Sensory avoiding, also known as sensory under-responsivity, refers to a pattern of behaviour where individuals actively try to avoid or minimise exposure to sensory stimuli. These individuals may have a heightened sensitivity to sensory input and may find certain sensations overwhelming or discomforting.
As a result, they may engage in behaviours such as avoiding crowded or noisy environments, covering their ears or eyes, or withdrawing from physical contact. People with sensory sensitivities are often sensory avoiding, and it might show up as not liking being tickled, touched, or playing group sports.
Sensory avoidance and restricted repetitive behaviours are closely linked: many of the routines, rituals, and environmental controls that neurodivergent people build around themselves are repetitive precisely because they’re managing unpredictable sensory input by creating predictability wherever they can.
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sensory-seeking
