Sensory Seeking and Avoidance: What Parents and Caregivers Should Know

What is sensory seeking and sensory avoidance in children?

Alex’s parents watch as their child turns upside-down on the couch. When Alex gets tired, his parents often find him in an inverted state: head down, feet or bottom in the air. What many parents don’t realize is that this position sends a strong sensation to the inner ear. What’s more, many children with neurodevelopmental challenges, including ADHD and Autism, find this sensation highly soothing. 

Sensory seeking and sensory avoidance can show up across all 5 senses - sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste - as well as vestibular - the inner ear system that helps us know if we’re right side up or makes us feel dizzy after too much spinning. The behavior that children use to satisfy their sensory needs can be hilarious, sweet, inconvenient/irritating, or downright dangerous. There’s a reason that most kids like to roll down hills, snuggle when sick, and get sucked into videos with bright colors and catchy music. Everyone has sensory needs!

When is sensory seeking or avoidance a problem? 

Sensory behaviors become a concern when they start to interfere with daily life. For example, if your child’s need for sensory input gets in the way of school, friendships, or safety, it’s worth paying attention. For example, children that seek sensory input to the extreme may engage in repetitive movements that distract them and others from their surroundings, increasing learning and behavioral challenges. Sensory seeking can also lead to dangerous behavior, like darting away on a busy street, putting dirty or harmful objects in their mouth, or self-injury. Children who are high in impulsivity and sensory-seeking, like in some forms of ADHD or when Autism and ADHD combine, are especially vulnerable. 

Sensory avoidance can show up in many different ways. Aversions to certain food textures can lead to food refusal and nutritional concern. Extreme sound sensitivities can cause meltdowns at unexpected loud noises. Recent research shows that high levels of sensory seeking and avoidance are more common in youth with ADHD and/or Autism than in kids without these diagnoses.

How can parents help? 

If you suspect your child has strong sensory reactions, one way to help is to start by making some observations. Write down the behavior, the situation, and what happened before and after. This will help you see any patterns to the behavior. Also note - is this sensory-related behavior causing problems? Is it injuring my child or someone else? Is it getting in the way of the child’s social life or education? If you decide to consult with a provider, this will be important!

How can psychological assessment help? 

If you feel like a child’s sensory seeking or avoidance behaviors are creating challenges at home, in school, or other parts of their life, a psychological evaluation might offer some clarity. In this kind of assessment, we partner closely with families to explore the unique ways a child thinks, feels, and behaves. We may look at how they solve problems, communicate socially, and manage their attention and impulses. Our goal is to help you understand whether these sensory experiences are a part of a diagnosable condition, and, if so, how to best support your child moving forward.

Every child’s development is unique, and there’s a wide range of what’s considered ‘normal’ behavior. But as a parent, caregiver, or provider, you know the child in your care the best, and that gut feeling when something seems off is worth listening to. If you’re noticing sensory behaviors along with things like trouble focusing, impulsivity, or difficulty connecting with others, a psychological assessment can help shed light on what’s happening and offer guidance on the next steps.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered therapy or any form of treatment. Our psychological testing and assessment practice, based in Carmel, proudly serves clients from Indianapolis, the surrounding suburbs, and throughout Central Indiana. If you’re in the area and have questions, or would like to consult with an experienced child psychologist or discuss any specific psychological concern, please contact us!