From the Guidelines
Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) who exhibit sensory seeking behaviors can benefit from several strategies to improve transitions in school, including environmental modification, visual communication systems, and transition planning 1.
Key Strategies
- Environmental modification: reducing or eliminating overwhelming stimuli, such as loud noises or bright lights, can help create a more comfortable environment for children with SPD 1.
- Visual communication systems: using visual schedules, pictures, or symbols can help children with SPD understand and prepare for transitions, reducing anxiety and stress 1.
- Transition planning: preparing children for transitions by explaining what will happen next, using visual schedules, and providing regular breaks can help make transitions smoother and less stressful 1.
Additional Strategies
- Occupational or physical therapy techniques: using techniques such as deep pressure, joint compression, or swinging can help children with SPD regulate their sensory experiences and reduce sensory seeking behaviors 1.
- Desensitization strategies: gradually introducing new stimuli or experiences can help children with SPD become more comfortable with transitions and reduce anxiety 1.
- Parental involvement: working with parents to understand their child's needs and preferences can help tailor strategies to the individual child, increasing their effectiveness 1. By implementing these strategies, schools can help create a more supportive and inclusive environment for children with SPD, improving their ability to navigate transitions and succeed academically and socially.
From the Research
Strategies for Improving 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 multisensory environment that caters to the child's sensory needs, as some evidence suggests that this may be beneficial in certain conditions or with certain populations 2
- Use alternate seating arrangements to help the child better regulate their sensory experiences 2
- Avoid using weighted vests as a strategy, as there is no evidence to support their effectiveness 2, 3
- Implement sensory integration therapy, which has shown positive effects on child performance and reducing behaviors linked to sensory problems 3
- Consider using Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) principles in school settings, which has emerging evidence for children with idiopathic sensory integration differences and can be used across all tiers of a multitiered system of supports 4
Key Considerations
When assessing the appropriateness of a support for a student with SPD, it is essential to:
- Carefully review current research findings 2
- Integrate evidence from comprehensive clinical assessments along with an understanding of the student, school, and family contexts 2
- Recognize that SPD can manifest differently across various severity levels of intellectual developmental disabilities, emphasizing the need for early evaluation and intervention to address specific sensory needs 5