Sensory challenges really do look very different for every single kid. Some kids are constantly jumping, crashing, and touching everything, while others seem calm or withdrawn—until they hit a breaking point. This isn’t just personality - their brains are also processing sensory input in different ways. Some kids take action to meet their sensory needs, while others do not. We call this active and passive responses. When you get this, it’s easier to prevent meltdowns and help them feel more in control by getting the input their body needs to stay regulated.

In this blog:

• What are active and passive sensory responses?

•  Why it matters for your child's regulation
  
• How understanding active vs. passive helps you prevent meltdowns

• How to support both active and passive kids in a sensory-friendly way:

   

Just so you know, this blog is based on my and my guests’ personal experiences, and research I’ve done as a pediatric occupational therapist. None of the below is medical, occupational therapy, or feeding therapy advice. When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission. Learn more about affiliate links.

What are Active and Passive Sensory Responses?

• Active Responses: Kids who have active responses are taking action to help their body get the input it needs OR to get away from input that’s overwhelming. If they are needing more input they may jump, crash, or spin. It they are avoiding input they may run away, hit, throw, or more. 
  
  
  
• Passive Responses: Kids with passive responses are not taking action to meet their sensory needs. Although they may need stimulation, or need to get away from it they don’t do anything about it - often until they shut down.
  
  
  

Why It Matters for Your Child’s Regulation

• Active Responses: When your child actively seeks out or avoids sensory input, it’s their way of regulating (which is great!). They may crave more stimulation—like jumping or spinning—to calm their bodies or feel grounded. The challenge comes when they push themselves too far or seek input in ways that are unsafe (like jumping off the couch). Or they may avoid sensations to the extremes - like hitting or throwing things at friends. It's important to teach them how to get the input they need or don’t need in safer, more effective ways. With guidance, these active responses can be channeled to manage their sensory needs in a really intentional and helpful way.
  
  
• Passive Responses: With passive responses, kids are often not doing anything about their sensory needs. They may be experiencing overload, but because they don’t take action to address it, they tend to shut down, withdraw, or simply disengage. For example, a child may not speak up when they feel overstimulated and may sit quietly, but they may later explode because they couldn’t process the sensory input. Or, they may need MORE input, but not do anything to get it so they’re totally dazed and sleepy instead of being present. It’s crucial to help these kids learn to take action—whether that’s recognizing when they need a break, or showing them how to ask for the sensory input their body needs.

How Understanding Active vs. Passive Helps You Prevent Meltdowns

When you understand if your child has active or passive sensory responses, it gives you insight into how to work with their body, not against it. Instead of thinking they’re being “lazy” when they withdraw, you’ll realize they may not know how to ask for the input they need. And when they’re jumping off the walls or doing something dangerous, you’ll understand that they’re actively seeking sensory input, but may not be going about it in a safe or effective way. Knowing this helps you recognize the hints their body is giving you, so you can take action & prevent meltdowns before they start.

How to Support Both Active and Passive Kids in a Sensory-Friendly Way:

For Active Kids:

• Create a sensory-friendly environment where your child can safely engage with the sensory input they need.
  
  
• Provide options that meet their needs in a productive way, like a trampoline for jumping or noise-canceling headphones for sound.
  
  
• Teach them to recognize when they’re seeking input in a non-helpful way, so they can learn what works for their body.

For Passive Kids:

• Teach them how to recognize when their body is out of sync and give them tools to express their sensory needs.
  
  
• Encourage them to take action—whether it’s asking for a break, leaving a noisy environment, or using a calming strategy like deep breathing.
  
  
• Be patient and provide gentle reminders to help them take control.

Now that you understand the difference between active and passive responses, it’s time to take that knowledge and put it into action.

If you’re tired of guessing what your child needs or feeling stuck in sensory overwhelm, you're not alone. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it out by yourself!

My FREE Sensory Survival Guide for Parents takes everything we’ve talked about—active vs. passive responses—and adds in the other important pieces of the puzzle, like their 8 senses, into the bigger picture of how your child acts & behaves.

This guide isn’t just about pointing out sensory challenges—it’s about helping you understand why your child responds the way they do, so you can be more intentional with what you do to help them. If you’re ready to truly understand your child & be on the same page - this is your first step. Download the guide and get started right now!