If your child seems like they’re constantly on the move—spinning, jumping, running, crashing into furniture, or seeking loud sounds and tight hugs—you’re not alone. These are all signs of a sensory seeking child. As a pediatric physical therapist, I work with many families who describe their kids as “always going a mile a minute.” The good news? Sensory seeking isn’t a bad thing—it’s your child’s way of trying to get the input their nervous system craves to feel regulated and safe in their body.

Physical therapy can also play a key role in supporting sensory seekers through movement-based strategies and by providing proprioceptive input. The key is learning how to help them meet those sensory needs in safe, structured, and developmentally supportive ways. Below are some of my favorite movement-based strategies to help your sensory seeking child stay regulated, focused, and most importantly—have fun while doing it.

What Does “Sensory Seeking” Mean?

Sensory seeking is part of a larger concept known as sensory processing, which describes how our brains interpret and respond to sensory input from the environment. Some kids seek more input to feel organized—especially through their vestibular (movement and balance) and proprioceptive (deep pressure and body awareness) systems.

These kids might:

• Constantly move, spin, or jump
• Enjoy rough play or crashing into things
• Prefer tight hugs or squeezing into small spaces
• Seek out loud noises or bright lights

While sensory seeking behavior can be joyful and energetic, it can also lead to challenges with attention, transitions, and safety. That’s where a supportive movement plan can make a big difference.

Physical Therapist-Approved Sensory Strategies

These tools and ideas can help your child get the input they need in a safe and functional way—many of which can be done at home with little to no equipment.

1. Heavy Work Activities

These involve pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying—perfect for proprioceptive input.

• Have your child push a laundry basket full of books
• Create a “clean-up race” with weighted bins
• Let them wear a backpack with light weights for short periods

2. Obstacle Courses

Use pillows, tunnels, steps, cushions, and taped lines on the floor.

• Include climbing, crawling, animal walks, or bear crawls
• Add challenges like “freeze” or “balance on one foot” to work on motor planning

3. Jumping + Crashing

Safe, controlled crashing gives great feedback to the body.

• Use crash pads, couch cushions, or a mattress on the floor
• Jumping jacks, mini-trampoline time, or hopping over toys work well too

4. Swinging + Spinning

Vestibular input helps with balance and spatial awareness.

• Try a blanket swings, platform swings, or spinning office chair (with supervision!)
• Always follow with grounding activities like deep pressure or heavy work

5. Compression + Deep Pressure

Great for calming and organizing the nervous system.

• Use a compression vest or tight-fitting shirt (if tolerated)
• Roll your child up in a blanket burrito or use “squish time” with couch cushions

Bonus Tip: Mix In Regulation Tools

Even sensory seekers can become overstimulated! Pair movement with calming strategies:

• Deep breathing games (like blowing bubbles or cueing your child to “inhale, smell the flowers and exhale, blow out candles“)
• Soft music or dim lights after high-energy play
• A designated calm-down corner with weighted lap pads, fidgets, or chewy tubes

Bonus: Home Activity Guide for Sensory Seekers

1. Sensory Breaks
Set aside time for sensory breaks during the day. 10-minute activities that focus on proprioception or vestibular input (like jumping or spinning) help keep your child regulated and focused.

2. Movement Routines
Incorporate structured movement routines, such as animal walks (e.g., bear crawl, crab walk, frog jumps), into daily activities to provide sensory input and develop motor skills.

3. Calm Down Zone
Create a designated “calm down” space filled with calming sensory items—like a soft blanket, a weighted lap pad, or a calming light or music. Use this space when your child is feeling overstimulated.

4. Outdoor Play
Nature offers plenty of sensory-rich experiences. Encourage your child to climb, run, dig, and explore different textures (like sand, grass, or water) to fulfill their sensory needs in an outdoor setting.

When to Seek Support

If your child’s sensory seeking is interfering with daily life—likel frequent meltdowns, safety concerns, or difficulty at schoo—it’s always okay to ask for help. Physical therapists and occupational therapists trained in sensory integration can provide personalized strategies and support.

Final Thoughts

Remember: your child isn’t being “wild” or “difficult”—they’re communicating with their body. By understanding what their nervous system needs, you can offer tools that help them feel more secure, connected, and in control.

References

Barton, D., & Daniels, J. (2024). Effectiveness of sensory integration therapy in children: A meta-analysis. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10955541/

Chang, Y., & Lee, J. (2024). Impact of sensory-based therapy on balance and posture problems in children with cerebral palsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Springer Link. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12982-024-00281-z

Harris, J., & O’Conner, L. (2020). Evaluating sensory integration/sensory processing treatment in children with ASD: A review. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/integrative-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnint.2020.556660/full

Lee, S., & Park, D. (2024). Effects of ball-vests for children exhibiting sensory seeking behaviors: A randomized controlled trial. Taylor & Francis Online. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13575279.2024.2387665

Williams, M., & Thomas, R. (2022). Understanding sensory regulation in typical and atypical development. Science Direct. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0273229722000272