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Today we’re talking about those kiddos that are over-responsive to sensory input, aka, sensory avoiders. They often slip between the lines and their deficits go unnoticed, making it challenging to get them the help that they need! We’re going to explain what it means, how it affects your child, and of course, tips, tricks and strategies to increase awareness and implement beneficial activities into your daily life.
Sensory processing refers to how the brain interprets information from the environment—touch, sound, movement, taste, smell, and visual input. For many children, this process occurs smoothly.
But for others, sensory input can feel overwhelming, leading to distress and avoidance behaviors. These children are known as sensory avoiders, and they often require intentional support to feel safe and regulated in daily life.
A sensory avoider is a child with an over-responsive sensory system, meaning their brain interprets certain sensory inputs as too intense or threatening. As a result, they may withdraw from everyday activities, avoid new environments, and struggle with social interactions, emotional regulation, or academic engagement.
Understanding the different types of sensory sensitivities is the first step toward offering support.
Children with tactile sensitivity may:
Dislike messy play (e.g., finger paints, mud).
Avoid hugs, high-fives, or certain fabrics.
Refuse to wear tags, seams, or tight clothing.
Resist grooming tasks like brushing hair or clipping nails.
Real-World Example: A child avoids playground sand or won’t wear socks because the seams feel “too itchy.”
These children may:
React strongly to strong perfumes, cleaning agents, or cooking smells.
Refuse to enter rooms with unpleasant or unfamiliar scents.
Experience nausea or distress from minor odors.
Real-World Example: A child gags when entering a bathroom with an air freshener.
Taste-sensitive children may:
Be extremely picky eaters.
Refuse to try new foods or textures.
Avoid hot or cold foods due to temperature sensitivity.
Real-World Example: A child eats only dry crackers and white rice, resisting fruits or vegetables due to “weird textures.”
These children may:
Fear swings, slides, or spinning activities.
Become motion sick easily.
Avoid activities that require balance or head movement.
Real-World Example: A child refuses to be carried or resists climbing stairs due to a lack of balance and confidence.
Proprioception helps us sense our body’s position. Some children may:
Avoid deep pressure or hugs.
Resist swaddling or tight clothing.
Feel anxious with activities that involve body awareness.
Real-World Example: A toddler resists being held tightly or won’t crawl through tunnels.
Auditory-sensitive children often:
Cover their ears with loud or unexpected sounds
Struggle to concentrate in noisy environments
Avoid group settings, assemblies, or public restrooms
Real-World Example: A child becomes anxious during fire drills or cries in noisy restaurants.
Children with visual sensitivities might:
Squint or cover eyes in bright light.
Struggle with reading due to visual clutter or tracking issues.
Avoid visually busy environments (e.g., stores, classrooms).
Real-World Example: A child may refuse to do worksheets on white paper due to brightness or glare.
Let’s explore actionable strategies by sensory system to help your child feel more regulated and confident.
Try brushing protocols like the Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT) with OT guidance.
Choose soft, seamless clothing.
Encourage messy play in safe environments (e.g., shaving cream, water beads, moon sand).
Use sensory bins with rice, beans, or playdough to make touch fun.
Introduce scents through gradual exposure (e.g., scratch-and-sniff stickers or essential oils).
Let your child hold a scented bracelet or cloth with a preferred smell during stressful moments.
Use visual supports (like a smell rating scale) to help them communicate scent discomfort.
Engage in food play without pressure to eat (e.g., touching, smelling, licking).
Present familiar foods in fun shapes or formats.
Introduce new foods during calm moments—not when the child is hungry or stressed.
Always start slow—gentle rocking or bouncing in a swing.
Add heavy work (pushing/pulling, carrying objects) before and after movement.
Celebrate small wins (“You slid halfway down the slide today!”).
Use compression garments (shirts, vests) during transitions or stressful periods.
Try vibrating toys or joint compressions with guidance.
Play “blindfold games” to strengthen body awareness without visual input.
Use noise-canceling headphones in overstimulating settings.
Practice exposure to sounds gradually (e.g., recorded noises at low volume).
Enroll in programs like The Listening Program or Integrated Listening System (iLs).
Offer sunglasses or hats outdoors and in bright indoor spaces.
Use reading guides or visual trackers to reduce page glare.
Dim classroom lights or add soft lighting at home.
Play visual games (e.g.,I Spy,Spot It) to build tolerance to visual stimuli.
Every child is unique—what soothes one child may overwhelm another. That’s why a custom sensory plan created in collaboration with a pediatric occupational therapist can make all the difference.
Sensory avoiders are not “picky” or “difficult.” They are simply children whose systems are on high alert—children who need our understanding, patience, and consistent support.
Supporting a child with sensory avoidance takes time, but with the right tools and mindset, you can help your child:
Build resilience.
Try new experiences.
Feel safe and confident in their body.
Supporting sensory avoiders isn’t about fixing your child—it’s about empowering them to feel safe and in control. Together, we can create a sensory-friendly world where every child feels seen, supported, and celebrated.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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