Sensory Diet-The Classroom Edition
Sensory integration is the way an individual interacts with his or her environmental stimuli; it is the way they process stimulation from the senses (taste, touch, sound, sight, smell, etc.). Children with sensory integration disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), are at risk for learning difficulties within the classroom. The classroom environment includes a variety of sensory stimuli that could pose as distractions for children with any sort of sensory processing disorder. Children can be either hypersensitive or hyposensitive to sensory stimulation. Those children who are hypersensitive respond in a heightened manner to even the slightest of stimuli. While on the polar end of the spectrum, children who are hyposensitive crave sensory stimulation because they have a deficit of it.
How to Spot Children Who Are Hypersensitive:
- Inability to tolerate bright lights, especially overhead classroom lights
- Become easily irritated by loud noises
- Become distracted by the faintest of noises
- Say that their clothing is "too tight" or "scratchy"
- Avoidance of touch
- Have difficulty in knowing where their body is in space
- Appear clumsy
("How Sensory Processing Issues Affect Kids in School")
How to Spot Children Who Are Hyposensitive:
- Constantly touching others or objects
- Have an usually high pain tolerance
- Are fidgety, can not sit still
- Enjoys any activity that involves bumping/crashing into things
- Likes deep pressure (i.e. bear hugs)
("How Sensory Processing Issues Affect Kids in School")