A Correlation Study Exploring Sensory-Seeking Behavior: An Elusive Concept

IMPORTANCE: Sensory seeking (SS) is a behavior in which individuals actively pursue intense sensory experiences. It is commonly described in autistic children and those with other neurodevelopmental differences, as well as in typically developing individuals. Despite its prevalence, there is controversary regarding the underpinnings of this behavior. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether, as proposed in Dunn's model, SS is related to poor sensory registration in typical adolescents and adults. DESIGN: A correlational study examining relationships among factors in Dunn's model. SETTING: Schools, universities, occupational centers, and private organizations for adolescents and adults. PARTICIPANTS: Typically developing, Spanish-speaking adolescents and adults (>11 yr, n = 787). METHOD: Pearson correlation coefficients were used to examine relationships between SS and poor sensory registration on the Spanish version of Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile. RESULTS: A nonsignificant relationship (r = .004) was found between SS and poor sensory registration. Other sensory reactivity patterns showed some positive relationships. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: SS and poor sensory registration pattern did not show strong relationships as suggested by Dunn's model in this sample. These data suggest that alternate views of the underlying mechanisms of SS may be needed. Plain-Language Summary: Sensory seeking has been linked to sensory reactivity problems but also to other problems, such as poor praxis and poor sensory perception. This study presents new data showing an absent or weak relationship between sensory seeking and poor sensory registration patterns and proposes alternate models of viewing sensory reactivity patterns and sensory seeking behavior.