Impact of Sensory Processing Difficulties in the Classroom

Vicky Robinson Robinson Author

The impact of sensory processing difficulties in the classroom and strategies we can use to support our children academically.

Sensory processing difficulties (SPD) can have a significant impact on a child's ability to learn and participate in the classroom. Sensory processing refers to the way the brain receives, interprets, and responds to sensory information from the environment. Children with sensory processing difficulties may have trouble processing sensory input, leading to difficulties in attention, behaviour, learning, social skills, and motor skills.

Here are some ways in which sensory processing difficulties can impact a child in the classroom:

1. Attention and Focus: Children with sensory processing difficulties may have difficulty filtering out irrelevant sensory input, leading to distractions from sensory stimuli in the classroom, such as noises or bright lights. This can make it challenging for children to focus and pay attention in class.
2. Behaviour: Children with sensory processing difficulties may exhibit challenging behaviours in response to overwhelming sensory stimuli or when they are unable to regulate their emotions. These behaviours can disrupt the classroom and interfere with the child's ability to learn and participate in classroom activities.
3. Learning: Children with sensory processing difficulties may struggle to process and understand information presented in the classroom due to difficulty filtering out irrelevant information and integrating information from multiple senses. This can impact their ability to learn and participate in classroom activities.
4. Social Skills: Children with sensory processing difficulties may have trouble participating in group activities, engaging in conversations, or making friends due to their difficulty processing social cues. This can impact their social and emotional development and lead to feelings of isolation or exclusion.
5. Fine and Gross Motor Skills: Children with sensory processing difficulties may struggle with fine and gross motor skills, such as handwriting, cutting, or playing sports, due to difficulty processing and coordinating sensory information from their bodies. This can impact their ability to participate in physical activities in the classroom and limit their ability to express themselves through writing or drawing.

Teachers can help support children with sensory processing difficulties in the classroom by:

1. Creating a sensory-friendly classroom environment with reduced noise and visual distractions.
2. Providing sensory breaks or opportunities for movement and sensory input throughout the day.
3. Using visual aids and other teaching strategies to support learning and understanding.
4. Providing opportunities for social skills development through structured activities and games.
5. Collaborating with occupational therapists (OT's) and other professionals to develop individualised strategies and accommodations to support the child's unique sensory processing needs.

By understanding the impact of sensory processing difficulties on a child's classroom experience, teachers can provide targeted support and accommodations to help these children thrive academically.