7 Examples of Sensory Responsiveness

Here are seven specific examples across different types of sensory input, including responses to auditory, visual, tactile, gustatory, olfactory, vestibular, and proprioceptive input:

1. Responses to Auditory Input

Over-Responsiveness: Covering ears or becoming upset in noisy environments like classrooms or playgrounds.
Under-Responsiveness: Frequently seeking out sounds by pushing buttons on toys or appliances.

2. Responses to Visual Input

Over-Responsiveness: Squinting or becoming dysregulated in environments with fluorescent lighting.
Under-Responsiveness: Peering at items from different angles or watching objects spin.

3. Responses to Tactile Input

Over-Responsiveness: Refusing to wear certain fabrics or becoming upset when touched unexpectedly. Distressed by tasks that involve touch (e.g., brushing teeth, washing hair) or changes in temperature.
Under-Responsiveness: Not noticing touches or pain.
Enjoys touching a variety of textures or surfaces (e.g., baby powder, hair, liquid soap).

4. Responses to Gustatory Input

Over-Responsiveness: Rejecting certain foods based on texture or taste, which may result in difficulties trying new foods and having a limited diet.
Under-Responsiveness: Mouthing non-food items or enjoying foods with strong flavors.

5. Responses to Olfactory Input

Over-Responsiveness: Overwhelmed or distressed by powerful smells or everyday scents (e.g., perfumes, candles).
Under-Responsiveness: Enjoying a variety of smells or not noticing smells that others find offensive.

6. Responses to Vestibular Input

Over-responsiveness: Becoming distressed or ill in response to activities that involve body movement or balance (e.g., carsickness). Problems with activities that require body control or balance (e.g., sports).
Under-Responsiveness: Seeks out movement by swinging, spinning, or rocking.

7 Responses to Proprioceptive Input

Over-Responsiveness: Fear of colliding with objects or people and more passive behavior Problems applying appropriate pressure to complete fine motor tasks.
Under-Responsiveness: Not noticing when leaning or bumping against another person, frequently seeking out pressure through rough play.