Let’s talk sensory preferences and how to include them in games your child enjoys.
So what is a sensory preference? A sensory preference is simply a dislike or desire for a specific sensation. EVERYONE has sensory preferences whether it be a food texture you don’t like, the need to click your pen in meetings or disliking the feel of sand in your bed! Most people can continue with their day after encountering a sensation they dislike or desire but it can be harder for some children, including some autistic children and children with sensory processing differences.
Imagine a visit to the supermarket, the sound of the cash register, the smells from the deli, the cold from the fridges, the sound of the music or announcements over the speaker, the bright lights and the other customers in their way. Although a supermarket is somewhere that needs to be visited frequently it is filled with different sensations that are very overwhelming for some people.
What does it mean to be over-sensitive to a sensation? This means that a small amount of a certain sensation can stimulate the individual and therefore it is easier to become overstimulated by this sensation.
Example: if a child is over-sensitive to sounds the sound of the school bell or yelling from another child might lead to the child covering their ears.
OR if a child is over-sensitive to taste they might prefer foods that are considered ‘bland’ or might be seen as a ‘picky eater’
What does it mean to be under-sensitive to certain sensations? This means that a large amount of a certain sensation is needed to stimulate the individual and therefore a lot more of the sensation is required to feel satisfied.
Example: if a child is under-sensitive to touch they might touch everything in a new room.
OR if a child is under-sensitive to sounds they might speak or yell really loudly.
Using Sensory Preferences in Play
Once you know what your child seeks out and what they avoid, you can use it in play. Sensory play simply means play that gives children a chance to explore through their senses. As well as sight, sound, touch, taste and smell, we have senses for balance and movement, and for knowing where our body is in space.
Why Sensory Play Is Useful
- It keeps children engaged. Children tend to stay with an activity longer when they enjoy it, which gives more time to practise skills like hand use and new words.
- It helps them explore. Squishing, pouring, digging and lifting lets children find out what is hard or soft, wet or dry, warm or cold, heavy or light.
- It is a natural place for words. Talk about what you are both seeing, touching and hearing: “soft sand”, “cold jelly”, “the pasta is noisy”.
Ideas to Try at Home
- Pair a favourite sensation with a less-liked task. If your child avoids puzzles but loves digging, hide the puzzle pieces in a tub of dry pasta or rice so finding them becomes part of the game.
- For a child who seeks touch: sensory bins with rice, sand or playdough, and digging for small toys.
- For a child who seeks movement: jumping into a pile of leaves or cushions, swinging, or riding a bike or scooter.
- For a child who is over-sensitive to touch: start with tools such as scoops, spoons or tongs so they can explore without touching the material, and let them choose when to try with their hands.
- When your child is overwhelmed: a quiet, low-light activity such as looking at a book together can help them settle.
- When your child has lots of energy: active play such as bike riding or animal walks can help them get ready to focus.
Every child is different, and a sensation one child loves can be too much for another. Follow your child’s cues and stop if they become upset.
To build sensory activities into the whole day, see our posts on what a sensory diet is and how to create one and calming vs alerting activities. If sensory differences are affecting your child’s day, read about sensory processing and big emotions, or contact us to talk it through with one of our occupational therapists.