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Creating a Sensory-Inclusive Classroom for Autistic Students (Even on a Budget!)

    Let’s face it, our classrooms can be a sensory overload zone. Between the fluorescent lights, the constant chatter, and the never-ending stream of activity, it’s no wonder some students (autistic or not) struggle to focus and stay calm. But listen up, because creating a sensory-friendly environment doesn’t require a fancy budget. All you need is a little creativity and these handy tips on creating a sensory-inclusive classroom (and maybe an Amazon Wishlist).

    Sensory Inclusive Classroom Tips - Supporting Special Needs

    Remember, Sensory Needs are Unique!

    First things first: there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to sensory needs. What works wonders for one student might send another into meltdown mode. The key is to observe your students and see what seems to rev them up or shut them down. In my experience, some students crave movement (think fidgeting or bouncing) while others need quiet, calming activities.

    Building Your Sensory Toolkit (Without Breaking the Bank!)

    Now, let’s get practical. Here is a breakdown of each sensory type and some budget-friendly tools and strategies to address a range of sensory needs:

    Touch

    For students who crave tactile inputs, they’re typically looking for input through the sense of touch on their skin. These students might enjoy experiences that provide deep pressure, texture, or oral sensory input.

    These are also the students who seem to love getting hugs from you! Getting this type of sensory input helps them feel grounded and aware of their body.

    Stress Balls! Sensory Inclusive Classroom Tips

    For students who crave tactile input, try these:

    • Provide fidget toys like stress balls, squishy objects, or even textured swatches of fabric.
    • Old pool noodles can be cut into chewable pieces for students who need oral stimulation (always supervise students with chewable items!)
    • Invest in some chewelry for oral and motor sensory needs.
    • Make homemade therapy putty using inexpensive ingredients like flour, salt, and cream of tartar. Students can knead and squeeze the putty.
    • Provide different textured materials like sandpaper, silk, or fake fur for tactile exploration.
    • Use pipe cleaners, monkey noodles, or wikki stix for finger manipulation activities.

    Movement

    Yoga Ball Seating! Sensory Inclusive Classroom Tips

    Some of our students need sensory input through movement and changing head positions.

    These are students who seek out spinning, rocking, swinging, or swaying in the classroom. This isn’t without purpose, so in order to compensate for these student’s needs, movement breaks are essential!

    Incorporate quick activities throughout the day like jumping jacks, desk stretches, or short walks around the classroom. You can also try:

    • Designate an area with a floor mat or tape outline where students can do simple exercises like jumping jacks or marching in place.
    • Grab some sensory floor tiles. They are mesmerizing!
    • Use inflatable exercise balls that students can gently bounce or roll on their legs while seated.
    • Provide tennis balls to roll under the shoes while at a desk.
    • Incorporate wall push-ups or chair dips into transition times between activities.
    • Even chair stretches can be helpful for students who crave movement but have limited mobility.
    • Speaking of chairs, putting stretch bands between chair legs can be great for students who need movement.

    Sight

    Sensory Bottles! Sensory Inclusive Classroom Tips

    For some students, they are highly attuned to visual stimuli like bright lights or colors.

    These students may find certain visual inputs overwhelming or distracting. You might notice them with their eyes closed tight, or hands in front of their eyes in the classroom.

    With these students, try:

    • Using lamps with dimmer switches or diffusers to soften the light. Harsh fluorescent lights can be a nightmare!
    • If budget allows, blackout curtains can be a lifesaver for students who are easily overwhelmed by visual stimuli.
    • Use calming lava lamps or projectors that cast gentle light patterns around the room.
    • Set up a cozy reading nook with soft lighting and floor pillows or beanbags.
    • Create visual schedules using simple picture cards or icons.
    • Get some covers over your fluorescent lights and consider making part of your classroom darker (not all, and not completely covered!)

    Sound

    For some people, background noise can be distracting. For others, it’s soothing. If you notice your students seem extremely sensitive to sounds, especially loud or high-pitched noises, you may need strategies to block out disruptive auditory input.

    Background music might be distracting for these students because they have difficulty filtering out that secondary noise.

    Noise Canceling Headphones! Sensory Inclusive Classroom Tips

    Try this:

    • Invest in some inexpensive noise-canceling headphones for students who need a quiet escape.
    • Make inexpensive sound-blocking headphones by covering basic headphones with soft fabric.
    • Ear plugs may be another option for students who find loud noises overwhelming. Get the ones with cords for those who might see them as cute candies!
    • Set up a quiet workspace using a portable room divider or cardboard tri-fold display.
    • Incorporate rhythmic music or white noise using an inexpensive sound machine app.
    • Try playing calming music (nature sounds work wonders) as opposed to pop hits.

    Smell

    Scent Diffusers! Sensory Inclusive Classroom Tips via Noodle Nook

    Some students have a heightened sense of smell that can trigger reactions. Certain aromas can be calming while others may be repulsive.

    When a student has a heightened sense of smell, certain olfactory inputs can be grounding or dysregulating. It’s essential to know which does what!

    If sense are on the menu, try:

    Sensory Diets: It’s All About Balance

    Think of a sensory diet as a personalized plan to help students regulate their sensory input throughout the day. Just like you wouldn’t eat cake for every meal, sensory diets need to be varied based on individual needs. Here’s how to create one on a shoestring budget:

    • Heavy Work Activities: Students who crave deep pressure might benefit from activities like carrying heavy books (be mindful of weight limits!), pushing a weighted beanbag chair, or even proprioceptive exercises like wall pushes.
    • Movement Breaks (Remember Them!): Schedule short movement breaks throughout the day. Jumping jacks, desk stretches, or even a quick walk around the room can work wonders.
    • Chewing Activities: Provide chewable fidget toys or safe, chewable necklaces for students who need oral stimulation.
    • Quiet Time: Offer a designated quiet corner in the classroom with a comfy beanbag chair or a privacy screen for students who need a sensory break from the hustle and bustle.

    Not all students want sensory input, so as you meet the sensory needs of one student, consider how it may impact others. To keep everyone regulated, including yourself, look for times with high sensory input, and times with low sensory input rotating throughout the day.

    If you keep your lights on low all day or always play music in the classroom, you may actually be setting yourself up for some sensory-triggered behavior. That balance keeps everyone’s diet regulated (like eating the cake AND the salad).

    Creating a Sensory-Inclusive Classroom (Teacher Tips)

    Remember: Consistency is Key!

    The most important thing is to be consistent with your sensory strategies. By incorporating these simple tools and activities into your daily routine, you’ll be creating a more inclusive learning environment for all your students, not just the ones on the spectrum. And hey, who knows? You might even find yourself feeling a little calmer and more focused during the school day too!

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