Environmental Considerations for Children with Sensory Issues

Environmental Considerations for Children with Sensory Issues

In creating a classroom environment for children who have sensory issues we need to look out for “sensory assaults”. Please find below some pointers to take into consideration when designing your classroom, these may help children with sensory based difficulties:

It is important to create a sense of softness within the environment. When doing this, consider the following:

Ø Colour / Pattern of everything within the room

Ø Shape / Design of the room, the furniture and the content

Ø The finish of the materials used and the furniture

Ø Hygiene

Ø Composition

Ø Safety

Ø Lighting / shadowing

Ø Individual need

Ø Robustness of all the equipment and furniture

Ø Cost

Try to have the environment:

Ø Predictable; only have what is needed in the environment. Coloured zones and activity areas may be helpful.

Ø Non-distracting; eliminate non-essential visual materials.

Calm Space

A calm space within the room may be of benefit for use when children are feeling overwhelmed. This space should give the sense of enclosure. Pay particular attention to the colour; pale colours are best. You may want to include:

Ø Music

Ø A sensory board

Ø Pillows

Active Space

An active space may be of benefit. This should include some pieces of equipment that will provide pushing, pulling, jumping, swinging, hanging.

Furniture Recommendations

Colours: Pale

Shape: Curvilinear

Finish: Matt

Weight: Heavy and robust

Work Stations

If you use individual workstations go for a self-contained all in one design that is pale in colour, has a curvilinear shape and a matt finish. Ensure that the station is robust and heavy.

Chairs

For children that swing on their chairs, provide a movement cushion or an anti tilt chair. This may help with engagement, and prevent rocking.

Rocking Chairs

Children may be seeking out rocking as a way to calm their central nervous system. Using rocking chairs may be of benefit.

Flooring

“A matt surface is preferable to glossy when increasing accessibility for individuals with visual impairments (RNIB, 1999). It is best to consider flooring that is not glossy. Flotex has been found to be very good in reducing background noise however is not as easy to clean. Choflex is easier to clean however it does not have the sound insulation quality of Flotex.

Lighting

Children with sensory based difficulties often experience an aversion to traditional fluorescent lighting. Fluorescent flicking can affect their visual field as the colour spectrum emitted produces unnatural light and can cause a glare on surfaces. These lights can also hum. Try to use duller lights and provide as much natural light as possible.