Sensory Need – Fifth of the 5 Needs Areas
Season 1 - Episode 16
If a child responds strongly to any of their senses, then a Sensory Need is likely. These responses could be to loud noises, the volume of a classroom or voice, textures of food or clothes, etc. Often, these things may seem normal to you and others, but to the child, they are extremely irritating. This can often cause unwanted behavior. People may mistakenly categorize this need as OCD - obsessive compulsive disorder. Sometimes, unexplained behavior is simply caused by an irritation to the senses.
How can this happen?
When traumatic or chronic stress occurs, your system is put into a hyper-alert state. This state causes your senses to be very active. When senses are overly active, what may seem “normal” to most people can be extremely irritating. A child does not understand this. They only want it to stop.
What can you do?
Be aware of the senses. When a child is having a behavior issue, often the Sensory Need is overlooked. Sometimes, very common things are missed. For example, a child may have a strong reaction just because a room is too loud and hurts the ears. Teach the child how to recognize the trigger or the state it causes. Then, teach them what to do in response to it. If possible, try to reduce known triggers. Keep in mind, a sensory behavior can be caused by both over- and under-stimulation.
Summary
When these basic human needs are met, behaviors reduce, diminish, and sometimes go away completely. When their needs are met, there is no longer a reason for the behavior. REMINDER: Kids are often not consciously aware of their actions in trying to get their needs met. Much of it is just a biological reaction and can be corrected with the right interventions.
I answer this week’s listener question during the episode: For children with behaviors due to trauma in their lives, what can I do?
Try-at-home tip: Daily mindfulness.
The 5 Needs Areas are discussed in great detail as part of the Emotional Intelligence Blueprint program developed by The Behavior Hub. It’s a 4-step program we use as a guide when teaching schools, families, and organizations about emotional intelligence. The framework of this program is simple, easy, and can be applied to anyone’s life without a lot of extra work.
Related blog posts and podcasts:
Podcasts:
Why Behavior Occurs - 5 Needs Areas
Blog Posts:
5 Reasons Behaviors Occur
Emotion Regulation with the Top-Down or Bottom-Up Approach
Polyvagal Theory and Mind-Body Practices
Do you have a question? I can answer it in a future episode!
Email questions to podcast@thebehaviorhub.com or send via text to 717-693-7744.Subscribe to our mailing list and find out more about the Emotional Brain.
Check out our Facebook Group – Raising and Teaching Respectful Children
Find all the answers here: The Behavior Hub blog
Are you struggling with behaviors and not sure where to begin? Let me help!
Schedule a free discovery call and let me be your Guide.