Sensory Avoidance Vs. Sensory Seeking

Alexis Dalrymple, COTA

In the world of occupational therapy, sensory processing plays a vital role in helping individuals navigate their daily lives. Two common sensory patterns—sensory avoidance and sensory seeking—represent opposite ends of the sensory spectrum. Sensory avoidance refers to individuals who are overwhelmed or distressed by certain sensory input, such as bright lights, loud noises, or specific textures. These individuals often withdraw from stimuli, preferring quiet, calm environments. In contrast, sensory seekers actively crave sensory input and may engage in behaviors like touching everything around them, making loud noises, or constantly moving.

Understanding these sensory differences is beneficial for caregivers, community members, and occupational therapists working with children and adults. A sensory avoidant child, for instance, might struggle in a noisy classroom, leading to anxiety or difficulty concentrating. Meanwhile, a sensory seeking child may have trouble sitting still or focusing, often seen as hyperactive or impulsive. These behaviors aren’t merely personal quirks; they reflect how the nervous system processes information, and they can significantly affect learning, social interaction, and emotional regulation.

Occupational therapists use a variety of strategies to support both sensory avoiders and seekers. For sensory avoiders, creating predictable routines, offering noise-canceling headphones, or using calming sensory tools like weighted blankets can help reduce overstimulation. For sensory seekers, providing appropriate outlets like sensory bins, fidget tools, or opportunities for movement can help meet their needs in a structured, functional way. The goal is to help individuals achieve a “just right” level of arousal so they can function optimally in their environments.

In all, recognizing and respecting individual sensory preferences is key to effective therapy as well as inside and outside of therapy. By tailoring interventions to meet sensory needs, occupational therapists, caregivers, and community members empower individuals to participate more fully in daily life—at home, at school, and in the community. Whether someone is avoiding or seeking input, a supportive, informed approach can make all the difference.