Behavioural Difficulties
Sensory Processing Difficulties
Adjust the sensory environment and offer regulation tools so pupils are calm, comfortable and ready to learn.
Adjusting the environment
- Reduce sensory clutter: limit busy displays and background noise where possible.
- Offer a quieter, lower-stimulation space or workstation when needed.
- Be aware of triggers such as bright lights, smells, and unexpected noise.
- Warn pupils before loud or busy events (bells, assemblies, fire drills).
Regulation tools and breaks
- Allow fidget tools, ear defenders, or a cushion if they help the pupil focus.
- Build in regular sensory or movement breaks before the pupil becomes overwhelmed.
- Offer 'heavy work' activities (carrying, pushing, tidying) to help regulation.
- Let the pupil use a calm space to reset when over-stimulated.
Daily support
- Keep routines predictable and prepare pupils for transitions.
- Seat the pupil where sensory input is easiest to manage.
- Watch for early signs of overload and act before it escalates.
- Work with parents/carers and any therapists on a consistent approach.
Do
- Offer sensory breaks proactively.
- Adapt the environment to reduce triggers.
- Watch for early signs of overload.
Avoid
- Don't force a pupil to tolerate an overwhelming environment.
- Don't remove regulation tools as a punishment.
- Don't mistake sensory overload for deliberate misbehaviour.