Why does my sensory child not explore their environment?

As a parent, it can be concerning when you notice that your infant or toddler does not seem interested in exploring the world around them. Perhaps they don’t like the feel of grass or other textures, or they never seem to put things in their mouth like other children their age do. You may be wondering if this is related to sensory processing and what can be done to help your child. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of this behavior, how it may be related to sensory processing, and what you can do to help your child explore more.

There could be several reasons why your toddler is not interested in exploring objects around them. One such cause could be temperament.  Temperament can affect a child’s level of curiosity and interest in their environment.  Depending developmental stage,  toddlers go through phases of exploration, and some may be more interested in certain types of objects than others.

Lack of exploration could also be related to sensory processing. Sensory processing refers to the way the brain interprets and responds to sensory (touch, smell, pressure, vision, sound, taste) information from the environment. Some children may have sensory processing difficulties, which can affect their ability to explore their environment in typical ways. For example, a child with sensory processing difficulties may avoid certain textures or tastes, or they may be overly sensitive to certain types of stimuli, such as loud noises or bright lights.

Children with sensory processing issues may have difficulty exploring their environment in typical ways. They may avoid certain textures or tastes, which can limit their exposure to new experiences. For example, a child who does not like the feel of grass may avoid playing outside, which can limit their opportunities to explore nature and other outdoor environments. Similarly, a child who does not put things in their mouth may miss out on important sensory experiences, such as exploring different tastes and textures.  On the other end of the spectrum, you may find that a child puts everything in their mouth to the point of being hazardous.

If you suspect that your child’s lack of exploration may be related to sensory processing, it is important to better understand your child’s unique sensory needs. You can observe your child’s behavior and take note of what seems to bother or interest them. For example, you may notice that your child avoids certain textures, or that they seek out certain types of sensory input, such as swinging or spinning.

It can be very helpful to consult a pediatric occupational therapist who specializes in sensory processing. An occupational therapist can help you better understand your child’s unique sensory profile and provide strategies for helping your child explore their environment in a way that is comfortable and safe for them.

If you are concerned that your child is not exploring their environment as much as they could be, there are several strategies you can try to encourage them to do so. Here are a few ideas:

To speak to a highly trained occupational therapist, you can call Red Door Pediatric Therapy. Our Beulah, Minot, Bismarck, Fargo and Grand Forks teams approach sensory concerns using a multidisciplinary approach.  We administer the same philosophy in looking at children from a whole-child perspective.   If you have questions, do not hesitate to reach out!