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sensory avoiding

eating sensory sound touch
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Weirdly Successful
Weirdly Successful (author)  

First published: 28 June, 2023 | Last edited: 23 July, 2025 || 📚🕒 Reading Time: < 1 minute

Sensory avoiding, also known as sensory under responsivity, refers to a pattern of behaviour where individuals actively try to avoid or minimize 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 SPD are often sensory avoiding, and it might show up as not liking being tickled, touched, or playing group sports.

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Related Terms

stimming

Stimming (also known as self-stimulating) is a common sensory-seeking neurodivergent behaviour. It means stimulating yourself in a repetitive manner to self-soothe, regulate, or express excitement. Stimming is common both in ADHD and autism. Stimming movements, however, are common in all human beings. Everybody stims, whether it's chewing the end of a pencil while you think, swaying back and forth to the rhythm of the music while you're standing in line, or swinging your legs when they can't touch the ground.

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Sensory processing difficulties

Sensory processing difficulties are a group of traits associated with neurodivergence. They're part of the wider group of sensory processing differences, meaning all the ways neurodivergent brains handle sensory information differently from neurotypical peers. Any of the brain's 8 sensory processing systems can be affected by processing difficulties.

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hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity, also known as sensory over-responsivity, is a condition characterized by an extreme sensitivity or heightened response to sensory stimuli from the environment. Individuals with hypersensitivity may have a seemingly exaggerated reaction to various sensory inputs,…

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sensory overwhelm

A feeling of immense distress, a sensory overwhelm / autistic overwhelm is a strong reaction to stimuli caused by the compounded effects of stress, exhaustion, lack of safety, a sense of danger, unmet needs, too much information, noise, sights or sounds, smells or touch.

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deep pressure

Deep pressure is a natural sensory need where firm, consistent pressure (like heavy blankets or tight hugs) helps tension melt away from your body. Many people naturally seek this through things like snug clothing or curling up under blankets - it's your nervous system's way of finding calm and comfort.

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ARFID

ARFID stands for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. It is characterized by highly selective eating habits, often to the point of nutritional deficiency. Unlike anorexia or bulimia, ARFID is not driven by concerns about body image or weight. Instead, it's typically related to sensory sensitivity, fear of adverse consequences (like choking or vomiting), or a lack of interest in eating.

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  • Weirdly Successful

    Weirdly Successful

    Weirdly Successful is a 100% neurodivergent-run aspiring social enterprise developing strategies and frameworks for life & work for neurodivergent adults.

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