Visual and Auditory Strategies

Visual Sensory-Seeking Behaviours Examples: 

• loves to look at bright lights, spinning objects, or colourful items 

• likes to look at moving objects (fans, wheels) 

• enjoys visually stimulating environments 

Visual Sensory-Avoidant Behaviours Examples: 

• Covering eyes or turning away from bright lights or busy visual scenes

• avoiding visually cluttered or chaotic environments 

• dislikes flashing lights or rapid movements 

• challenges with focusing on objecting due to visual distractions 

Sensory Seekers: 

• offer activities that are visually stimulating. For example, lava lamps, kaledioscopes. 

• Use of visual timers or sensory bottles 

• Provide "visual breaks" with soothing visuals (fish tanks, projector lights)

• Use of visual schedules can be helpful to focus/attention for routines

Sensory Avoiders: 

• try soft, indirect lighting or sunglasses indoors when needed

• offer plain, low-clutter areas when working on activities that require additional focus 

• limit screen time or reduce brightness in settings 

• use calm visual input such as pastel colours or slow-moving visuals 

Auditory Sensory-Seeking Behaviour Examples: 

• making noises (tapping, humming, repeating sounds)

• enjoys loud environments and music

• likes rhythmic or patterned sounds

Auditory Sensory-Avoidant Behaviour Examples: 

• covers ears or shows distress in noisy places

• can become easily startled by sudden or loud sounds 

• may have difficulty concentrating with additional background noise 

• demonstrates preference for quieter environments

Sensory Seekers:

• provide headphones with music and nature sounds 

• playing with instruments or engage in noisy play safety 

• use rhythmic songs or chats to aid with transitions or learning

Sensory Avoiders:

• try noise cancelling headphones or ear defenders 

• create a quiet corner or sensory calm space 

• give advance warning before loud sounds (ie: fire drills, turning on vacuum or blender)

• using a car window sun shade in the car to help reduce sun and bright lights during car rides