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In the world of special education, there's something truly amazing and important: getting to know and support the special ways our autistic students experience their senses. Sensory Sensitivities can be a little tricky to navigate.
These ways are different for each student, with some feeling things less and others feeling things more.
As a caring special education teacher, it's all about understanding these differences and using them to make our classroom a great place to learn. This makes school more enjoyable and helpful for all our students!
Hyposensitivity: Imagine the scenario in which a student in your classroom appears remarkably unperturbed by the jarring clang of school bells or scarcely reacts to physical contact. This may signify hyposensitivity, a condition where sensory input fails to elicit the anticipated response. For instance, a hyposensitive student might not mind wearing clothing adorned with prickly tags, may derive pleasure from deep pressure sensations, or even actively seek out excessive sensory stimulation through repetitive rocking or spinning.
Hypersensitivity: Now, envision another student who becomes visibly distressed when fluorescent lights flicker or certain fabrics graze against their skin. This hypersensitivity signals an amplified response to sensory stimuli. Hypersensitive students may find themselves overwhelmed by seemingly commonplace sounds, such as the hum of an air conditioner or the chatter of their peers.
Helping students with their unique sensory feelings takes creativity and a personal touch. Let's look at some real examples of how we can do this in our classroom.
In conclusion, making the classroom a good place for students with different sensory feelings is an ongoing process. We do this by changing how we teach to fit each student's needs. This helps them grow and feel comfortable, and it's important to respect their unique feelings.
If you would like to read another article, click here!
As a special education teacher, when you understand and support students with different sensory feelings, it can make a big difference. By creating a safe place where we care about each student's sensory feelings, we help them do better in school and in life. Remember, this makes you a better teacher too!
If you are looking for some sensory tools, you can head over to this blog post “The Ultimate Checklist of Sensory Tools“
I am a High School, self-contained Autism teacher from Central New York, who is passionate about individualizing student learning. I am a mommy of three, lover of all things Disney, married to my best friend and addicted to chocolate!! I hope that you find great ideas and inspiration here, so welcome!!
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