What Kind of Sensory Input Does Your Child Need?

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Quiz Questions

1.
My child loves crashing into things
- A.
  True
- B.
  False
2.
My Child loves to "rough house"
- A.
  True
- B.
  False
3.
My child loves to chew on non food items
- A.
  True
- B.
  False
4.
My child loves tight spaces (tunnels, ball pits, sleeping bags, tents, hiding in tight corners)
- A.
  True
- B.
  False
5.
My child often seeks physical tough (pushes feet into parent's legs, seeks tight hugs, etc)
- A.
  True
- B.
  False
6.
My child loves to spin and jump
- A.
  True
- B.
  False
7.
My child loves to hang upside down
- A.
  True
- B.
  False
8.
My child loves amusement park rides (roller coasters, tilt-a-twirl etc)
- A.
  True
- B.
  False
9.
My child loves to swing
- A.
  True
- B.
  False
10.
My child loves "risky play" (climbing high, doing somersaults on trampoline, going down big slide etc).
- A.
  True
- B.
  False
11.
My child loves to play with sand, play dough, slime etc
- A.
  True
- B.
  False
12.
My child touches everything and everyone!
- A.
  True
- B.
  False
13.
My child loves messy play/ doesn't mind getting dirty
- A.
  True
- B.
  False
14.
My child often fidgets with clothing or other random items.
- A.
  True
- B.
  False
15.
My child has been known to pick their nose, scabs or bite/pick nails.
- A.
  True
- B.
  False

Quiz Outcomes

1.
Proprioceptive Input: High Seeking
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Your child appears to actively seek proprioceptive input—this is a big clue about what helps them feel regulated and grounded.Proprioceptive input (pushing, pulling, squeezing, lifting, crashing, climbing) sends calming signals to the brain through joints and muscles. It’s often the most regulating type of sensory input—especially for kids who are overstimulated, anxious, or having trouble focusing.👉 Try building in heavy work throughout the day—things like carrying groceries, crawling through tunnels, jumping into pillows, or using resistance bands can help meet that need and support regulation. Looking for practical ways to use this info? My Sensory Diet Cards make it easy- check them out using the link below.
2.
Proprioceptive Input – LOW Seeking
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Your child doesn’t seem to actively seek out proprioceptive input right now—but this type of input almost every child can benefit from.Proprioceptive input (think: pushing, pulling, lifting, squeezing) provides deep pressure that helps regulate the nervous system, improve body awareness, and reduce overstimulation. In OT, we will often use proprioceptive input or "heavy work" to ground a child before introducing a child to type of sensory input or situation they may be more hesitant to engage with. Even if your child doesn’t crave it, you may still see benefits when it’s included in routines like transitions, winding down, or before focusing. Looking for practical ways to use this info? My Sensory Diet Cards make it easy- check them out using the link below.
3.
Vestibular Input: High Seeking
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Your child appears to strongly seek vestibular input—this means movement is likely a key part of their sensory diet.Vestibular input includes spinning, swinging, rolling, hanging upside down, and jumping—basically any movement that activates the inner ear and affects balance. For kids who crave it, this kind of input can help with attention, mood, and body awareness.👉 Incorporate intentional movement breaks: try swings, scooters or scooter boards, animal walks, or a trampoline. IMPORTANT: for vestibular seekers incorporating these activities are often more grounding when they are purposeful/ goal oriented (ex: jumping to a beat or target on trampoline vs "free jumping")Looking for practical ways to use this info? My Sensory Diet Cards make it easy- check them out using the link below.
4.
Vestibular input: Low Seeking
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Your child doesn’t appear to seek out vestibular input often—but that doesn’t mean it isn’t important. Vestibular input involves movement—spinning, swinging, balancing, rolling, or hanging upside down. It plays a powerful role in organizing the entire sensory system and supporting attention, coordination, and regulation.If your child avoids or resists these types of activities, it may be because their system finds vestibular input overwhelming. That’s okay—and actually a valuable clue!👉 Slow, gentle introduction can be really helpful. Start with calm, linear movement (like slow rocking or gentle swinging), and always watch for signs of comfort or discomfort. Over time, exposure to vestibular input—at the right intensity—can help bring balance across all the sensory systems.Even for kids who don’t crave it, vestibular input can be a foundational support for regulation and development. Looking for practical ways to use this info? My Sensory Diet Cards make it easy- check them out using the link below.
5.
Tactile input: High Seeking
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Your child seems to love tactile input—this tells us they likely find touch-based experiences organizing or soothing.Tactile input includes textures, messy play, fidgeting, rubbing, and exploring with hands and feet (or even mouths). Kids who seek this type of input are often calmed or focused by touch—or may simply crave sensory-rich feedback from the world around them.👉 Try offering sensory bins, kinetic sand, water play, fidget toys, or textured surfaces during play, transitions, or seated tasks.Looking for practical ways to use this info? My Sensory Diet Cards make it easy- check them out using the link below.
6.
Tactile input: Low seeking
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Your child may not actively seek out tactile input—and may even avoid certain textures or messy activities.Tactile input includes anything that engages the sense of touch: messy play, different textures, fidgets, or even daily sensations like tags or socks. While some kids love it, others find certain tactile experiences overwhelming or uncomfortable.If your child avoids messy or texture-rich play, it’s a sign their system may be sensitive to tactile input—and that’s okay.👉 A slow, supportive introduction can help. Start with dry, less “intense” materials (like rice or pom-poms), and offer tools like spoons, paintbrushes, or tongs so they can interact without using their hands at first.Over time, gentle exposure can reduce sensitivity, increase tolerance, and help your child feel more comfortable engaging with their environment.Tactile input—even in small doses—can support regulation, fine motor development, and overall sensory balance.Looking for practical ways to use this info? My Sensory Diet Cards make it easy- check them out using the link below.