Why does my child crash, climb and never stop moving?

The short answer

Crashing, climbing and constant movement may provide strong information about body position, force or balance, but they can also reflect play, impulsivity, boredom, anxiety, pain, a motor challenge or a need to escape a task. Describe the exact movement, where it happens and what changes afterwards before calling it sensory seeking. Create a route that preserves the possible function: pushing a loaded basket, carrying suitable objects, jumping onto an appropriate surface, climbing in a supervised setting or taking a movement break. Set boundaries around other people's bodies, heights, roads and breakable objects. A movement activity is useful only if it improves the next real activity or gives the child safe enjoyment; it is not a guaranteed way to calm them. Seek professional advice when movement is dangerous, changes suddenly or substantially restricts daily participation.

• Movement can provide balance and body-position information, but one behaviour does not prove one need.
• Describe the action, setting, timing and effect before choosing a replacement.
• Preserve force, movement or impact through a safer route where that appears useful.
• Measure participation and safety rather than expecting movement to make every child calm.
• Sudden change, pain, dizziness, falls or loss of skill require health attention.