Environmental Modifications To Help Children With Sensory Processing/Sensory Integration Disorders

Environmental Modifications For Children With Sensory Processing Disorders In Classrooms, At Home, or In A Daycare: 

Use dim, natural lighting

Use pale, pastel colors on walls

Provide a quiet/less stimulating corner of the room for a child to go to/use to calm down

Use blankets/ sheets/ play tents for child to sleep or just relax in

Have child sleep in or under heavy blankets, weighted blankets, or a sleeping bag

Use beanbag chairs and giant pillows to sit on and "squish" the child with

Provide relaxing music on tape player or headphones. For example, ocean waves, rain, classical music, nature tapes, slow/rhythmic music, white noise or nature sound machines

Reduce visual distractions

Keep toys/items/supplies neatly organized in bins and/or in their proper place

Avoid strong odors, use mild air freshening smells (vanilla works great!)

Schedule gross motor/ deep pressure/ movement activities prior to sit-down activities (circle time, lunch, table top activities etc.)

Show schedule in words and pictures

Provide many opportunities for "sensory" experiences (learning through movement, sight, taste, smell, touch, and sound)

These environmental modifications are a necessary part of the environment for any child with sensory processing disorders or sensory integration dysfunction. They will keep distractions to a minimum, help regulate the child's arousal level, increase concentration and productivity, and help the child stay in control throughout the day.

I sure wish I had known what I know now about these environmental modifications when my daughter was born! I NEVER would have made her spend the first 7 years of her life in a BRIGHT YELLOW (and I mean bright, primary yellow!) bedroom. If someone had only told me!

Please understand the importance of these modifications to the environment... you WILL notice a difference in children's "behavior" if you implement these suggestions. Trust me, I have seen it done!

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Related Resources

Sensory Processing Disorder Checklist - comprehensive SPD Checklist; signs and symptoms of tactile, auditory, olfactory and oral defensiveness, as well as proprioceptive and vestibular dysfunction.

Click Here For A More Extensive & Specific List Of Environmental Accomodations For The Classroom

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