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AUTISM GLOSSARY
Sensory Seeking
DEFINITION
Sensory seeking describes a pattern in which a person actively seeks out sensory input — crashing into things, touching textures, seeking intense movement, making loud sounds, or seeking strong flavors and smells.
WHY IT MATTERS
Sensory seeking meets a real neurological need. Providing appropriate sensory input through a planned sensory diet reduces the need to seek it in less appropriate ways.
COMMON MISCONCEPTION
Sensory seeking is not aggression or hyperactivity, though it can look similar. It is the nervous system requesting input it needs for regulation.