Sensory avoiders
What this may look like
Equipment/techniques that may be beneficial
Visual
Poor eye contact Turning off lights, seeks darkness Avoids going outside on sunny days Frequently rub or squint their eyes
Tent/den Do not have too many lights on
Olfactory
Complains about faint smells Hold noses to avoid smells
Keep rooms ventilated Avoid aromatherapy
Auditory
Easily distracted by noise Agitated by repetitive sounds Engage in self soothing regulation, such as rocking
Headphones or earplugs when needed. A useful link: Flare Audio – Flare Audio Ltd Soft music
Tactile
Dislikes being touched or getting dirty Avoids playing with others Anxious in busy environments
Waterbed – If alone and in a smooth rhythmic manner Mirrors
Gustatory
Have a low appetite Avoid strong tasting foods, may seem to be picky Avoid textured foods
Use bland tasting food Chewies can help users get used to oral stimulation
Proprioception
Avoid physical play Anxious around playground equipment Feels unsteady on uneven ground Experiences motion sickness Anxious when unable to feel the ground
Graded techniques to build up tolerance Improve understanding by education
Vestibular
Waterbed, in a smooth rhythmic manner Deep pressure can soothe – use weighted blankets (this needs to be no mo tha 10%) th ’ b w ht) Footstool if unable to reach ground Use educational prompts: mirrors and feeling cards to help understand bodily cues
Interoception
Constantly hungry, thirsty or needing the toilet
For further information or reading, please visit: About the Senses - Twenty-One Senses (twentyonesenses.org)
There are numerous factors that can impact how we receive sensory input, colours for example, which can influence mood and evoke memories. The meanings of colours come from the associations and experiences that people have, meaning that they may change for different people. The generic influence of colours can be seen on the next page.
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