Sensory Defensiveness

Sensory defensiveness, also known as sensory over-responsiveness, is a condition in which an individual has an exaggerated or negative response to sensory stimuli that most people would find tolerable or unremarkable. This can involve one or more of the senses, such as touch, sound, sight, taste, or smell. Individuals with sensory defensiveness often feel overwhelmed, anxious, or distressed when exposed to certain sensory inputs, even when the intensity of the stimulus is low. In children, sensory defensiveness can manifest in various ways, including:

Touch: Being sensitive to certain textures of clothing, avoiding certain foods due to their textures, disliking being touch or hugged, disliking haircutting, or disliking nail cutting.

Sound: Covering their ears or becoming distressed in loud environments or when there are unexpected noises.

Sight: Being sensitive to bright lights or certain visual patterns.

Taste and Smell: Being very selective about the types of foods they will eat or being averse to certain odors.

Movement: Avoiding activities that involve spinning or sudden movements.

Sensory defensiveness can impact a child's ability to engage in everyday activities, interact with peers, and enjoy experiences. Occupational therapists work with children who have sensory defensiveness to help them understand and manage their responses to sensory stimuli. This may involve sensory integration therapy, which uses controlled exposure to different types of sensory inputs to help children become more accustomed to them.

If you have any specific questions or need more detailed information about sensory defensiveness, please let me know!