Move It, Touch It, Spin It: The Sensory Seeker’s Playbook

Move It, Touch It, Spin It: The Sensory Seeker’s Playbook

Understanding Sensory Seeking in Children: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers

Children are naturally curious and energetic, but sometimes their behaviors can seem unusually intense, constant, or even disruptive. A child who is always climbing, jumping, crashing into things, making loud noises, or touching everything might be described as a “sensory seeker.”

Sensory seeking is a term used to describe behaviors in which children actively look for more sensory input. It is not a sign of “bad behavior” or defiance. It is often the child’s way of meeting their brain and body’s sensory processing needs.

In this post, we will explore what sensory seeking is, why it happens, what it can look like in daily life, and how parents and caregivers can support children who show these behaviors.

What is Sensory Seeking?

Our brains are constantly processing sensory information from sights and sounds to touch, movement, and even our internal sense of where our body is in space (proprioception) or our sense of balance (vestibular sense).

Sensory processing refers to the way the brain organizes and responds to this information. Some children process sensory input differently. For sensory seekers, their brains seem to need more of certain types of input in order to register and feel regulated.

Think of it this way: if sensory input were like music volume, sensory seekers might feel like their world is set too low, so they need to turn it up to notice and enjoy it.

Why Do Children Seek Sensory Input?

Sensory seeking is not necessarily a problem on its own. It is part of the wide range of normal neurological differences. For some children, however, their sensory needs can become overwhelming or disruptive if they are not well understood or supported.

There are several reasons a child may seek sensory input:

• Under-responsive nervous system: Some children’s brains do not register sensory input strongly. They might need more intense sensations to feel the input at all.

• Self-regulation: Sensory input can help children manage their emotions, energy levels, and focus. A child might spin or jump to calm down, wake up, or feel “just right.”

• Exploration and learning: Young children naturally use their senses to understand the world, but sensory seekers seem to need even more of this to learn and feel satisfied.

• Comfort and pleasure: Some sensations simply feel good. Just as adults might enjoy a deep massage or a hot shower, children might seek certain sensory experiences for comfort.

Types of Sensory Seeking

Sensory seeking can take many forms, and different children may seek different kinds of sensory input. Here are some common types of sensory seeking to help you understand what you might observe:

1. Feeling Seeking (Tactile and Proprioceptive)

Children who are feeling seekers often crave touch and body pressure. They may:

• Touch different textures constantly, such as fabrics, walls, or other people

• Enjoy messy play with mud, slime, or finger paints

• Seek deep pressure by crashing into furniture, hugging tightly, or rolling on the floor

• Push, pull, or carry heavy objects to get strong proprioceptive feedback

2. Oral Sensory Seeking

Oral seekers look for stimulation in the mouth. This can include:

• Chewing on clothing, pencils, or non-food objects

• Mouthing toys or fingers beyond the typical toddler stage

• Craving strong flavors or crunchy foods

• Sucking or licking objects repeatedly

3. Auditory Sensory Seeking

Children who are auditory seekers actively seek sound input. They may:

• Make loud vocalizations, humming, or repetitive noises

• Bang objects together to hear the sound

• Prefer loud environments or music at high volume

• Be drawn to noisy toys or activities with lots of sound

4. Visual Seeking

Visual seekers are drawn to sights and movement. They might:

• Stare at spinning objects or flashing lights

• Wave objects in front of their eyes to watch them move

• Watch patterns or reflections for long periods

• Seek out screens or videos with fast or bright visuals

Supporting Sensory Seeking Children

Here are some ways parents and caregivers can help sensory seekers thrive:

1. Offer Safe Sensory Activities

Provide structured opportunities for sensory input, such as:

• Trampolines, swings, or spinning seats

• Weighted blankets or compression clothing

• Playdough, kinetic sand, or finger paint

• Obstacle courses with crashing, pushing, and pulling

2. Build it Into the Routine

Predictable sensory activities can help regulate energy levels throughout the day. For example:

• Morning jumping or swinging before school

• Movement breaks during homework

3. Teach Self-Awareness

Help your child recognize how they feel before and after sensory activities. You might ask:

• “Do you feel calmer now?”

• “Do you want to spin again, or are you all done?”

Over time, children can learn to understand and advocate for what they need.

4. Collaborate with Professionals if Needed

If sensory seeking is extreme, unsafe, or interfering with daily life (for example, if the child cannot sit in class, is always crashing dangerously, or cannot focus on anything else), consider consulting an occupational therapist. Occupational therapists can assess sensory processing and suggest tailored strategies.

Conclusion

Sensory seeking is a normal and natural part of human variation. By learning to see it as communication rather than misbehavior, we can shift from frustration to understanding.

As parents, caregivers, and educators, our role is to support children in getting the sensory input they need to thrive, while helping them learn safe, healthy ways to do so. In the process, we nurture their development, confidence, and joy in exploring their world.