Sensory Integration Education

This month's SI Resources blog is focused on sensory integration in schools.

Challenges in processing sensory information can significantly impact a child’s educational experience.  With  1 in 6 children having sensory processing differences that make it hard to learn and function in school, it’s likely there are undetected and unsupported sensory needs in many classrooms.

In this month’s blog, we’ve curated articles, guides, books and products to help better inform ourselves of how sensory integration affects students and its impact on their behaviour and learning as well as insights and strategies for supporting students’ sensory needs and making schools a more sensory inclusive environment.

Occupational Therapy in Schools - In school-based OT, occupational therapists look to support students in their education. This may involve supporting fine motor, visual motor, visual perceptual, sensory motor, executive functioning skills, cognitive skills, physical skills or other areas which impact the students' ability to learn. This article from The OT Toolbox looks at strategies school-based OT practitioners can use in the classroom, in small groups, or in one-to-one sessions.

Sensory Rooms in Schools - Another useful article from The OT Toolbox that explores the benefits of sensory rooms in schools. Sensory rooms are spaces in schools that offer a sensory break for those who enter. A school sensory room might be an empty classroom that has been transformed into a space with sensory tools and is used as a movement break for students. 

Classroom Accommodations for Sensory Processing Challenges - Students with sensory processing challenges have trouble managing everything their senses are taking in. At school, they often have to cope with sounds, smells, textures, and other sensations that get in the way of learning. This blog from Understood highlights classroom accommodations schools can try to help students who have difficulties processing sensory information.

A Collaborative Approach to Developing Communication: A Case Study - At Oaklands Special School in Leicester, all their pupils have speech, language and communication as their primary special educational need. Therefore Communication, Interaction & Social Skills (CISS) are at the heart of everything the school does to support their pupils’ development. This case study published by the National Autistic Society looks at how Oaklands has worked together with parents and speech and language therapists to utilise and develop communication strategies and details the impact this has had on one of their students, Ethan.

All the Feelings, All the Time - ADHD seems to exacerbate and exaggerate everything — especially our senses. This article from ADDitude looks at common ADHD hypersensitivities and expert recommendations on how to manage them.

How Sensory Processing Issues Affect Kids in School - Sensory processing issues can make it hard for children to succeed at school. For example, sensitive kids might be overwhelmed by bright lights or loud noises or they might have trouble paying attention because their clothing is uncomfortable. Under-sensitive kids might be fidgety and unable to sit still. They might get into trouble for seeking stimulation by bumping, jumping or crashing into other kids. This article looks at what parents and teachers can do to help children with sensory processing issues in the classroom.

Strategies for Supporting Individuals with Autism in Educational Settings (Autism in Schools) - According to Beyond Autism, autism is three times more prevalent in boys than girls and 31.3% of pupils with an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP) in the UK have autism listed as their primary type of need. That works out to approximately 103,400 pupils and it's the most common type of need listed among EHCPs in the UK. This article from CPD Online College looks at strategies for supporting autistic children and young people in schools.

Books and Product Ideas

	Creating Sensory Smart Classrooms: A Practical Guide for Educators This book* introduces those working in the education sector to the foundations of sensory processing and offers tools to meet the wide variety of sensory needs in each classroom. This comprehensive handbook helps readers understand the neurobiology behind sensory processing and regulation issues, recognize when a student is over- or under-stimulated, and integrate different sensory inputs into the school environment.
	My Calming Book - A Self-Regulating Book for Kids This book* is a calming book for young children who need a gentle brain break to reset their emotions and state of mind. Through various interactive exercises, the child will pause the brain by focusing on the sequenced activities and grounding exercises. Breathing techniques will also help the child through moments of anxiety, overwhelm, or even anger. This book is an excellent resource book for parents, teachers and therapists alike and helps to teach children to self-regulate through simple activities that hopefully became second nature to them over time.
	My Brain is a Racecar This book* is a story to help with understanding a neurodivergent brain. Created and inspired by the author’s daughter’s ADHD diagnosis, he wanted to gift her a book that help explain her brain's processes and needs. "Brains are just like cars, they all drive round and round a track, picking up information and then bringing it back. Some brains are Race Cars that like to drive extra fast. Sometimes though, they forget to stop and fully complete a task.' But driving cars fast all the time and not servicing or maintaining them leads to overheating and burnout. We can apply that same logic to our brains.
	Uniquely Human This book* offers a compassionate and insightful perspective on autism with a wealth of inspiring stories and practical advice from thousands of autistic people and their families. By understanding autistic behaviours as strategies to cope with a world that feels chaotic and overwhelming, the author Barry Prizant seeks to enhance abilities, teach new skills, help individuals build on their strengths and develop coping strategies to achieve a better quality of life.
	Bouncyband for Chairs  This bouncyband is a great piece of equipment for children who have a hard time sitting still due to seeking sensory input. It could be useful for home or school.
	Balance Board Toy This balance board* is designed for children's balance training education and will help to improve their balance and motor planning skills. Available in a range of bright colours, the board is made of premium PE material, which is healthy and safe for children, and the smooth surface will not harm children.
	Sensory Tunnel For therapists looking to expand on equipment, this tunnel looks like a fun way to incorporate deep pressure and proprioceptive feedback in a therapy session.
*Affiliate link: SIE may earn a commission (at zero cost to you) when you purchase by clicking on an affiliate link. NB: Sensory Integration Education is not responsible for the content on external websites. Sharing a resource does not imply endorsement by Sensory Integration Education.