Sensory profiles (or sensory checklists) are incredibly powerful tools to help adults and young people to identify what sensations they make seek or avoid (or not notice) and what can be done about it. For teachers working with young people, this can have a huge impact on associated behaviours.
Sensory assessments can be quite difficult to secure through the NHS but much advice is available online to consider patterns in behaviours and actions. NHS / local authority advice around sensory profiles also help to identify appropriate strategies and environmental adjustments.
We have made a tool based on NHS criteria and advice to help explore sensory type behaviours – CLICK HERE TO USE IT.
Click here to use the Sensory Suggester ToolSensory overload can be a common factor in concerning behaviour, particularly in autistic persons. The use of sensory rooms is often encouraged to enable people to meet their own needs and demonstrate their sensory preferences. The term “Sensory Processing Disorder” exists to often define concerns around the processing of sensations effectively but largely the terminology is beginning to shift away from “disorder” in order to consider “needs” instead.
Some schools may wish to make use of sensory circuits in their day to day teaching to help students to feel calmer. Sensory integration is the term used to describe the way the body integrates sensory information and makes use of it.
Sensory toys (sponsored) have also become more popular than ever as teachers and parents seek to help support young people in meeting their sensory needs.
The Sensory Suggester Tool has been developed with information sourced from a range of NHS and local authority websites in order to help teachers and parents consider sensory behaviours and appropriate strategies. Always consult your doctor or other trained medical profession before considering implementing sensory strategies – this is not a diagnosis tool, only an explorative app to help support adults working with these needs.
Click here for more information.