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Sensory seekers display unique characteristics related to their sensory processing preferences. They often find joy and stimulation in loud noises and strong smells, actively exploring their environment through their senses. Their intense focus is evident as they fixate on moving objects or mesmerizing flashing lights. Sometimes, they engage in behaviors that may seem peculiar to others, such as inappropriately licking their hands, windows, or even the toys they're playing with.
Additionally, their energy seems boundless as they frequently jump, sprint, and unintentionally collide with objects or people around them. These energetic individuals also showcase their daring nature by scaling furniture and other high objects, sometimes putting themselves at risk. Understanding and addressing the needs of sensory seekers requires a comprehensive approach tailored to their specific sensory processing patterns.
Proprioception plays a crucial role in the development and well-being of sensory-seeking children. This sensory feedback system, involving neural connections and receptors spread throughout the body, is essential for their overall sensory processing. When it comes to engaging their proprioceptive and vestibular senses, climbing activities such as monkey bars, steps, and jungle gyms are highly recommended. These exercises not only provide an excellent workout but also stimulate and strengthen these sensory systems.
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Jumping, another terrific choice for sensory seekers, offers a significant amount of proprioceptive and vestibular input. For parents looking to accommodate their active or rough-playing children, incorporating a trampoline into their playtime can be a game-changer. Additionally, utilizing surfaces like couches, beds, nuggets, or even other suitable furniture can further enhance the sensory experience. These are excellent ways to channel sensory-seeking children's energy in a positive and impactful manner.
Sensory-seeking children thrive on experiences that engage their senses, and an exercise ball can be both a cheap and essential toy for them. The freedom to roll over their bellies, bounce up and down, and even roll and bounce on top with their feet off the ground is something they frequently adore. If you're looking to add some variety to their bouncing routine, consider a peanut-shaped ball. This peanut-shaped ball, also known as a birthing ball, can be used by kids of all ages. It's especially great for toddlers and preschoolers, who can sit on it during circle time or at a table. Another alternative to the peanut ball is using a stack of pillows to achieve the same results.
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Another toy that can be used as a tool is the scooter board. Simple and easy to store, scooter boards provide a child with intense sensory input as they ride them, especially on their tummy! Encourage them to use the palms of their hands to push themselves around on a hard floor or use a rope to tug them back and forth. Vibration toys or vibrator pads are another great tool for sensory seekers. Surprisingly, vibration can provide both vestibular and significant proprioceptive input for sensory seekers. While not all kids may enjoy vibration, if your child is responsive to it, using a vibrating pad during meals, homework, storytime, and even a vibrating toy can be ideal.
When your child is overstimulated or agitated, a sensory tent, cool-down spot, relaxation zone, hanging pod chairs, or whatever name you select, is a dedicated space in your house that is calming and may offer various types of organizing sensory input. Squeezing into tight spaces like a designated cool-down or behind the couch can achieve this, as well as big bear hugs. A body sock is another simple tool you can use to help your child feel pressure as they climb into a stretch sack and stretch out their arms and legs against the tight fabric. If the dedicated cool-down area is too noisy or active, using headphones provides tactile (touch) and proprioceptive (deep pressure) input. By providing the pressure from the headphones, this pressure can help with relaxing feelings.
Applying joint compressions to your child can be an easy and effective way to provide the pressure they need. Joint compressions involve applying gentle pressure to the skin, joints, and muscles, stimulating the sensory receptors that are present in these areas. By doing so, the brain can detect the effort, force, and weight of these movements and positions, which triggers a reaction. This approach is not only affordable but also has the potential to offer profound benefits for your child's sensory needs. It helps them regulate their sensory input and can contribute to improved focus, attention, and overall functioning. By incorporating joint compressions into your child's daily routine, you can provide them with the sensory input they require and support their overall sensory development.
There will be times when an active child won’t want to sit still; they may need to jump on the trampoline first or crawl through a tunnel a few times. The body sock is an excellent tool to read bedtime stories or even put homework on a clipboard and let them complete it there.
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Sensory-seeking children have a natural inclination to get their hands dirty and relish the opportunity to cover themselves in mud, finger paint, or lotion. To cater to their tactile sense, providing them with a substantial bin of various textures to play in can be highly beneficial, especially if they happen to be picky eaters. This can be achieved using an empty plastic container, a baby pool, or even a bathtub.
Dry rice, slime, and shaving cream are just a few examples of popular options that appeal to tactile sensory seekers. If you're looking for more ideas to inspire you, there are countless possibilities for sensory bins waiting to be discovered. Furthermore, don't limit yourself solely to sensory bins; you can also focus on messy play in general. Encouraging your child to create mud pies in the backyard, indulge in finger painting, or engage in sculpting with kid-friendly clay are just a few exciting messy play ideas that adventurous spirits will thoroughly enjoy. Be sure to explore further to find additional stimulating ideas for messy play.
Combine all the above-mentioned sensory-seeking activities into one to keep your sensory seeker busy while their sensory system is receiving what it needs. Obstacle courses can prove to be a valuable tool. By creating an exciting loop, you can guide them through a series of stimulating activities. Start by directing them to make a trampoline leap, encouraging them to experience the sensation of bouncing in the air.
Next, place a few bean bags in strategic locations, and on a scooter board, guide them to navigate along a designated route. This will not only allow them to develop balance and coordination but also offer a tactile experience. To further stimulate their senses, instruct them to bounce on a yoga ball ten times as part of the obstacle course. The bouncing will provide proprioceptive input and a calming effect.
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You can incorporate a sensory bin filled with dry rice into the course. Encourage them to search for three concealed items, promoting the use of touch and fine motor skills. As they proceed, arrange a passageway for them to crawl through, enhancing their sense of spatial awareness. By demonstrating the activities confidently, you can effectively engage sensory-seeking children, ensuring an enriching and enjoyable experience for them.
When it comes to catering to the needs of sensory-seeking children, it is of utmost importance to be attentive to their reactions and limit the stimulation if they seem uncomfortable or overwhelmed. As a responsible caregiver, it is crucial to understand that each child's sensory thresholds vary widely, and what may be enjoyable for one child could be overwhelming for another. It is important to respect a child's unique sensory preferences and limitations.
Sensory-seeking children thrive on various forms of sensory input, such as swinging, spinning, or deep-pressure activities. However, it is essential to approach this stimulation with caution and sensitivity to ensure the child's well-being. By observing their non-verbal cues and carefully monitoring their reactions, we can ensure that the sensory experience remains positive and beneficial. Sensory overload can be detrimental to their overall development, causing distress and anxiety. Therefore, always be mindful of the child's comfort level and provide breaks or alternative activities if necessary. By adopting a professional approach, we prioritize the child's individual needs and create an inclusive and supportive environment for their sensory exploration and development.