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Sensory Processing Skills

Sensory processing skills involve receiving, interpreting, and organizing information from the environment in order to produce an appropriate response. Tasks that involve sensory processing include filtering out distractions in order to pay attention during class or transitioning between tasks. Challenges in this area may manifest as being easily distracted, wanting to touch various textures OR avoiding them, or having difficulty following multi-step directions. Children may respond differently to various sensory-based tools and activities. It is important to engage in a trial-and-error process in order to determine the most effective strategies for meeting a child's specific needs.

(Clark et al., 2019; O'Brien & Kuhaneck, 2019)

1-2 Years

  • Reacts to extreme sensations, such as warm, cold, sweet

  • Enjoys messy play

  • Follows simple 1-step instructions

  • Some frustration tantrums are present

  • Can tolerate a variety of clothing 

  • Eats a variety of foods (not limited to certain color or texture)

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3-4 Years

  • Attention span: 6-8 minutes

  • Takes turns

  • Socializes through group play

  • Feeds self without difficulty

  • Can name most colors

  • Can dress themselves with the exception of buttons, fasteners, and laces

5-6 Years

  • Attention span: 12-18 minutes

  • Begins to recognise others’ perspectives

  • Can categorize objects

  • Can sit at a desk, follow teacher instructions, and independently do simple in-class assignments

2-3 Years

  • Attention span: 4-6 minutes

  • Begins to develop food preferences

  • Has some difficulty transitioning between activities (ex. indoor to outdoor play)

  • Handles fragile items carefully

  • Engages with  interesting tactile surfaces, water, sand

  • Explores surroundings

4-5 Years

  • Attention span: 8-12 minutes

  • Can identify shapes

  • Can identify some foods by smell

  • Develops friendships

  • Able to follow rules

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6-7+ Years

  • Attention span: 16-24 minutes

  • Able to handle group situations without reacting aggressively to being touched

  • Can stay seated

  • Comfortable transitioning between activities

  • Can organize work/play space

  • Able to function in a noisy environment

Key Milestones

Sensory Balanced Daily Schedules

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Implementing school-based sensory diets can be effective in reducing sensory-seeking behaviors, improving psychosocial skills, and increasing classroom engagement (Pingale et al., 2021; Battin et al., 2020).

The STAR institute recommends having a structured combination of alerting, organizing, and calming activities throughout the day (Allen, & Mooneyham, n.d.). These activities should be tailored to appropriately address each individual child’s unique sensory needs. See detailed information and suggestions for sensory activities at the link below.

Attention

​Strategies to Support This Area

  • Fidgets

  • Movement breaks

  • Flexible seating options

  • Chair bands

  • Weighted items

  • Reducing visual/auditory distractions

  • Noise-cancelling headphones

Fidgets
Cube Chair
Wobble Chair
Chair Bands
weighted animal
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Transitions

Strategies to Support This Area

  • Visual timers

  • Visual schedule

  • Incentives in between tasks

  • Sensory breaks

  • Transition songs

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