When a child is constantly chewing sleeves, spinning, bouncing, touching everything nearby or asking for tight hugs, it can be difficult to explain what they may be seeking. This sensory seeking behaviours poster gives families and professionals clear, recognisable examples to support conversations at home, in school or during support sessions.
Parents, foster carers, teachers, teaching assistants and support workers supporting sensory-seeking children, teenagers or adults are likely to find this one-page poster particularly relevant. It describes sensory seeking as looking for extra movement, touch, sound, pressure or other sensory input to help the body or brain feel more organised, calm or alert.
The poster groups many familiar sensory seeking behaviours into easy-to-read coloured panels. Examples include chewing pens, straws or sleeves; tapping, drumming and clicking; spinning in circles; jumping on the spot; bouncing on a chair or ball; swinging for long periods; rocking; and pacing or running back and forth.
It also covers touch, pressure, visual, smell, sound and oral sensory needs. Readers will find examples such as crashing into cushions or beanbags, climbing and hanging, squeezing toys, rubbing fabrics or labels, wrapping up in heavy blankets, seeking strong smells, watching spinning objects, staring at lights, humming, repeated sounds, crunchy foods and water play.
Print the sensory behaviour infographic for a classroom inclusion folder, home visual support area, sensory room, pastoral office or neurodiversity discussion. It can help adults notice patterns, give children and young people language for what they do, and identify practical sensory preferences worth discussing with an occupational therapist or other appropriate professional.
