NBCOT Occupational Therapy Certification Practice Exam

The behavior of a client with schizophrenia who leaves a baking group when overstimulated can best be described as sensory avoiding. This term refers to individuals who actively try to avoid sensory input that is overwhelming or distressing. In situations where a client disengages from a sensory-rich environment, such as a baking group that may involve various smells, sounds, and social interactions, it demonstrates a clear need to escape from sensory overload. Sensory avoiding behaviors are common among individuals who are sensitive to stimuli and can lead them to withdraw or remove themselves from overwhelming situations to regain a sense of calm. This reaction is a natural coping mechanism for managing sensory input that feels unmanageable. The other options describe different sensory processing styles. Low registration refers to a tendency to be less aware of sensory input, sensation seeking involves actively pursuing sensory experiences, and a hearing impairment would relate to an inability to process auditory information, which does not directly explain the behavior of leaving due to overstimulation. Therefore, identifying the behavior as sensory avoiding accurately characterizes the client's response to overwhelming sensory experiences.