Sensory seeking behaviors often stand out because, in the process of seeking extra stimulation, kids may engage in a lot of disruptive behavior. This interferes with school, and their ability to focus, as well as disturbing the people around them. Sensory Seeking Behaviors: Hyperactivity "Sensory seeking," when it falls outside of typical child development, is a subtype of Sensory Modulation Disorder and is referred to as "Sensory Craving Type." Sensory Craving is described as when one is "driven to obtain sensory stimulation, but getting the stimulation results in disorganization and does not satisfy the drive for more" ( STAR ).
10 Ideas for Oral Sensory Seekers in the Classroom Your Therapy Source
The senses include the well-known five senses: smell, taste, touch, sound, and sight, as well as the less commonly mentioned senses: vestibular (inner ear), proprioception, and interoception. The proprioceptive system includes the muscles and joints, and it's the reason we know, subconsciously, where our bodies are. Sensory-seeking behavior can look like a child who is constantly on the move and is climbing, jumping, or banging on everything. Some children crave this input more than others. When sensory-seeking behaviors turn into challenges is when a child is constantly on the lookout for this type of sensory input and is not getting it. Sensory-seeking behaviors involve seeking out stimulation from the body's different senses. It can be a type of sensory processing disorder. As sensory-seeking behaviors increase, so can behavioral difficulties and parental stress. Sensory Seeking Activities Providing sensory-rich experiences is integral in helping your little one to make sense of and interact with the world around them. The sensory seeking activities listed below and in the video will help organize toddlers or children who are constantly wanting to move their bodies! 1.
Sensory Walk A fun sense of touch activity for kids! Messy Little Monster
From a sensory standpoint, sensory seeking if often closely linked to the sense of proprioception, or body awareness, and the vestibular sense, or movement. These senses allows our body to move through the environment effectively and stay balanced. As an OT and mom, proprioceptive activities are my favorite type of sensory input because they can be used to help calm, focus, or even alert a child. Proprioceptive input is that powerful and amazing! But, this isn't a once size fits all situation. This is called proprioception. Sensory-seeking kids will try to get more proprioceptive input. They might give people tight hugs or crash into things to feel the physical contact and pressure. Sensory avoiders will try to get away from those sensations. The other sense has to do with spatial orientation, or knowing where your body is "in space." Indoor sensory-seeking activities Play dough has been providing sensory input for children for years! By allowing your child to squash, knead and pound, play dough activities give proprioceptive input. These activities also strengthen your child's fine motor skills. Give your child a stress ball and let them squeeze it.
PPT SENSORY PROCESSING DIFFERENCES PowerPoint Presentation ID432204
Sensory play can be extremely beneficial for a child's development: it can refine motor skills, encourage cognitive thinking and can help calm an anxious kid. 1. Set Up an Action Room Vestibular movement, such as swinging or rocking, has a positive effect on an overactive brain. As your child swings back and forth, his sensory nervous system perceives and integrates motion, which has a normalizing and calming effect on the brain. Install a doorway bar swing or a ceiling suspension swing.
Provide sensory activities that have a clear start and stop: Click here to read more on my top tips for supporting any sensory seeker. One other important tip that's helpful for movement seekers to avoid further dysregulation is trying to incorporate as much heavy work (proprioception) input simultaneously. Work with a professional to create an even balance. Limit screen time and use sensory resources like chewelry and fidget toys to help appropriately tame sensory seeking behaviors. See if you can work toward appropriate sensory integration, especially activities that involve being with another person. Examples include taking a gymnastics class.
Proprioceptive Input 40 Proprioceptive Input Activities for Sensory Seekers Sensory therapy
A sensory seeker is a term used to describe individuals who have a heightened need for sensory input, or someone who seeks out different types of sensory experiences to fulfill this need. Scratch-and-sniff painting. Scratch-and-sniff painting is one of the more labor-intensive activities. But it appeals to kids' visual, tactile (touch), and olfactory (smell) senses. Choose a few flavors of Jell-O based on your child's color and smell preferences. Use a different plastic cup for each color.
