Examples of Sensory Seeking Behaviors:
Some common behaviors seen in sensory seekers include
o They look for MORE sensory stimulation
o Difficulty with sitting still, needing to move, fidgets, touch or talk excessively (these behaviors may be misdiagnosed as ADHD)
o May appear to be too “loud” and have difficulty knowing how loud they are talking, or seeks out loud music or turns the tv up very loud
o Seem to be constantly playing rough, or “roughhousing” with others
o May be seen running, spinning in circles, loving the merry-go-round and fast paced rides
o Seems to enjoy jumping, hopping, running into hard objects, bumping into furniture or people
o Has a high pain threshold; doesn’t seem to be bothered by cuts, bumps, bruises, pain
o Tends to stand too close; does not understand personal space, craves “bear hugs,” seems to always want to touch you with their body/hands/feet
o May like oral motor stimulation that includes chewing on inedible items (toys, clothes, utensils, hard items), or wanting to eat hard crunchy or spicy foods
o Wants to smell everything, even if they smell bad
o Sleep issues; poor ability to relax and nap or sleep
o Seems to walk loudly or heavily, making lots of noise as they go
o Difficulty knowing their own strength, where they may break their crayons while coloring, break their toys, hurt others
o Seeking out behaviors may put them into unsafe situations
o May seek out video games or fast-paced tv shows