What behavior is characterized by avoiding specific sensations?

The behavior characterized by avoiding specific sensations is indeed sensory avoiding. Individuals exhibiting sensory avoiding tendencies typically seek to minimize their exposure to certain stimuli that may be overwhelming or uncomfortable for them. This can include situations where certain sounds, textures, lights, or smells cause significant discomfort or distress.

For instance, a person who is sensory avoiding might avoid crowded places due to the loud noises, choose not to wear certain fabrics that irritate their skin, or steer clear of bright lights that can be bothersome. This behavior is often seen in individuals with sensory processing issues, where the perception of certain sensory information leads to adverse reactions, prompting them to disengage or escape from those sensations.

On the other hand, sensory seeking refers to actively looking for sensory experiences that provide stimulation, while sensory overload describes a state of being overwhelmed by excessive sensory input. Sensory defensiveness can be similar to sensory avoiding but tends to focus more on a heightened sensitivity or negative reaction to sensory input rather than a simple avoidance strategy.