Is Sensory Seeking a Warning Sign—or a Sign of an Unmet Need?
Let’s talk about something I see all the time in my work with kids and families: sensory seeking. You’ve probably seen it too—even if you didn’t know the name for it. Maybe your child constantly spins, jumps, or crashes into things. Maybe they chew on everything, or they can’t seem to sit still to save their life. And maybe, just maybe, when they start doing those things, it feels like a sign that a meltdown is coming.
So what’s really going on here?
First, what is sensory seeking?
Sensory seeking is when a person craves certain types of sensory input—touch, movement, sound, etc.—in order to feel regulated or grounded. It’s the nervous system’s way of saying, “Hey, I need more of something right now.”
And here’s the key thing: sensory seeking is not inherently a “bad” behavior. It’s communication.
Sometimes it does happen before a crisis or dysregulation—because the person is trying to self-regulate in the only way they know how. But more often than not, it’s actually a sign that a need is unmet. The body is saying, “I need more input to stay calm, focused, or safe.”
So... what does sensory seeking look like?
It can vary a lot, but here are some common examples:
Constant movement: spinning, jumping, running, rocking, climbing furniture
Rough play or crashing into people or objects
Chewing or mouthing non-food items (shirts, pencils, hair, etc.)
Making loud noises, humming, or repeating sounds
Touching everything or seeking deep pressure (hugs, tight squeezes)
Wanting to be barefoot or craving certain textures
This list is not exhaustive—and not every child who does these things has a diagnosis. But sensory seeking is often present in neurodivergent children, including those with:
ADHD (difficulty regulating arousal or focus levels)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (differences in sensory processing)
Anxiety (using sensory input as a way to self-soothe)
Developmental differences or trauma histories
Is it a crisis warning or just a need?
It’s a little of both. Think of sensory seeking as a flag waving in the wind. That flag might be saying:
“I need a break.”
“I’m overwhelmed and trying to cope.”
“I’m bored and under-stimulated.”
“I’m anxious and trying to calm my nervous system.”
If these needs go unmet, yes—things can escalate into behaviors that look like aggression, defiance, or emotional outbursts. But those are often misunderstood. What’s really happening is the child is overwhelmed by an unmet sensory need, not being intentionally “bad.”
So what can we do?
This is where connection and support make all the difference. Bringing in professionals like psychotherapists or occupational therapists can help make sense of the sensory behaviors and build a supportive plan around them.
Occupational Therapy (OT): OTs can assess a child’s sensory profile and provide tools like sensory diets, fidget tools, movement breaks, or weighted items.
Psychotherapy: Therapists can help kids understand their emotions, build coping skills, and work with caregivers and schools to create supportive environments.
Collaboration with Schools: Sensory supports can be part of IEPs or accommodation plans (like scheduled movement breaks, quiet zones, or adaptive seating).
Bottom line?
Sensory seeking isn’t just noise or chaos or hyperactivity. It’s a need that deserves support, not punishment. When we slow down and see the behavior as communication, we can help kids feel safer, more regulated, and better understood.
So the next time you see a child spinning, bouncing, chewing, or crashing—pause before assuming a meltdown is coming. Ask yourself: What is their body telling us? And how can we help them feel met, not managed?
If you’re noticing sensory concerns in your child and want to better understand how to support them, consider reaching out to a psychotherapist or OT with experience in sensory integration. You don’t have to figure this out alone.