Have a Constant Need for More... or Less??

When we talk about sensory, it’s important to talk about the two main kinds of dysregulation – hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity. Many times, people think sensory issues simply involves a child “overreacting” to a fire alarm or a loud flushing toilet. But there is so, so much more that it involves.

HYPERSENSITIVITY:

Hypersensitivity, also known as over-responsivity, is a sensory avoider. They have the need for LESS. These children’s bodies feel too easily or too intensely, feeling like they are constantly bombarded with information from the environment. Hypersensitive children often have a fight or flight response to sensations, such as being touched unexpectedly or hearing a loud noise. They try to avoid most sensations by, for example, withdrawing from being touched or covering their ears to avoid a loud sound.

When kids are hypersensitive, they find the environment overwhelming. When they are avoiding sensory input from the environment, they may excessively cover their ears or hide. Sometimes, they will hide or even be extremely picky eaters. Many things can trigger a sensory avoiding kid. What can be a trigger for one person, can differ from another, such as the texture or flavor of food, the feeling of a certain type of fabric, or the smell of a shampoo.

Hypersensitivity is NOT someone just being ‘touchy.’ Some people can find it hard to concentrate, while others may feel irritated, restless, or angry. Then there are others that may become panicked or even freeze and become unable to speak. If you’ve ever been irritated by an everyday sound or a shirt that feels too tight, it may be annoying. However, it can be quite different to others who are experiencing it every single day.

Kids, in particular, who are hypersensitive to sensory input are not naughty and they don’t need more discipline. But they can seem out of control to others because they may refuse to wear certain clothes or brush their hair. They may only eat certain foods, cover their ears, even hit their heads or have a meltdown. However, it is important to know that these behaviors are a child’s response to trying to make their body feel safe when they feel bombarded with sensory input.

HYPOSENSITIVE

Hyposensitivity, also known as under-responsivity, is a sensory seeker. They have a constant need for MORE! Kids that are hyposensitive may constantly want to touch things to feel the texture, love jumping up and down and bumping into things. They may have a very high pain tolerance. Hypersensitivity may also look like excessive or repetitive body movements or licking/chewing on non-food items.

This looks like a constant need for movement. It can also be difficulty recognizing the feelings of hunger, sickness, or pain. These children love loud noises, bright lights and vibrant colors. They also do not notice or process sensory information well and may need help from grownups to safely be able to get the sensory input they need.

Kids with hyposensitivity often appear to be quiet and passive. They may appear withdrawn, difficult to engage with or even self-absorbed. These kiddos may not respond when you call their name. But this is all because they don’t pick up on the sensory input in their environment. They may not perceive object that are too hot or too cold or may not notice pain from bumps or falls.

Recognizing sensory over or under responsiveness and the role it plays in regulation, will also allow you to choose the right remedy.