Learning About Sensory Challenges in Children with Special Needs
Every child experiences the world differently, and for children with sensory challenges, even everyday activities can feel intense. Sounds, textures, movements, and smells that seem ordinary to others might be uncomfortable or distressing for them. These challenges can impact how they interact, learn, and feel in various environments.
By understanding these sensory differences and making simple adjustments, parents, caregivers, and teachers can create a supportive and comfortable environment where children feel safe and understood. In this blog, we’ll explore common sensory challenges and practical strategies to help children navigate their unique experiences with confidence and ease.
What Are Sensory Challenges?
Sensory challenges arise when a child is either overly sensitive (hypersensitive) or less sensitive (hyposensitive) to sensory input. For example:
- A child might feel distressed by loud noises or bright lights.
- Another might seek intense sensations, like biting objects or rolling on the ground, to feel calm.
These challenges are common in children with autism, ADHD, or developmental delays, but they can occur in any child.
Common Sensory Challenges
1. Sensitivity to Sounds
Some children are highly sensitive to certain noises, such as the hum of a vacuum cleaner or the chatter in a crowded room, which can feel distressing.
How to Help:
- Use noise cancelling headphones to reduce discomfort.
- Prepare the child in advance for loud activities, such as fire alarms or parties, by explaining what to expect.
- Create a quiet, calming space where the child can go if they need a break..
2. Sensitivity to Touch
Children might dislike certain textures, such as scratchy clothing, sticky hands, or unexpected touches.
How to Help:
- Let the child pick soft, comfy clothes.
- Start with easy textures like a soft cloth or smooth toys, then slowly try new ones like sand, playdough, or slime for short times.
- Respect the child’s comfort level with touch.
3. Biting Behaviour
Some children bite objects, clothes, or even people. This behaviour might indicate a need for oral stimulation, frustration, or a way to communicate their needs.
How to Help:
- Provide chewable sensory toys, like chew necklaces or teething rings.
- Identify triggers, such as stress or overstimulation, and address them early.
- Encourage alternative behaviours, like squeezing a stress ball or asking for help.
4. Movement and Body Awareness Challenges
Some children seek repetitive movements, like rolling or spinning, to feel calm and stable. Others may avoid movement activities, such as swinging or climbing, due to discomfort or fear.
How to Help:
- Offer safe rolling or spinning activities, like rolling on a mat, inside a blanket, or using an exercise ball, with parental supervision.
- Provide balance based activities, like walking on a soft mat or using a wobble cushion.
- Encourage movement in a gentle way, without forcing activities the child finds uncomfortable.
5. Overreaction to Smells
Everyday scents, like perfume, food, or cleaning products, can feel overpowering or unpleasant to some children.
How to Help:
- Use unscented or mild-smelling products at home.
- Let the child avoid areas with strong smells, such as kitchens or restrooms.
- Gradually introduce new scents to build tolerance over time.
6. Sensitivity to Food Textures and Flavours
Certain food textures or flavours, like mushy, crunchy, or spicy foods, may be difficult for some children to tolerate.
How to Help:
- Serve foods with mild flavours and simple textures.
- Introduce flavours gradually, starting with sweet, then moving to salty, bitter, and sour, to help the child adjust.
- Let the child explore food by touching or smelling it before eating.
- Avoid pressuring the child to try new foods immediately; give them time.
7. Difficulties with Visual Input
Bright lights, busy patterns (like loud, colourful stripes or complex designs), or cluttered spaces can overstimulate some children.
How to Help:
- Use soft, dim lighting or natural light in their environment.
- Keep spaces clean and organized to minimize visual clutter.
- Avoid sudden changes in lighting, such as turning on bright lights in a dark room.
General Tips for Supporting Children with Sensory Challenges
- Create a Sensory-Friendly Space
Design a calming area with soft lighting, sensory toys, noise-cancelling headphones, and comfortable seating to help the child relax when feeling stressed. For children who are hypersensitive to sensory input, include a trampoline, safe spaces for jumping, rolling mats, compression balls, massagers or a squeeze machine. A music system for dancing can be a great addition as well.
- Develop a Sensory Diet
A sensory diet involves planned activities tailored to the child’s sensory needs, such as jumping, rolling, or playing with textured objects.
- Practice Patience
Managing sensory challenges is a gradual process. Be patient, and avoid pushing the child to adapt too quickly.
- Seek Professional Support
Consult occupational therapists, who can provide child’s specific individualised strategies and recommend tools to address the child’s specific sensory needs.
- Communicate Openly
Talk to the child about what soothes or bothers them. Understanding their preferences will help you support them more effectively.
Conclusion
Sensory challenges can make daily life difficult for children with special needs, but they can be managed with understanding, patience, and practical strategies. By creating sensory-friendly spaces, offering tools like chewable toys or rolling mats, and involving professionals when needed, parents and caregivers can help children navigate these challenges. Every child deserves to feel safe, loved, and supported as they explore the world in their unique way.