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Learn how to create personalized sensory diet routines that actually work!
In this episode of the All Things Sensory Podcast, we dive into strategies to support sensory seekers. If your child is constantly seeking movement, touch, or sounds that interfere with their daily activities—or if they never seem to get enough sensory input—this episode is for you!
We’re sharing five practical tips to help you support sensory seekers at home, in the clinic, or anywhere in between. From providing sensory snacks to integrating full-body heavy work, these strategies can make a world of difference in nervous system regulation and emotional well-being. Plus, we’ll discuss the importance of daily outdoor time and how emotional intelligence programs can help children identify and manage their sensory needs.
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Tips and Tricks for Your Sensory Seeking Child
Does your child seem to have endless energy? Are they constantly jumping, spinning, or touching everything in sight? If so, they might be a sensory seeker—a child who craves extra sensory input to help their nervous system feel regulated.
In this article, we’ll break down what sensory seeking is, how it differs from ADHD, and—most importantly—five powerful strategies to help your child feel calm, focused, and in control of their body. Whether you’re a parent or a therapist, these practical tips will make a big difference!
Sensory seeking happens when a child’s nervous system isn’t getting enough input from their environment. Their brain craves more movement, pressure, or stimulation, leading them to constantly seek out sensory experiences like:
Jumping, running, and climbing nonstop.
Making loud noises or turning up the volume on everything.
Constantly touching objects (or even other people).
Chewing on shirt sleeves, pencils, or anything in reach.
Staring at moving objects, like fans or spinning toys.
While many kids have sensory preferences, sensory seeking becomes a challenge when it interferes with daily life, such as struggling to sit still in school, follow directions, or keep their hands to themselves.
Now, let’s get into five practical strategies to support sensory seekers!
Instead of waiting for sensory-seeking behaviors to cause problems, offer the input your child craves before they need it. This helps prevent meltdowns, improves focus, and creates a more structured routine.
For example, if your child is an oral sensory seeker (chewing on their shirt or pencils), try:
Crunchy or chewy snacks (carrots, jerky, dried fruit)
Chewable jewelry or pencil toppers
Bubble blowing games
Straw activities, like drinking smoothies through a thick straw
Kazoo or whistle games for deep breathing and oral motor input
If your child craves movement, make sure they get plenty of jumping, climbing, and spinning before times when they need to focus!
OT Tip: Offer sensory input throughout the day—not just when a problem arises.
Heavy work (deep pressure and resistance activities) helps regulate the nervous system by calming the body and improving focus. You can easily add this into your child’s routine with activities like:
Carrying heavy objects (groceries, backpacks, laundry baskets)
Animal walks (bear crawls, crab walks)
Pushing or pulling (furniture, weighted bins, sleds)
Climbing (playgrounds, rock walls, trees)
Jumping and crashing (trampolines, crash pads, couch cushions)
These activities help channel sensory-seeking energy into positive movement, making it easier for kids to stay calm during school, meals, and bedtime.
No, we’re not talking about food (though crunchy and chewy snacks help!). Sensory “snacks” are quick sensory activities that give your child’s brain and body the input they need to stay regulated.
Try these throughout the day:
Wall push-ups or chair push-ups (great for school settings)
Fidget toys (chewelry, stress balls, hand fidgets)
Jumping jacks or mini-trampoline breaks
Deep breathing with a straw or kazoo
Blowing a pom-pom across a table with a straw (pom-pom hockey!)
OT Tip: If your child struggles with focus, schedule sensory breaks before challenging activities like homework or chores!
Sensory seekers often struggle to connect their body’s needs with their emotions. This can lead to frustration, impulsivity, and feeling "out of control."
Using a structured emotional regulation program can help! Some great options include:
Zones of Regulation – Helps kids label emotions and connect them to sensory strategies.
Superflex Social Thinking Curriculum – Teaches self-regulation through fun characters.
The Alert Program ("How Does Your Engine Run?") – Helps kids recognize when they need movement or calming activities.
Sensory Emotions Chart – Matches emotions to sensory strategies (from Harkla’s Sensory Diet Course).
By teaching your child to recognize their body’s signals, they’ll learn how to self-regulate and ask for the sensory input they need.
Spending time outside is one of the best ways to regulate the nervous system—especially for sensory seekers.
Running, climbing, and jumping provides natural vestibular and proprioceptive input.
Barefoot play helps ground the body and connect with nature.
Fresh air and natural light improve mood and focus.
Even a short walk or a few minutes on a playground can help prevent meltdowns and improve attention throughout the day.
If your child is a sensory seeker, you’re not alone—and small changes can make a big difference. By adding these five strategies to their daily routine, you’ll help them feel calmer, more focused, and more in control of their bodies.
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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