understand their child’s sensory needs shows empathy and care, strengthening the bond between them. Open communication about behaviors and how to address them fosters trust. When children feel supported rather than judged, they are more likely to listen and collaborate with their parents in finding solutions.
Understanding sensory-seeking behavior in children requires patience and curiosity. By identifying the root causes of these behaviors, parents can create a plan to address the underlying developmental immaturity, creating differences in sensory processing, as well as creating a supportive environment that helps meet their child’s sensory needs safely and constructively.
Implementing strategies such as maturity sensory development, creating sensory-friendly spaces, positive outlets, and clear boundaries promotes self-regulation and emotional growth. If challenges persist, seeking professional guidance ensures families receive the tools they need. Every child is unique, and with the right approach, parents can nurture their child’s development while strengthening their bond.
