Which statement best defines sensory defensiveness as described in Wilbarger's approach?

• A. Heightened pain responses to sensation from a single modality
• B. Avoidance reactions to sensation from any sensory modality
• C. Increased tolerance to multi-sensory input
• D. Preference for deep pressure regardless of context

Answer: (B)

In Wilbarger’s framework, sensory defensiveness is an overreactivity to ordinary sensory input that leads to avoidance or negative reactions across sensory modalities. It’s not limited to one sense or to pain, and it isn’t about simply tolerating more input. The defining behavior is avoidance or protest in response to sensations from any modality—touch, sounds, movement, textures, etc.—which helps explain why a child might cover ears, reject certain textures, or withdraw from shared activities.

That’s why the statement describing avoidance reactions to sensations from any sensory modality best fits. The other options mischaracterize defensiveness: it isn’t solely heightened pain responses in one modality, it isn’t about increased tolerance to multi-sensory input, and it isn’t a universal preference for deep pressure—though deep pressure can be used therapeutically to help regulate arousal, it does not define sensory defensiveness itself.