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Why Parents and Teachers Need to Understand a Child's Sensory Profile Beyond 'Seeker' or 'Avoider'
It’s really important for parents and teachers to understand how a child experiences the world through their senses, like touch, taste, sound, and movement. While some kids may seem to always be "seekers" (looking for more sensory input) or "avoiders" (trying to avoid certain sensations), it’s more complicated than that. Every child is different, and understanding what makes each one feel calm, stressed, or excited can help adults support them better.
It's More Than Just 'Seeker' or 'Avoider'
Instead of just calling kids “seekers” or “avoiders,” it’s helpful to look at their full sensory profile. A child might love movement but avoid loud sounds, or they may be okay with bright lights but feel overwhelmed by strong smells. Knowing these specific details can help parents and teachers understand what makes the child feel safe and comfortable.
Also, a child’s sensory needs can change depending on what’s happening around them or how they’re feeling. For example, a child who usually avoids loud noises might sometimes want more noise if they feel bored or under-stimulated. So, it’s important to remember that "seeking" and "avoiding" can change and are not always the same for every situation.
Why It’s Important to Spot Under-Stimulation and Over-Stimulation
Understanding when a child is either under-stimulated (bored or restless) or over-stimulated (overwhelmed by too much sensory input) is key to helping them feel balanced and calm.
Under-Stimulation happens when a child isn’t getting enough sensory input and might start fidgeting, moving around, or making noises. Recognising this can warn adults that they need activities, like playing with sensory toys or taking a movement break, to help them feel more focused.
Over-Stimulation happens when a child is overwhelmed by too much sensory input. Signs include covering their ears, shutting their eyes, withdrawing, or having a meltdown. By knowing what sensory input bothers the child, adults can step in early to provide a quiet space, dim the lights, or use calming activities.
The "Zone of Regulation"
The “zone of regulation” is when a child feels calm, focused, and ready to learn or play. Staying in this zone is important because it means the child is feeling just right - not too overwhelmed and not too bored. Understanding a child's sensory profile helps parents and teachers figure out when they might be slipping out of this calm zone and what signs to watch for.
Before a child becomes fully overwhelmed or loses focus, there are often signs that they’re starting to leave their calm zone. Some of these signs might include fidgeting more, zoning out, becoming more irritable, or withdrawing from others. It’s important for adults to know these signs so they can step in and help. For example, they might let the child take a short break, play with a sensory tool, or move to a quieter place.
How a Sensory Profile Helps
Knowing a child's sensory profile in detail means adults can:
1. Figure out what kinds of sights, sounds, or activities the child finds too much or too little.
2. Notice when the child might be getting too overwhelmed or too bored.
3. Use activities, sensory tools, or quiet spaces to help the child stay calm and focused.
4. Recognise when the child might be pretending to feel okay (masking) and create a safe environment for them to express their real needs.
By understanding each child’s unique sensory profile, parents and teachers can help the child feel happier, more relaxed, and ready to learn and play. This knowledge can make a big difference in reducing stress and anxiety and supporting a child’s growth.
In order to learn a child's sensory profile, observations and answering specifically selected questions are key. There are lots of quick online questionnaires, but most don't go into enough detail and they don't provide you with lists of activities to try with your child according to their specific sensory profile. We offer an online questionnaire with specific lists of activities recommended to calm or stimulate your child depending on their results. It's just £9.99 and will provide you with the basis for everyday life and keeping your household calm and regulated. We also talk about sensory profiles in our book, Parenting Rewired.
All this week you can get FREE anytime access to our sensory profile online programme as well as our "Everyday Essentials" course when you purchase any of our paperback books. This deal is only valid for the week of 23.9.23 to 30.9.24 and while stocks last!
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