Sensory seeking behavior is a common characteristic of autism. Individuals with autism may engage in various sensory-seeking behaviors to fulfill their need for sensory stimulation. These behaviors are often linked to sensory processing differences, where individuals either seek or avoid certain sensory inputs.
Understanding these behaviors is crucial for creating supportive environments that help individuals with autism thrive. Sensory seeking behaviors can manifest in many ways, such as touching objects, making noises, or seeking strong physical sensations.
What is Sensory Seeking Behavior?
Sensory seeking behavior refers to the actions or activities that individuals with autism engage in to fulfill their need for sensory input. These behaviors often stem from the sensory system’s response to environmental stimuli, especially when sensory overload becomes overwhelming or when individuals seek to regulate their sensory experiences by actively engaging with specific sensations.
Sensory seeking behaviors can involve any of the five senses and can vary in intensity.
That said, autistic individuals may not be as sensitive to sensory input as others or may be over-sensitive, causing them to seek sensory experiences that others might avoid. Sensory seeking is their way of regulating their sensory needs.
These behaviors can serve as a coping mechanism to deal with overwhelming environments or as a way to self-regulate emotional or physical states.
The Role of Sensory Processing in Autism
The sensory processing system is responsible for receiving, organizing, and responding to sensory information from the environment. For individuals with autism, sensory processing can be irregular, meaning that sensory input might feel either overwhelming or insufficient.
Some individuals with autism have sensory hypersensitivity, where they are overly sensitive to certain sensory stimuli. Others may experience sensory hyposensitivity, meaning they do not perceive certain sensory inputs the way others do.
Sensory seeking behaviors are often associated with hyposensitivity, where the individual may actively look for more intense or specific sensory stimulation to satisfy their sensory needs.
It is important to note that sensory processing differences are a key aspect of autism, and sensory seeking behavior is just one of many ways these differences manifest. The goal of understanding sensory seeking behaviors is not to eliminate them, but to find ways to manage them in a way that supports the individual’s needs.
5 Common Examples of Sensory Seeking Behaviors in Autism
Sensory seeking behaviors can take many different forms depending on the individual’s sensory needs and preferences. Below are some common examples of sensory seeking behaviors that may be observed in individuals with autism:

Why do Seeking Behaviors Occur in Autism?
Sensory seeking behaviors are often a direct result of sensory processing differences associated with autism. These behaviors are typically linked to how the brain processes sensory information.
Below are some of the primary reasons why sensory seeking behaviors occur in individuals with autism:
Understimulation or Sensory Hyposensitivity
One of the most common reasons for sensory seeking behavior is understimulation. Individuals with autism may have sensory hyposensitivity, meaning they need more sensory input to feel alert or engaged.
If their sensory system is not getting enough stimulation, they may seek out additional sensory experiences, such as loud noises, bright lights, or physical activity, to satisfy their sensory needs.
Self-Regulation
Sensory seeking behaviors can also be a way for individuals with autism to regulate their emotions and responses to stress. By seeking out specific sensory input, they can calm themselves down or become more focused. This is particularly true in overwhelming or overstimulating environments where sensory seeking behaviors provide a way to block out or cope with external stressors.
Social Communication
Some sensory seeking behaviors may be a form of communication, especially in nonverbal individuals. For instance, a child who seeks out specific textures or engages in repetitive vocalizations may be trying to communicate discomfort, curiosity, or a desire for attention.
Sensory seeking behaviors can serve as a form of expression in a world that may feel overwhelming or confusing.
Improving Focus and Attention
Sensory seeking behaviors can also help individuals with autism maintain focus or attention. For example, the act of fidgeting or engaging in tactile seeking behaviors may help an individual focus on a task or activity, providing the right level of stimulation to maintain attention.
Final Thoughts
Sensory seeking behaviors are an integral part of autism and should not be seen as problematic but as a way for individuals to meet their sensory needs. By understanding the underlying causes of these behaviors and implementing strategies to manage them, we can help individuals with autism feel more comfortable and supported.
Whether through sensory-friendly environments, sensory breaks, or specialized therapies, it is essential to acknowledge the importance of sensory input in the lives of those with autism.
Embracing sensory-seeking behaviors and finding productive ways to manage them will allow us to create an environment where individuals on the autism spectrum can thrive. At Eagle’s Will ABA, we specialize in delivering personalized, high-quality ABA therapy in NC.
Our team is dedicated to helping individuals develop essential skills, improve communication, and achieve their fullest potential. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you and your loved ones on this journey!
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