5 Ways to Support Sensory Seeking Behaviour
Sensory seeking behaviour is a term used to describe actions by individuals, often children, who actively seek sensory input to regulate their nervous systems. These behaviours can include activities like excessive jumping, spinning, loud vocalising, or constantly touching objects. While sensory seeking is often associated with children with sensory processing disorder (SPD), it’s also common among neurodiverse individuals, including those with autism or ADHD. Understanding and supporting sensory seeking behaviour is key to helping these individuals thrive in their daily lives.
This blog will explore five practical ways to support sensory-seeking behaviour, focusing on strategies to provide appropriate sensory input and create a balanced environment. Whether you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, these tips will help you better understand and address sensory needs.
What is Sensory Seeking Behaviour?
Sensory seeking behaviour occurs when individuals crave additional sensory input to regulate their senses. The human brain processes information from eight sensory systems: the five traditional senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch), as well as three additional senses:
Proprioception: Awareness of body position and movement.
Vestibular: Balance and spatial orientation.
Interoception: Internal body signals, such as hunger, thirst, and temperature.
People exhibiting sensory seeking behaviour may have heightened sensory needs, often requiring more input than others to feel regulated and focused. Examples include:
Spinning or rocking to stimulate the vestibular system.
Jumping, climbing, or crashing into objects for proprioceptive input.
Constantly touching textures or objects.
Seeking strong tastes or smells.
Sensory seeking is not about “bad behaviour” but rather a way for individuals to satisfy their sensory needs. By providing the right support, you can help them meet these needs safely and effectively.
1. Provide Sensory-Rich Activities
Engaging individuals in sensory-rich activities is one of the best ways to support sensory seeking behaviour. These activities can provide the specific input they need to feel calm, focused, and regulated. Here are some examples based on different sensory systems:
Proprioceptive Input
Proprioceptive activities involve heavy work and deep pressure, which can have a calming effect on the nervous system. Some effective activities include:
Jumping on a trampoline: Provides intense input to the joints and muscles.
Carrying heavy objects: Tasks like carrying groceries, pushing a cart, or lifting weighted balls can satisfy sensory needs.
Climbing activities: Monkey bars, climbing walls, or rope ladders provide strong proprioceptive feedback.
Bear hugs or weighted blankets: These offer deep pressure input that can be soothing.
Vestibular Input
Vestibular input involves movement and balance. For sensory seekers, activities that include spinning, swinging, or rocking can be incredibly satisfying:
Swings: Use therapy swings, spinning swings, or hammock swings.
Spinning chairs: A spinning office chair or merry-go-round can provide vestibular input.
Rocking chairs: A simple rocking chair or glider is great for calming.
Balancing games: Activities like walking on a balance beam or using a wobble board.
Tactile Input
Tactile activities involve touch and texture, which can help sensory seekers satisfy their need for exploration:
Sensory bins: Fill bins with rice, beans, sand, or water beads for tactile exploration.
Playdough or slime: Moulding, squishing, or stretching playdough provides hands-on input.
Painting: Finger painting or using textured brushes can offer unique sensory experiences.
Water play: Activities like washing dishes, splashing in water, or playing with foam can be fun and stimulating.
2. Create a Sensory Diet
A sensory diet is a customised plan of sensory activities designed to help an individual maintain a regulated state throughout the day. Occupational therapists often create sensory diets to address specific sensory needs, and parents and caregivers can then incorporate these simple strategies at home.
What to Include in a Sensory Diet
A sensory diet should include activities tailored to the individual’s sensory profile. Here are some examples:
Morning routines: Start the day with activities that provide calming or alerting input, such as jumping jacks, stretching, or deep pressure squeezes.
Breaks during school or work: Include movement breaks like running, stretching, or using a sensory tool (e.g., fidget spinner).
Evening wind-down: Use calming activities like rocking, listening to soft music, or using a weighted blanket.
Consistency is Key
For a sensory diet to be effective, it needs to be consistent. Plan activities at regular intervals throughout the day to ensure the individual’s sensory needs are met before dysregulation occurs.
Sensory-rich activities such as swinging and balancing can be incredibly satisfying for sensory seekers
3. Incorporate Sensory Tools
Sensory tools are helpful for managing sensory seeking behaviour both at home and in public settings. These tools can provide the input individuals need in a safe and controlled manner. Here are some examples:
Proprioceptive Tools
Weighted vests or lap pads.
Compression clothing.
Therapy bands for stretching or resistance exercises.
Tactile Tools
Fidget toys (e.g., stress balls, squishy toys, or pop-it boards).
Chewable jewellery for oral sensory input.
Textured objects like sensory brushes or fabrics.
Vestibular Tools
Balance cushions or wobble stools.
Therapy balls for bouncing or rolling.
Portable swings or rocking platforms.
Sensory tools can be particularly useful in public spaces, such as classrooms or supermarkets, where sensory seeking behaviour may become disruptive. Having a portable kit of sensory tools on hand can help manage behaviours effectively.
4. Modify the Environment
Creating a sensory-friendly environment can significantly reduce sensory seeking behaviour by providing natural opportunities for sensory input. Modifications can include:
Designate a Sensory Space
Set up a specific area where the individual can engage in sensory activities. This space might include:
A swing or trampoline.
Weighted blankets or bean bags.
Sensory bins or tactile objects.
Noise-cancelling headphones to block overwhelming stimuli.
Reduce Overstimulating Factors
Sometimes, sensory seeking is a response to overstimulation. To create a balanced environment:
Dim harsh lights or use natural lighting.
Minimise background noise by turning off TVs or using white noise machines.
Keep the environment organised and clutter-free.
Provide Opportunities for Movement
Ensure the individual has access to activities that encourage movement and exploration, such as:
Access to outdoor play equipment.
Space for running or jumping.
Simple home modifications, like placing cushions on the floor for safe crashing activities.
5. Use Positive Reinforcement and Build Awareness
Helping individuals understand their sensory needs and reinforcing appropriate behaviours can foster self-regulation and confidence.
Teach Self-Awareness
Encourage individuals to recognise their sensory needs and learn to ask for appropriate input. For example:
Teach children to say, “I need to jump” or “I need a break.”
Use visual cues or charts to help them identify how they’re feeling and what activity might help.
Reinforce Positive Behaviours
When the individual engages in sensory activities safely and appropriately, provide positive reinforcement, such as:
Verbal praise (“Great job using your sensory tools!”).
Rewards or tokens for engaging in structured sensory activities.
Model Appropriate Behaviours
Caregivers and educators can model how to engage with sensory tools and activities, demonstrating safe and constructive ways to meet sensory needs.
Final Thoughts
Supporting sensory seeking behaviour is all about understanding and addressing individual sensory needs. By providing sensory-rich activities, creating a sensory diet, using tools, modifying the environment, and encouraging self-awareness, you can help individuals thrive and feel regulated.
If sensory seeking behaviour significantly impacts daily life, consulting with an occupational therapist can provide deeper insights and personalised strategies tailored to the individual. With the right support, sensory seeking can be transformed from a challenge into a strength, empowering individuals to live more balanced and fulfilling lives.
Get in touch today for sensory seeking support!
Supporting sensory-seeking behaviour can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Thrive Health Therapies, we’re here to help you better understand and meet sensory needs in safe and effective ways. Whether through tailored sensory diets, sensory assessments, activity planning, or creating a sensory-friendly environment, we provide the tools and strategies to help individuals thrive. Find out more about our comprehensive occupational therapy services and our paediatric occupational therapy services.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward improving sensory regulation and overall well-being, reach out today to book an appointment with one of our experienced occupational therapists.
Phone: 0474 248 081
Email: enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com
Let’s work together to create a balanced and supportive environment for sensory exploration and growth!