Understanding and Supporting Sensory Needs in Our Homeschool

In our neurodiverse (ND) household, being mindful of everyone’s (children and adults!) sensory needs is a daily priority. Recognizing and addressing these needs fosters a conducive learning environment and supports our children's overall well-being.

*wooble stool + headphones and another child in the background with kinetic sand*

What Are Sensory Needs?

Sensory needs refer to how individuals perceive and respond to sensory information from their environment, including what they see, hear, feel, smell, and taste. And, despite what we were all taught in elementary school, there are actually more than 5 senses, there are 8! Each child processes these sensations uniquely; some may seek out specific sensory experiences, while others might find them overwhelming. Understanding these differences is crucial in creating supportive strategies tailored to each child's needs.

Our Approach to Sensory Needs

Given the diverse sensory profiles in our family, we've integrated various tools and strategies to help our children self-regulate and engage effectively in their daily activities. I have spent a ridiculous amount of time and energy diving into the world of sensory integration and needs. Some of the resources that we have found helpful include:

The Whole Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D.
Zones of Regulation
Alyssa Blask Campbell with Seed & Sew (Instagram, podcasts, articles, courses, and her book Tiny Humans, Big Emotions)
Alisha Grogan with Your Kids Table (Instagram, articles, courses, and more)
Natasha Daniels with AT Parenting (for kids of all ages) (podcast, blog, Instagram, YouTube, courses, community, etc.)
Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett, Ph.D.
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
Divergent Mind by Jenara Nerenberg
Differently Wired by Deborah Reber
Your Fantastic Elastic Brain by JoAnn Deak

Here’s What Works for Us….For Now

Sensory Tools and Equipment:

Indoor Trampoline (don’t get a kid one - you will outgrow it) and Sensory Swings: Provide vestibular input, helping with balance and movement needs. If space is limited, Sensory “Sacks” are a more compact, transportable option.
Wobble Stools (again, don’t get a kid one — you will outgrow it) and Balance Boards: Allow for subtle movements during seated activities, aiding concentration.
Noise-Canceling Headphones and Loop Earplugs: Help manage auditory sensitivities by reducing overwhelming sounds.
Chewing Gum and Hand Fidgets: Offer oral and tactile stimulation, assisting with focus and calming.
- Current favorite fidgets include:

You can find a full list of our favorite sensory items and fidget toys here.

Creating Sensory-Friendly Spaces:

Quiet Corners: Designated areas with soft lighting and comfortable seating where children can retreat when feeling overstimulated.
Organized Play Areas: Keeping toys and materials orderly to prevent visual clutter, which can be distracting or overwhelming.Incorporating Sensory Activities:
- Sensory Bins: We’re mostly into kinetic sand these days, but those sometimes get swapped out for seasonal items like corn kernels or rainbow rice. Bonus points: matchbox cars and monster trucks are fun in kinetic sand.
- Art Projects: Using various textures like clay, finger paints, and fabrics to engage different senses.
- Movement Breaks: Scheduled intervals where kids can jump, spin, or stretch to fulfill their proprioceptive and vestibular needs.

Sensory Diet

A sensory diet is a personalized plan of sensory activities designed to help regulate a child's nervous system, improving focus, self-regulation, and overall well-being. Just like a balanced food diet meets nutritional needs, a sensory diet provides the right mix of movement, tactile input, deep pressure, and other sensory experiences to keep a child feeling calm and engaged. This might include activities like jumping on a trampoline, using fidget tools, chewing gum, or swinging—whatever meets their unique sensory needs. A well-planned sensory diet can be a game-changer for kids who struggle with sensory processing, helping them feel more comfortable and ready to learn. The RISE course by Your Kids Table is a great starting point if you want to understand your child’s sensory needs and work in strategies throughout your day. Things we deliberately incorporate throughout the day include:

Opportunities for heavy work (like shoveling snow, bringing in groceries, leaf blowing, etc.)
Wheelbarrow a child during a transition (think field-day wheelbarrow race)
Crack-the-Egg game where the child rolls up like an egg, and you try to “crack” them by pushing and pulling on their legs
Burrito rolls where you roll a child up like a burrito and squish them
Yoga ball massages
Yoga and mindfulness activities
Throw children on the bed or have them jump from a safe, high space onto a crash pad or Nugget

Recognizing Sensory Preferences

Understanding whether a child is a sensory seeker or avoider helps in tailoring approaches. Also keep in mind some children avoid certain senses but seek out others. So you might have a child that is sensitive to noise but also craves proprioceptive feedback.

Sensory Seekers: These children crave additional sensory input. They might enjoy activities like jumping on the trampoline, playing with textured materials, or listening to music.
Sensory Avoiders: These children may be hypersensitive to sensory stimuli. Providing them with tools like noise-canceling headphones, allowing them to choose clothing without tags, or setting up a quiet space can be beneficial.

Embracing and addressing the sensory needs of each child has been transformative in our homeschooling journey. By creating an environment attuned to their unique sensory profiles, we've seen improvements not only in their learning outcomes but also in their emotional regulation and overall happiness. It's an ongoing process of observation, adaptation, and love, but the rewards are immeasurable.