Sensory-avoidant

Sensory-avoidant describes an individual, or their behavior, characterized by a strong tendency to minimize or evade sensory input due to heightened sensitivity. This often involves actively avoiding specific sights, sounds, textures, smells, or tastes that are perceived as overwhelming, unpleasant, or distressing. The avoidance can manifest in various ways, such as covering ears, closing eyes, withdrawing from social situations, or displaying behavioral rigidity to maintain a predictable environment. This heightened sensitivity can significantly impact daily life, social interactions, and emotional regulation, and is a common characteristic in individuals on the autism spectrum, with sensory processing disorder, and other neurological conditions. The intensity of sensory avoidance can vary greatly between individuals and even for the same individual at different times.

Sensory-avoidant meaning with examples

• The child's Sensory-avoidant behaviors were evident when they consistently refused to eat foods with particular textures, leading to nutritional challenges. They would also scream at vacuum cleaners and refused to wear clothes that were too tight, preferring soft fabrics. At loud events like parties, they would often retreat to quiet spaces, attempting to control or avoid the overwhelming sounds. This illustrated how the child worked around their aversion to loud noises.
• During occupational therapy sessions, the Sensory-avoidant teenager actively resisted activities involving certain tactile sensations, such as finger painting or playing with playdough. They would frequently cover their ears in noisy environments like the school cafeteria. To reduce stimulation at school, they often opted for quieter activities or utilized noise-canceling headphones. These actions show the strategies they'd use to avoid the distress.
• The Sensory-avoidant adult avoided public transportation due to the unpredictable sounds and crowds. They preferred to work from home to have control over their sensory environment, regulating stimuli such as temperature, sound, and light. Shopping in large stores, with overwhelming visual displays and announcements, was another thing they tried to avoid. This constant avoidance affected the quality of their social life and travel.
• Recognizing the Sensory-avoidant nature of their dog, the owner created a calming environment at home with soft lighting, gentle music, and a designated quiet space. They would also avoid the dog park, where overwhelming sounds and crowds would upset the pet. They were cautious to the dog and never used loud voices when it got upset. This controlled environment helped the dog to reduce its anxious behaviors.