In our previous blog post about sensory processing, we explored the idea that understanding your child’s sensory profile can be a powerful tool for supporting regulation and emotional well-being. Now let’s take a closer look at each of the 8 senses, with examples of what sensory seeking and sensory sensitivity might look like—and what you can do to help.
Every child is different, and needs can shift from day to day. These examples aren’t exhaustive, but they offer a starting point for observation, reflection, and support.
👁️ Sight (Visual)
- Seeking: drawn to bright lights, movement, or busy visuals
Try: lava lamps, shiny or spinning toys, light-up objects, or high-contrast books - Sensitive: avoids bright lights or visual clutter
Try: dim lighting, sunglasses or hats indoors, simple spaces with fewer visual distractions
👂 Sound (Auditory)
- Seeking: loves loud music, talks or hums constantly, enjoys noisy toys
Try: musical instruments, singing games, white noise machines - Sensitive: covers ears, startled by sudden or loud sounds
Try: noise-canceling headphones, quiet zones at home, giving warnings before loud events
👃 Smell (Olfactory)
- Seeking: smells everything—food, people, objects
Try: scented playdough, essential oil rollers (child-safe), scratch-and-sniff books - Sensitive: gags at strong smells, avoids certain foods or environments
Try: scent-free products, air purifiers, letting them control how close they are to smells
👅 Taste (Gustatory)
- Seeking: craves bold, spicy, or textured foods; chews on non-food items
Try: strong-flavored snacks, safe chewable necklaces or toys - Sensitive: picky eater, avoids mixed textures or strong flavors
Try: offering one flavor/texture at a time, building tolerance slowly, respecting preferences
✋ Touch (Tactile)
- Seeking: touches everything, enjoys messy play, prefers tight hugs
Try: finger painting, kinetic sand, deep pressure massages, weighted blankets - Sensitive: avoids tags, messy play, certain fabrics or textures
Try: seamless clothing, soft fabrics, letting them rinse hands immediately after messy play
🦴 Proprioception (Body Awareness)
- Seeking: loves rough play, crashing into things, climbing
Try: obstacle courses, pushing/pulling heavy objects, animal walks, bear hugs - Sensitive: unsure where body is in space, avoids physical contact or seems clumsy
Try: yoga, gentle resistance games, activities that build coordination slowly
🎢 Vestibular (Balance & Movement)
- Seeking: spins, jumps, loves swings or movement
Try: trampoline time, spinning chairs, scooter boards, swings - Sensitive: fearful of heights, movement, or gets motion sick easily
Try: slow rocking, gradual movement exposure, keeping feet on the ground during play
💓 Interoception (Internal Body Awareness)
- Seeking: may not notice hunger, thirst, or the need to go to the bathroom
Try: visual reminders, body check-in routines (“How does your tummy feel?”) - Sensitive: highly reactive to internal sensations (e.g., tummy aches, feeling hot)
Try: helping them name sensations, offering gentle coping tools (cool washcloths, slow breathing)
🧭 Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all sensory solution. The key is observation, curiosity, and a willingness to adjust. Some days your child might need more input; other days, less. That’s normal.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, or if you want support in understanding your child’s unique sensory needs more deeply, parent coaching can help.our p
