Two children can have sensory differences and look like complete opposites — one never stops moving and crashes into everything, the other covers their ears and refuses tags and certain foods. Those are the two broad patterns: sensory seeking and sensory avoiding. Knowing which one (or both) you're seeing is the first step to helping.
Two ways the nervous system responds
Some children are under-responsive — their nervous system needs extra input to feel “just right,” so they seek it out. Others are over-responsive — ordinary input feels like too much, so they avoid it. The same child can be a seeker in one sense (movement) and an avoider in another (sound or touch).
Signs of a sensory seeker
- Constant movement — running, jumping, spinning, crashing.
- Touches everything; loves rough-and-tumble and tight squeezes.
- Chews on clothing, pencils, or toys.
- Seems to crave loud, fast, or intense experiences.
Signs of a sensory avoider
- Covers ears at everyday sounds; bothered by bright lights.
- Dislikes certain textures — clothing tags, messy hands, some foods.
- Pulls away from hugs or unexpected touch.
- Overwhelmed in busy, loud places like stores or parties.
Most children are a mix, and the pattern can shift with the day and setting. This isn't a diagnosis — an occupational therapy evaluation maps your child's specific profile.
Want to understand your child's sensory profile? An OT evaluation maps it out.
How occupational therapy helps
Once an OT understands whether your child seeks or avoids input — and in which senses — they build the right strategies and a “sensory diet” to keep your child regulated. OT requires a referral from your child's primary care provider (faxed to 901-589-9001).