#336 - Sensory Products for Sensory Seekers and Sensory Avoiders: Holiday Edition

by Jessica Hill, COTA/L & Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC November 27, 2024

#336 - Sensory Products for Sensory Seekers and Sensory Avoiders: Holiday Edition

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Sensory Products for Sensory Seekers and Sensory Avoiders: Holiday Edition

Shop our BIGGEST sale of the year!https://harkla.co/pages/black-friday-cyber-monday

In this episode, we are breaking down what it means for someone to be a “sensory seeker” and what it means for someone to be a “sensory avoider.” 

Then we talk about our favorite sensory products for both including the Harkla Compression Swing, lycra tunnels, weighted medicine balls, therapy/yoga balls, a crash pad, and more! 

Check out all of the links below! 

We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form ->https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 

Links

All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram 

Harkla YouTube Channel

Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!

Harkla Instagram

5 Activities for a Sensory Seeker

5 Tips for a Sensory Avoider

Supporting Mixed Sensory Needs

10 Activities with a Yoga Ball

Tunnels (Amazon) 

Medicine Balls

Rebounder Trampolines (Amazon)

Platform Swings (Amazon)

Therapy Balls (Amazon)

Pop Up Tents (Amazon)

Vibrating Pillow

Giant Bean Bag

SPEKS Adult Fidgets

 

Sensory Products For Sensory Seekers And Sensory Avoiders: Holiday Edition

Parenting a child with sensory processing challenges can feel overwhelming. You’re not alone if you’re searching for answers to questions like, “Why does my child seem to crave movement?” or “Why does my child get overwhelmed in noisy environments?” 

Understanding sensory seekers and avoiders is a powerful first step in creating a supportive environment tailored to your child’s needs.

 

What Are Sensory Seekers?

Sensory seekers crave more sensory input. Their brains tell them they need more movement, touch, sound, or other sensory stimuli to feel organized and focused. 

You might notice your sensory-seeking child:

  • Jumping, spinning, or running non-stop.
  • Chewing on objects like pencils or shirt sleeves.
  • Constantly fidgeting or needing to touch everything.

This intense need for sensory input can make it challenging for them to sit still in school, complete tasks, or transition between activities. However, meeting their sensory needs with intentional tools and strategies can help them feel more regulated and focused.

 

What Are Sensory Avoiders?

Sensory avoiders are often overwhelmed by everyday sensory input. Sounds, smells, textures, and even light can feel like too much, causing them to withdraw or act out. 

Sensory avoiders may:

  • Cover their ears in noisy places.
  • Avoid messy play or certain clothing textures.
  • Feel anxious in crowded or visually busy environments.

These sensitivities can disrupt daily routines and make social or academic settings overwhelming. With the proper support, sensory avoiders can feel safer and more comfortable.

 

Why Understanding Sensory Needs Matters

Every child is unique, and many children have mixed sensory needs—they may seek certain types of input while avoiding others. For example, a child might seek proprioceptive input (like hugs or jumping) but avoid auditory input (like loud noises). 

Identifying and supporting these needs can reduce stress for you and your child, promoting calm and confidence.

 

Top Sensory Products For Sensory Seekers And Avoiders

If you're wondering which products might help your child, here’s a curated list based on expert recommendations.

5 Favorite Products for Sensory Seekers

  1. Compression Swing
    A swing, like Harkla's compression swing, provides vestibular (movement) and proprioceptive (deep pressure) input, helping sensory seekers feel regulated. Its durable fabric stretches just enough for comfort without sagging.

  2. Body Sock
    This stretchy garment lets kids push, pull, and move while feeling the comforting embrace of compression. It’s versatile for play or calm-down time.

  3. Lycra Tunnel or Tube
    Crawling through Lycra tunnels provides tactile and proprioceptive input while engaging muscles for heavy work.

  4. Medicine Ball
    A weighted ball encourages heavy work activities like carrying, pushing, or throwing, helping to calm and organize the nervous system.

  5. Mini Trampoline
    Jumping gives sensory seekers both vestibular and proprioceptive input. For added functionality, look for a trampoline with a safety bar.

5 Favorite Products for Sensory Avoiders

  1. Pod Swing or Platform Swing
    These swings provide vestibular input in a secure, supportive way. Gradually introducing swinging can help avoiders feel safer with movement.

  2. Therapy Ball or Peanut Ball
    Rolling, balancing, or sitting on a therapy ball offers controlled proprioceptive input, which can calm overstimulated kids.

  3. Pop-Up Tent
    Create a calming sensory retreat where your child can decompress. For extra comfort, add pillows, blankets, or soft lighting.

  4. Vibrating Pillow or Toy
    Vibration provides soothing proprioceptive input, helping avoiders relax during stressful moments.

  5. Crash Pad or Ball Pit
    A soft crash pad or ball pit offers a safe space for calming proprioceptive input and a cozy hideaway for avoiders.

Supporting Your Child At Home

Whether your child is a sensory seeker, avoider, or a mix of both, small changes at home can make a big difference. Here are some general tips:

  • Observe and Adapt: Pay attention to your child’s behavior to understand what they seek or avoid.
  • Incorporate Heavy Work: Activities like pushing, pulling, or jumping are calming for most kids.
  • Offer Breaks: Create safe spaces where your child can reset when overwhelmed.

Every child’s sensory journey is unique. By understanding your child’s sensory preferences and providing the right tools, you can create an environment where they feel supported and empowered. 

 

 

 

 

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.

Jessica Hill, COTA/L & Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC
Jessica Hill, COTA/L & Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC

Rachel Harrington, COTA/l, AC, CPRCS, and Jessica Hill, COTA/L, CPRCS are Harkla's in-house Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA) and Certified Primitive Reflex Clinical Specialists. They have been working with children for over 6 years in outpatient settings. They specialize in creating easy-to-digest, actionable content that families can use to help their child's progress at home. Jessica and Rachel are the in-house experts, content creators, and podcast hosts at Harkla! To learn more about Jessica and Rachel, visit the Harkla About Us Page. Make sure to listen to their weekly podcast, All Things Sensory by Harkla for actionable, fun advice on child development.


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