Imagine that peak moment when something sour, like lemon or lime juice, hits your tongue. You experience a rush of sensations, from the tingling on your taste buds to the involuntary wince and twitch of your facial muscles. Now, think about those times when you have an irritating itch on your body that you just can’t seem to soothe no matter how hard you try. These sensations might seem like minor inconveniences to some, but for individuals with sensory processing challenges, they can be a daily struggle.
Sensory processing challenges refer to difficulties in properly processing information received through one or more of our senses—touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste. These challenges can range from minor inconveniences like avoiding certain clothing materials (a child being irritated by the shirt fitting too snug on their skin) to more significant issues such as aversions to specific colors, lights, sounds, or smells (a child having a meltdown and biting their parent from the sound of the vacuum). When kids have outbursts or get upset by things in the environment, it is often because of sensory processing challenges. I’ve had many students fall apart over lights being too bright in the hallway, the specific sound of a high-pitch laugh of another student, or the way their shirt sleeves got a little bit wet when washing their hands.
Let’s dive into some common sensory processing challenges that students may face in the classroom, explore potential strategies and interventions, and discuss how to create a sensory-friendly learning environment.
The moment a child enters a new classroom or school they’re bombarded with a barrage of sensory stimuli, which can be overwhelming even for typically developing children. Some of the most common sensory challenges in the classroom are things we often take for granted in our daily lives. When addressing sensory challenges, it’s crucial to look beyond what may seem mundane and consider how they affect individuals with sensory processing deficits.
Let’s discuss a few of these common challenges, starting with sight and light. Overly bright fluorescent lighting or excessive natural light can be particularly overwhelming for students in a classroom setting. To mitigate this, consider adjusting the amount of natural light entering through windows using blinds or shades. For fluorescent lights, using lamps or shades for overhead lighting can help.
The extent of the child’s light sensitivity will determine the necessary adjustments, which may be minor or more significant. Additionally, it’s essential for the child’s education team to have detailed information about any sensory sensitivities, as controlling the classroom environment is one thing, but managing sensory input throughout the rest of the day presents its own challenges. I have had some students who preferred a near pitch black classroom to maintain regulation and other students who just needed a pair of sunglasses to play outside on a sunny day.
When it comes to sensory sensitivities in the classroom, sound can often take center stage. But don’t worry, tackling auditory challenges can be a breeze and make a huge difference for your students.
Let’s break down auditory sensitivities into two main categories: Auditory Sensitivities and Auditory Processing.
Imagine this: some students cringe at regular volume noises, as if they’ve got super-powered hearing, making loud sounds seem even louder. The go-to solution? Create a quieter environment or equip your kiddos with ear protection like earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. I’ve seen it firsthand—some students still feel bothered by everyday sounds even with ear gear, while others just need a heads-up before the fire alarm blares.
Auditory Processing refers to how the brain handles sounds. This could mean there is a delay in processing sound or the brain isn’t processing sounds as efficiently as it could. One fix? Get creative with how you share information. Mix it up with visual aids or tactile experiences, for example – highlighted text, images, and a little read-aloud action for a full sensory reading experience.
We don’t want to forget about the other senses—they’re all crucial for learning, but some get more action during the school day than others. Touch, smell, and taste may not be as common in the classroom, but they can still pose challenges during the day.
Take smell, for instance. Opt for light, unscented cleaning products and steer clear of strong perfumes if you’ve got scent-sensitive students. And when it comes to taste, keep it neutral with snacks like pretzels or cheerios – if you are able to provide. Letting students bring their own snacks can also ensure everyone’s happy come snack time.
Touch sensitivities? No sweat. Offer up soft fabrics or textured objects for those who aren’t fans of certain feels. And don’t forget about those trusty fidget toys or weighted blankets—they’re like magic for keeping sensory input in check.
With a little creativity and a lot of empathy, you can create an inclusive learning environment where every student feels right at home.
Contributor Bio
Carley Knight, M.Ed. is a Classroom Coach and Trainer at TeachTown, where she utilizes her expertise to support teachers working students with various disabilities. She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from Fordham University in New York. Carley has been a Special Education Teacher for 8 years and specialized in working with students with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities. Carley’s passion lies in empowering both students and individuals working with students with disabilities and making a significant impact in the field of special education. In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband and cats, and exploring the National Parks across the country!