Sensory


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About sensory functioning

Sensory functioning describes how the body responds to sounds, textures, lights, smells, pain, temperature and other stimuli or information in the environment. Some teenagers can have reduced sensory awareness, such as teens who are Deaf, deaf or hard of hearing, or teens who are blind or low vision. Other teenagers may find some sensory input distracting or distressing such as those with autism.

Students who have increased or reduced sensitivity to sensory input may experience disruptions to their participation and engagement at school if modifications to the learning environment have not been made. All childrenstudents will differ in the type and severity of sensory concerns they have.

Use the tabs below to explore when and why evidence-based sensory modifications may be particularly helpful for some students.

Students with increased sensitivity to sensory input may react to:

  • Specific sounds or loud noises (e.g. they may cover their ears or become upset in large crowds or when you raise your voice; they may become distracted by background noises that others don’t notice)
  • Certain textures (e.g. fabrics, tags on clothing, tight socks, sand, or types of food)
  • Specific smells (e.g. perfumes)
  • Specific visual input (e.g. some types of lighting or another person maintaining eye contact)
  • Touch (e.g. they may avoid physical contact with others)

    • Modifications that aim to reduce the intensity of input (e.g. avoiding perfumes, changing lighting or offering opportunities to wear noise-reducing headphones), or help students to cope (e.g. a safe space to access, time to calm down), are most relevant to students with increased sensitivity to sensory input.
    Students with reduced sensitivity to sensory input may:

  • Not react to pain or changes in temperature. This can increase their risk of getting hurt or being ill and others not being aware of it.
  • Be drawn to visual input (e.g. fascinated by lights or movement)
  • Show a strong interest in specific smells (e.g. sniff toys or objects)
  • Have a heightened drive to touch textures or people
  • Seek out deep pressure or movement (e.g. compression clothing; ‘crashing’ into walls)

    • Activities that engage the senses (e.g. adding preferred textures into a learning activity; providing seating that allow students to rock and wriggle safely) are most relevant to students with reduced sensitivity to sensory input.

    Evidence-based strategies

  • Predictability and a consistent routine can help some students who find sensory input challenging.

    • Best practice tips

  • You could find out what colours, textures, sounds, or movements the student prefers or dislikes. You can support a student by working out which activities seem to most upset or bother a student. A Health Professional such as an occupational therapist can help provide more support if needed.
  • Some students may find loud noises or specific textures distressing. If you know that a student may be distressed by an activity, tell them beforehand. Consider offering different materials to work with or a different activity.
  • Don’t be too strict about uniform if it is causing a student distress. Instead, consider working with parents to decide on another option – safe clothing that looks like the uniform but uses a different fabric or cut. Allow students to wear their hair in a way that is comfortable for them. The key thing is that they can participate, not their appearance!
  • Classrooms, locker areas and toilets or changing rooms can be very noisy. Provide a quiet area that a student can go to if upset by noise or other sensory input. It may help if students can come to school in their sports clothes, or are given a quiet place to change in. Consider allocating end lockers or lockers in quieter areas to students who find loud noise distressing.
  • Sometimes students might become angry and upset when overwhelmed. A break and a safe place and time to calm down may help them. It can be helpful to have a clear code of behavior that is known up front and put somewhere that all students can see.
  • Noise-reducing headphones may help if students find the classroom or other areas too loud.

    • Other considerations

  • Giving first aid to a student with sensory challenges may be difficult if a student is upset by particular smells or textures. Some students may be upset by blood or bandages, or refuse to have an ice pack or medication. Talk with their parents and support team about how to manage first aid.
  • Noise-reduction headphones during an emergency drill may help if a student finds the noise of alarms upsetting.
  • Some students might show challenging behaviours. It’s important to remember children are most likely trying to communicate a need or want that is not being met.
  • Sometimes when a student is being disruptive it is because they are feeling stressed by sensory information. Understanding the cause of a student’s behaviour is key.
  • Refer to the ABC approach for more information on how to reduce challenging behaviour by supporting the young person and promoting more helpful behaviour, and our emotions page for more information about supporting a young person with managing their emotions.
  • Students with sensory needs may also experience autism, ADHD, blind or low vision or d/Deaf and hard of hearing.
  • Refer to information about these areas to help support the student.

    • Relevant resources

    Visit our resources page for a range of resources that can help to create inclusive education environments for students with disabilities and developmental challenges. A particularly relevant resource for supporting students with sensory issues is:

    Strengths and abilities communication checklist

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