What’s the difference?
· Some people are under sensitive to sensory input (need more) whilst some are over sensitive to sensory input (need less)
· Some people may show both under sensitive in some areas and over sensitive in other areas- a combination
· Knowing the person’s triggers can help find ways to cope
Sensory Seekers | Sensory Avoiders |
Need more sensory input | Need less sensory input- gets overwhelmed |
Examples: · Sight Visual patterns, bright or light objects, things that spin or move · Smell Specific smells or might like to smell everything · Noise Likes repetitive or specific types of noise (eg- finger snapping, clapping) · Taste Like specific tastes or textures (eg- spicy, mint, sour, crunchy, mushy) or like sucking on non foods (eg- shirt sleeves, sensory chews) · Touch Likes to fidget with objects, certain textures (eg tight or soft clothing), wants to touch people and be touched, bangs into objects to feel touch | Examples: · Sight Still/stationary objects, dull colours · Smell Negative/over reacts to smells, doesn’t like them, smells things that others can’t smell · Noise Very sensitive to unexpected loud noises (eg- food blenders, fire alarms, reversing lorries) · Taste Doesn’t like food with strong tastes (eg- spicy, sour), struggles with textures of food · Touch Dislikes touch from other people and certain clothing etc
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Ability to sense body movement, position and balance – proprioception · May give people tight hugs · Need contact and pressure · May crash into things | Ability to sense body movement, position and balance – proprioception · May not want hugs or people contact · Will make sure they don’t touch anything when moving around |
Spacial awareness · May rock backwards and forwards, spin or swing, jump from height or hang upside down | Spacial awareness · Will be more cautious with movement · Unlikely to seek to rock, swing, jump etc |
By learning if someone is a sensory seeker, avoider, or combination of both, it is easier to understand what may trigger them and what may help them.
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THANK YOU- Debs and Georgia
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