There are strategies and equipment that can help with sensory needs.
You might use these yourself at home or ask for this support to be available at school. Support often works best when used as part of a daily routine.
What works best will depend on the individual, and what they are experiencing at the time. Learn about noticing sensory difficulties.
There are many different strategies that could help. Try things out to find out what helps your child.
Allow movement
Give breaks for moment such as:
- jumping, stamping dancing, stretching, walking and more
- heavy work such as handing out books in a classroom, wiping tables, carry a heavy backpack
- gym trails and sensory circuits
Give flexibility
Make changes to daily routines such as:
- adaptions to education routine, like arriving earlier or later, using a different entrance, having a familiar person greet them, leaving a classroom earlier to avoid busy corridors
- a ‘time out pass’ to use the toilet, have a chewy or crunchy snack, take a walk
- quiet time, such as having a quiet corner
Adapt the environment
You can make changes to your child’s surroundings, such as:
- adjustments to school uniform such as removing a blazer, wearing a clip on tie, wearing a different type of trouser
- flexible seating such as bean bags, the option to stand, soft seating
- an empty seat at the table to avoid unwanted touch
- changes to lighting
Use equipment
There’s lots of equipment to try. It may help your child to:
- play with fidget toys, vibrating toys, peanut balls, light up toys and bubble tubes, resistance bands
- use chewies
- reduce sounds with ear defenders or noise-cancelling ear buds
- relax in a hammock, under a weighted blanket, a lycra body sock or bed sheet
- move around on a rocking chair, swing, trampoline, wobble cushion
These strategies are not useful when your child is experiencing a meltdown or shutdown. They may be useful afterwards to help them calm down.
Find out what meltdowns and shutdowns are and why they happen.