Understanding Sensory Seeking:
Signs, Symptoms, and Strategies for Support
Sensory Seeking is a term that describes a specific subtype of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), a condition where the brain struggles to correctly interpret sensory input. Children who are sensory seekers are constantly on the lookout for more stimulation. They may crave movement, touch, sounds, smells, or visual input that others would find overwhelming or even irritating. This need for stimulation can often be misinterpreted as hyperactivity, misbehavior, or even symptoms of ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder.
As a parent of a sensory seeking child, I know firsthand how confusing and exhausting this behavior can be. My oldest son was a classic sensory seeker when he was young. He would run in circles endlessly without getting dizzy, constantly touch everything within reach, and often engage in noisy, wild behavior. At first, we assumed this was just high energy or “typical boy” behavior. However, as his behavior began interfering with daily routines, learning, and social interactions, we realized something more was going on.
What is Sensory Seeking?
Sensory Seeking behavior is characterized by an underresponsiveness to sensory input, causing the child to actively seek it out. This can include seeking strong tactile input, spinning, jumping, climbing, loud noises, or bright lights. For some children, the craving for sensory input is so intense that it can impact sleep, learning, and social development.
Sensory seeking is part of a larger condition called Sensory Modulation Disorder, which is itself a subset of SPD. Children with sensory modulation difficulties can be overresponsive (sensory avoiding), underresponsive (sensory seeking), or fluctuate between both.
Common Sensory Seeking Symptoms
If your child is sensory seeking, you might observe several of the following behaviors:
- Constant movement, such as spinning, jumping, running, or climbing
- Enjoys tight hugs, crashing into people or objects, and roughhousing
- Frequently touches everything and everyone
- Seeks out bright lights, shiny objects, or fast-moving visuals
- Loves loud environments and turns up the volume on music or TV
- Has trouble sleeping, often resisting naps or staying up very late despite being tired
- Prefers strong smells and may enjoy even unpleasant odors
- Frequently chews on non-food items like shirt collars or pencils
- Shows a strong preference for spicy, crunchy, or sour foods
- Plays aggressively or with excessive energy
- Constantly fidgets or taps fingers, legs, or objects
Many of these signs were present in my son, particularly the need to constantly move and touch things. He also had extreme difficulty falling asleep and would wake frequently during the night. We later learned that poor self-regulation and sensory processing challenges were at the root of many of his struggles.
Is It Just a Phase, or Sensory Seeking?
It can be difficult for parents to determine whether sensory seeking is part of normal childhood development or indicative of a more significant issue. This is especially challenging when behaviors mimic those found in ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or even former diagnoses like Asperger Syndrome. A child can be misdiagnosed with ADHD, but really have a sensory processing disorder. If it really is SPD, medications will sometimes make symptoms worse. It's also possible that a child could have both going on as well.
The key difference is functional interference. If your child’s behavior affects their ability to complete daily tasks, participate in school, or build healthy relationships, it may be time to seek professional input. In our case, we began to notice that our son’s tantrums were unusually severe, his speech was delayed, and his need for stimulation disrupted routines at home and school.
Getting an Evaluation
If you suspect your child may be displaying sensory seeking symptoms, start by speaking with your pediatrician. From there, you may be referred to an occupational therapist (OT) who specializes in sensory integration. This part is important. Make sure if you work with an OT, they specialize in sensory integration. There are lots of OT's that do not have that experience. Additional evaluations from speech therapists, developmental pediatricians, or neurologists may also be beneficial, especially if other concerns are present.
The right professionals can help determine whether your child’s behaviors are related to SPD and, more specifically, the sensory seeking subtype. A thorough evaluation will help rule out or differentiate conditions like ADHD or Autism and guide you toward an effective treatment plan.
Treatment for Sensory Seeking
After an OT told us she thought our son had Sensory Processing Disorder, specifically the sensory seeking subtype, we began several occupational therapy-based interventions. These included:
- Sensory Diet: A personalized schedule of activities that provide the sensory input the child needs throughout the day. For example, jumping on a trampoline, squeezing therapy putty, or doing wall push-ups.
- Wilbarger Brushing Protocol: A therapeutic brushing technique used to help regulate the nervous system.
- Therapeutic Listening Program: Audio therapy designed to improve auditory processing and focus.
- Integrative Listening Systems: We found this particularly helpful for improving concentration during schoolwork.
All of these strategies helped tremendously. My son began sleeping better, showed improved focus, and developed better fine motor control. He still had some challenges, especially in noisy group settings, but with the right tools and support, his quality of life dramatically improved. He has grown up to be an extremely social individual, with a large group of friends. Every so often we may notice something a little different, but for the most part he has overcome all of the challenges he faced as a child.
Hidden Triggers and Environmental Factors
Through our journey, I also discovered that diet and environment play a significant role in sensory seeking behavior. One major trigger was excessive screen time. Television, tablets, and video games often overstimulated my children and exacerbated symptoms. I began to limit screen time and prioritize outdoor play, creative activities, and calming routines which made a huge difference. One thing I would often notice with my older son if he got too much screen time was that he would chew on his shirt. He had so many shirts ruined due to him getting them wet when he would chew on them and stretching them out. Reducing screen time helped eliminate this behavior.
I also learned about the link between artificial food colorings, such as Red Dye 40, and behavioral symptoms. These additives are banned or heavily regulated in other countries due to their potential neurotoxic effects. Once we eliminated artificial dyes from our family’s diet, we saw a noticeable improvement in focus and behavior. Thankfully, the United States will be following other countries in this aspect by finally eliminating artificial dyes from food in the US.
Final Thoughts
If your child seems to be constantly in motion, craves intense sensory input, or displays behaviors that don’t align with other children their age, it may be more than just high energy. Sensory Seeking is a real and diagnosable pattern within the spectrum of Sensory Processing Disorder. While it can be overwhelming at times, there is help and hope.
Occupational therapy, sensory diets, and simple changes in diet and lifestyle can make a world of difference. As parents, learning to understand and support our children’s unique sensory needs can empower them to thrive in a world that doesn’t always understand how they process it.
If you suspect your child may be a sensory seeker, don’t wait to explore professional guidance. The earlier you intervene, the more tools your child will have to navigate their world successfully.
If you do suspect SPD, it is important to have your child evaluated by a professional, such as a neurologist, with experience directly related to SPD or they may not notice or understand the disorder.
Some additional pages you may find helpful:
• Auditory Processing Disorder
• Vestibular Sense
• Proprioceptive Dysfunction
• Tactile Disorder
• Tactile Defensiveness with hypersensitivity to tactile stimuli
• Oral Defensiveness
• Sensory Seeking Olfactory
• Auditory Dysfunction
• Additional Symptoms of Sensory Disorders
References
1. Kranowitz, C. S. (2005). The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorders. New York, NY: Penguin Group.