General Sensory Strategies for All - Best Practice: Sensory

School staff

When interacting with a student with sensory needs, consider your own communicative mannerisms.

There are many ways in which students can be supported in managing their own sensory needs.

There are many ways in which adaptations can be made to a classroom to accommodate the diverse sensory needs of students.

The playground can be a difficult area for some students with autism, often causing anxiety.

Students who are overresponsive to sensory input may dislike the canteen/dining hall due to the noise, smells, visual input and tactile input.

Assembly can be difficult for students with sensory needs.

Participation in a range of activities is important for social, cognitive and physical development.

Transitions between activities, rooms and classes are difficult for many students with autism and often increase anxiety.

Transitioning from one school to another can be difficult for a student with autism.

Dressing (An issue with dressing may be related to proprioceptive, tactile or fine motor difficulties).

Use visuals to prepare student for transition eg now and next, visual schedule (real life images are best).