Two people can be equally overwhelmed by the same room for opposite reasons. One is a sensory seeker whose system craves more input, the other a sensory avoider whose system is already flooded. The same game can soothe one and overload the other, so knowing which way you lean changes what you should reach for.
Seeking and avoiding, sometimes both
Sensory processing runs on a spectrum, and many people are hyper-sensitive in some channels and hypo-sensitive in others, as the National Autistic Society describes. A seeker might crave pressure, movement, and rich texture, while an avoider needs quiet, dimness, and predictability. Plenty of people are both, depending on the day and the channel. It is all a normal part of how bodies differ, not something to fix, as ASAN emphasises about autistic experience.
What tends to suit each
- Seekers: tactile, rhythmic, satisfying games, like popping, tracing, or building, that give rich feedback.
- Avoiders: quiet, slow, low-contrast games with no sudden input and full control over sound.
- Both: games you can tune, muting sound or slowing down, so you set the intensity.
Ponoki works for both leanings because its games are gentle by default but tactile and satisfying, and you control the sound and pace. A seeker can lean into the popping and rhythm, an avoider can keep everything quiet and slow. For hands that specifically want input, the best fidget apps helps, and for grounding when you are flooded, sensory grounding techniques and calming games for sensory overload.
Know your own wiring
The most useful thing is not a list, it is noticing which way you lean in a given moment, then choosing input that matches. Your needs can change hour to hour, and that is completely normal.
A calmer minute with Ponoki
Ponoki is a small set of games made for settling down. Short rounds that end on their own, gentle feedback to follow, breathing you can watch instead of count, and a companion that grows as you play.
Try PonokiFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between a sensory seeker and a sensory avoider?
A sensory seeker's system craves more input, like pressure, movement, or texture, while a sensory avoider's system is easily flooded and needs quiet and predictability. Many people are both, depending on the sense and the day.
What games are good for sensory seekers?
Tactile, rhythmic, satisfying games that give rich feedback, like popping, tracing, or building. The point is to feed the craving for input in a contained way.
What games are good for sensory avoiders?
Quiet, slow, low-contrast games with no sudden sounds and full control over volume. Games you can tune down let you set the intensity to match your system.