From the Guidelines
Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) who exhibit sensory seeking behaviors can benefit from strategies that improve transitions in school, including the use of visual schedules, transition planning, and environmental modifications.
Key Strategies for Improving Transitions
- Visual schedules: can help children with SPD organize themselves, understand what will happen next, and create smoother transitions, decreasing anxiety 1.
- Transition planning: involves preparing children for upcoming events or activities, highlighting or introducing unfamiliar activities, and creating a plan for transitions, which can help decrease anxiety and improve transitions 1.
- Environmental modifications: such as using a quiet office or counseling room, dimming lighting, and minimizing stimulating activities, can help reduce environmental stimuli that may trigger sensory seeking behaviors 1.
Additional Strategies
- Occupational therapy techniques: can help children with SPD develop coping strategies and improve their ability to regulate their sensory experiences 1.
- Parental involvement: parents can provide valuable insights into their child's needs and behaviors, and can help tailor effective strategies for improving transitions 1.
- Assistive technology: such as planners, timers, and other visual aids, can help children with SPD stay organized and on track, and can circumvent problems related to organizational weaknesses 1. By implementing these strategies, children with SPD who exhibit sensory seeking behaviors can experience improved transitions in school, reduced anxiety, and increased success in their daily activities.
From the Research
Strategies to Improve Transitions in School for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
To improve transitions in school for children with SPD who exhibit sensory seeking behaviors, several strategies can be employed:
- Provide a structured and predictable environment to reduce anxiety and stress associated with transitions 2
- Use visual schedules and checklists to help children prepare for transitions and understand what is expected of them 3
- Offer choices and allow children to have some control over their environment, such as choosing a fidget toy or a specific seat 4
- Incorporate sensory integration techniques, such as deep pressure or joint compression, to help children regulate their sensory needs during transitions 5
- Use Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) principles in school settings to provide a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to supporting children with SPD 6
Sensory Integration Techniques
Sensory integration techniques can be used to help children with SPD regulate their sensory needs during transitions:
- Deep pressure: providing deep pressure input, such as hugs or joint compression, to help children feel grounded and secure 5
- Joint compression: using joint compression to provide proprioceptive input and help children regulate their sensory needs 5
- Sensory-based interventions: using single-sensory strategies, such as weighted vests or therapy balls, to influence a child's state of arousal 4
School-Based Supports
School-based supports can be provided to help children with SPD succeed in the educational environment:
- Occupational therapy: providing occupational therapy services to help children develop the skills they need to participate fully in the educational process 3, 6
- Multisensory environments: creating multisensory environments that provide a range of sensory experiences to help children regulate their sensory needs 3
- Alternate seating: providing alternate seating options, such as fidget chairs or balance balls, to help children stay focused and engaged 3