SEND

Sensory and Physical|Sensory

Tools and tips

What is Sensory Processing?

Sensory Processing Disorder or Sensory difficulties often are not diagnosed or misdiagnosed- students on the Autism Spectrum Disorder often have Sensory difficulties as well as students diagnosed with ADHD. A useful guide to what Sensory Processing Difficulties are is included in the toolbox along with a long checklist of things that students may find difficult. Typically students with sensory processing difficulties are either hyper-sensitive (over sensitive) to either smell, sound,touch, taste or sight or Hypo-sensitive (under sensitive) to these sensory inputs. Students may not realise that sensory inputs can be a trigger for them and often students who have these difficulties may appear anxious or avoidant or at the other end of the spectrum very laid back.

Core things to consider in the classroom?

• Consider noise levels (especially entry/ exit procedures) pass on any information to the SENDCo about students who appear to struggle with noise. Allow students to leave slightly before others if they struggle with busy environments such as the corridors.
• Think about classroom lighting/ temperature
• Consider the perfume or smells you might wear
• Plan for alternatives to personal contact,
• Think about experiments or activities which could aggravate the senses.

(Although not often listed as a difficulty, SEND students are quite often over sensitive to noise, smell or light and touch and it is important to consider how these might affect learning)

TOOLBOX