Sensory Strategies

Abstract

When you notice your student avoiding or seeking sensory, but not sure what to do, try some of these: Sensory seeking (under responsive or hypo-sensitive to sensory stimulus) Sensory Avoiding (over-responsive or hyper sensitive to sensory stimulus) Does child:  Touchy feely – needs to touch everything  Crave touch  Self abusive (head slapping/banging, biting, pinching)  Mouth objects  Unaware of bumps, bruises, bug bites  Seek messy play  Difficulty grading (breaks objects, breaks pencil lead)  Too rough when hugging or playing with friends  Unaware of dirty face, runny nose  Risk taker – seeks strong sensory input  Hard petting of animals  Fidget with pen, buttons, hair Does child  Avoids cuddling  Distressed with light play involving touch (itsy bitsy spider)  Stands alone to avoid being near others  Avoids groups for fear of sudden touch  Becomes anxious with touch or light accidental brush  Avoids hair being groomed  Wipes kiss from face  Over reacts to cut, bruise or bug bite  Dislikes messy play (shaving cream)  Avoids clothes with tags or seams  Does not like shoes and socks  Walks only on toes  Selective with clothing texture  Avoids certain textures in food  Dislikes having face washed  Bath time is a challenge