Why Your Child Might Be “Bouncing Off the Walls” — or Hiding from the Noise 

Have you ever noticed your child constantly spinning, climbing, or touching everything around them? 

Or perhaps the opposite — covering their ears at birthday parties, refusing certain clothes, or becoming distressed in busy environments? 

These behaviours are more common than many parents realise and are often linked to sensory processing differences. 

At The Therapy Network (TTN), our paediatric occupational therapists see these patterns every day. Understanding why they happen is the first step in helping children feel more comfortable and confident in their world. 

What Is Sensory Processing? 

Sensory Seeking: “I Need More!” 

Children who are sensory seeking often crave extra sensory input to help their bodies feel organised and regulated. Their nervous systems may be under-responsive, meaning they need stronger sensations to feel satisfied. 

Common signs of sensory seeking may include: 

  • Constant movement — running, jumping, spinning, climbing 
  • Touching objects, surfaces, or people frequently 
  • Making loud sounds or seeking noisy environments 
  • Crashing into furniture or people 
  • Chewing on clothing, pencils, or other non-food items 
  • Playing rough or not noticing bumps and scrapes 

While these behaviours can sometimes look impulsive or disruptive, they are often a child’s way of meeting a sensory need. 

Sensory Avoiding: “It’s Too Much!” 

On the other hand, some children are sensory avoiding, meaning their nervous system may be over-responsive to sensory input. Everyday sensations can feel overwhelming or uncomfortable. 

Signs of sensory avoiding may include: 

  • Covering ears in noisy environments 
  • Avoiding messy play or certain textures 
  • Refusing specific clothing fabrics or tags 
  • Becoming distressed during grooming tasks such as haircuts or tooth brushing 
  • Avoiding bright lights, strong smells, or crowded spaces 
  • Having strong emotional reactions to sensory experiences 

These children are not simply being “fussy” — their brain is signalling that the environment feels too intense. 

Can a Child Be Both? 

Absolutely. 

Many children experience a mix of sensory seeking and sensory avoiding behaviours, depending on the situation, time of day, or how regulated they feel. 

For example, a child might love rough-and-tumble play and spinning (seeking movement) but refuse to wear certain clothing textures (avoiding touch). 

This is why understanding each child’s individual sensory profile is so important. 

How Occupational Therapy Can Help 

Paediatric occupational therapists are specially trained to understand how sensory processing affects a child’s ability to participate in everyday activities such as play, learning, eating, and social interaction. 

At The Therapy Network, our occupational therapists work closely with families to: 

Understand your child’s sensory profile 
Through observation, discussion, and assessment, we identify how your child processes sensory information and how this impacts their daily life. 

Develop personalised strategies 
Every child is different. Our therapists create tailored strategies that support regulation at home, school, and in the community. 

Introduce helpful sensory tools 
This may include fidgets, movement breaks, calming strategies, or sensory supports that help children stay focused and regulated. 

Build self-awareness and confidence 
As children grow, we help them learn to recognise their own sensory needs and develop strategies to manage them independently. 

Most importantly, we work collaboratively with parents, teachers, and caregivers so children receive consistent and supportive strategies across all environments. 

Simple Strategies Parents Can Try 

While professional support can be very helpful, there are also small adjustments families can try at home. 

For Sensory Seekers 

  • Include movement and “heavy work” throughout the day (pushing, pulling, climbing, jumping) 
  • Offer chewy or crunchy snacks if your child enjoys oral input 
  • Encourage hands-on play such as playdough, sand, water, or messy play 
  • Provide opportunities for active play breaks 

For Sensory Avoiders 

  • Create quiet, calming spaces where your child can take breaks 
  • Allow the use of headphones or sunglasses in busy environments 
  • Introduce new textures slowly and with plenty of reassurance 
  • Give children predictability and preparation for potentially challenging situations 

Small adjustments can make a big difference when they are aligned with a child’s sensory needs. 

You’re Not Alone 

Every child experiences the world differently. Sensory preferences are a normal part of development, but when they begin to impact a child’s ability to participate in everyday life, extra support can make a meaningful difference. 

At The Therapy Network, our paediatric occupational therapists are passionate about helping children understand their bodies, regulate their sensory needs, and build confidence in their everyday environments. 

Because when children feel comfortable in their world, they are free to learn, play, and thrive. 

Interested in learning more or booking an assessment? 

The team at The Therapy Network is here to help support your child and family. Reach out to us to learn how occupational therapy can make everyday experiences feel more manageable and enjoyable.